Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a public health issue that was brought to my attention by Professor Michael Turner, professor of obstetrics at UCD, who is calling for a national campaign on the benefits of taking folic acid for women of child-bearing age. The Seanad is the right place to initiate such a campaign. Folic acid is an important means of preventing neural tube defects, which are, once again, on the increase in Ireland. Research shows that only one in four Irish women takes folic acid prior to pregnancy. According to Professor Turner, to achieve maximum benefit, women should be taking it for four months prior to trying to conceive. A major education campaign on the benefits of folic acid is needed. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Health to issue a statement and commence a national campaign? We must intervene immediately to reverse the increase in serious neural tube defects, including spina bifida, by ensuring more women are supplementing their diet with folic acid. This applies to all women of child-bearing age, not just those who are planning pregnancies, because, as we know, not all pregnancies happen in a planned way. There are great benefits for women and their unborn children and, from the State's perspective, a significant benefit in preventative medicine terms.