Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

The Leader may have seen last night's "Prime Time" which presented a worrying report on the effect on babies of mothers drinking alcohol while pregnant. We are unsure whether the results are true. There is some doubt about the findings. However I would be interested in the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children coming here to give us the opportunity to debate the issue of prenatal health. Apart from the dangers to the unborn of the effects of the mother's drinking, there is also the effect of drug taking. We need to examine drugs generally in terms of the health of our future generation. When one considers the high incidence of ADHD among children one wonders if it is true that Irish mothers drink more than they used to while pregnant. The findings of that programme showed that pregnant mothers should not drink at all. Other drugs including tobacco and hard drugs have a serious impact on the unborn child. The issue was well highlighted and we should campaign on it. An advertising campaign should highlight the dangers of drinking or taking other drugs while pregnant. I would be glad if the Leader would invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to come here and give us the opportunity to raise those issues.