Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I am taking the Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I thank Senator Henry for raising this matter again as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to this House the position in this matter.

The national committee on folic acid food fortification, which held its first meeting in February 2005, is tasked with reviewing options for the fortification of foods with folic acid in view of the relatively high level of neural tube defects in Ireland. In carrying out this work, the committee is to address the broader aspects of implementing a fortification policy, including the technical issues regarding fortification, addressing risk and examining other reported health benefits that are linked to fortification. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is acting as the secretariat to the committee.

The national committee is comprised of experts in this area as well as public health specialists and administrators. The committee is looking at three policy options, the first being structured voluntary fortification programme whereby flour millers or bakers would add a specific level of folic acid to bread. These breads would carry a special logo and label to enable consumers to choose bread with or without added folic acid. The second option is a mandatory fortification programme of some bread making flour or of all flour and the third option is the continuation of the current practice whereby a limited range of foods are voluntarily fortified with folic acid. This is combined with health promotion campaigns advising women who may become pregnant to take folic acid supplements.

As part of its work, the committee consulted widely and, following an analysis of all submissions received and having reviewed the scientific evidence available, the committee will make a policy recommendation to the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children. The work of the committee is well advanced and I am informed that its formal report will be submitted shortly. The work of the committee is fully documented on the website of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and given that it commenced its work just over one year ago it has performed a complex task in a tight timeframe. When the report is received it will be considered with a view to implementing the eventual recommendations.