Ms Paula Leonard:

In principle, as members of the DFI, we would support anything that would address whether people had proper medical advice or were given the right guidance at the right time both before and during pregnancy. It is important to understand that alcohol fits within the family of known teratogens and, in that context, we need one very clear message. We need clinical guidelines established and an unequivocal message, from the top right down to GPs, as to the teratogenic properties of alcohol. It has been considered a teratogen since 1996 and is also considered carcinogenic. We also know it is a neurotoxin as was demonstrated by Dr. McGonagle's presentation on the development of brain injury.

For the families who have been impacted, it is important that there be clarity, consensus and openness. We need to know the numbers impacted and have recognition of that.