Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the extent of the increase in the incidence of positional plagiocephaly or cranial asymmetry here since the adoption of back to sleep positioning recommendations; if, in view of US estimates that the condition affects up to 48% of infants, Irish maternity hospitals provide or will in future provide parents with advice in relation to dealing with and minimising the effects of the condition and the opinion of the chief medical officer on the treatment of positional plagiocephaly in infants; if a product (details supplied) is considered to be of assistance in the treatment of this condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15586/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Positional plagiocephaly or cranial asymmetry refers to the development of a flattened area either on the back or to one side of the head in infancy. It is related to a baby's sleep position, however there are other causes. Data on positional plagiocephaly is not routinely collected and therefore the incidence of this condition is not known. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition is a clinical responsibility and I have therefore asked the Chief Medical Officer to bring this to the attention of the Faculty of Paediatrics for their consideration.