Mary Henry (Independent)

We have one of the highest rates of births with neural tube defects in the world. Approximately 100 children are born with the defect every year, from which they either die shortly after birth or are left with spina bifida. This incidence would be greatly lowered if women took folic acid when pregnant.

The House might ask why I do not raise this issue as an Adjournment matter but I did so in 1997 and in January 2000. Since then hundreds of children have been born with the problem. A commission recommended that flour be fortified as it has been for decades in the USA. Folic acid also prevents heart disease and bowel cancer but even though the commission has reported and made its recommendation, the decision has been postponed for another six months. Is there any hope of asking the Minister to come here to explain why this important issue is repeatedly deferred? Terrible damage is being done to Irish children while we delay in making this an important health promotion issue.