Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On the same issue, this week I received a reply to a question about the incidence of foetal alcohol syndrome. I was told that it is estimated that some 600 babies are born in this country every year with significant difficulties associated with foetal alcohol syndrome. This is yet another example of the serious problem that we in this country have with alcohol. It is five years since the expert group reported, making clear recommendations on legislation. What on earth is delaying that urgent legislation? It is inexcusable that the Government has been dragging its heels to the extent that it has, as did the last Government.

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