Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide statistics on the incidence of neural tube defects in the new born; if she will take public health measures to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the newborn and to choose, as possible interventions, the mandatory fortification of foodstuffs with folic acid or a folic acid awareness raising campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13685/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has one of the highest incidence rates of neural tube defects in Europe, with evidence of between 0.8 and 1.5 per 1000 births annually: this amounts to between 49 and 93 babies affected each year.

Following publication of the report of the National Committee on Folic Acid Food Fortification, an implementation group was established to move forward the recommendations of the National Committee. This Group is chaired by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The work of the Implementation Group includes advising and assisting with the preparation of legislation for the introduction of mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid and the setting up of a National Congenital Anomalies Register. The Implementation Group is also in the process of developing an action plan for health promotion needs in relation to food supplements.