Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her detailed response and for specifically mentioning prevention. That is really important and I may come back to it. It is also very positive that there is commitment to fund FASD Ireland to continue the important work it is doing. I know the Minister of State has taken it under her wing because the organisation has fallen between the cracks, so to speak. It greatly appreciates that, as do I. It has ensured great positivity and the continuation of FASD Ireland's work.

FASD Ireland runs training courses that have proved to be extremely popular. It pilots a 40-minute FASD awareness class to transition year students. When we are talking about prevention, that is a very good option for getting information out to those who need it. This public health message needs to be nationally rolled out. In respect of that awareness class, three months after the training course when students were asked about their awareness of FASD, 93% had a great level of understanding. That was a great success and points to a need for these courses to be rolled out nationally. I know FASD Ireland is eager for the Department of Education to work with it.

FASD Ireland also wants Tusla to engage on a national basis. It has delivered training to Tusla at local level but would like to roll that out nationally. This work is also vital. The Minister of State mentioned current issues around FASD in Ireland. We need a pathway for diagnosis and for FASD to be recognised as a disability. That has to be a priority. The Minister of State pointed to a huge job of work that needs to be done by all Departments. I am hoping the Taoiseach's recent announcement of a Cabinet committee on disability might see that being explored further. I hope FASD will be included in its programme of work and that FASD Ireland will be able to engage with the committee. Most importantly, the Government needs to continue to hear from those who are impacted directly and from FASD Ireland in particular.

See this speech in context