David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 15: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the incidence of foetal alcohol syndrome in the State; the policy of her Department in preventing, diagnosing and supporting children and their parents in dealing with the impact of foetal alcohol syndrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20548/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The incidence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in the State is unknown. Pre-natal exposure to alcohol can produce a range of effects known as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Depending on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy, the stage of pregnancy at exposure and the duration of alcohol exposure, FASD can range from mild attention deficit problems to full Foetal Alcohol Syndrome with its life long problems such as neurological, cognitive and behavioural problems, growth retardation and developmental delay. FASD is often difficult to diagnose and can be diagnosed as another disorder with clinically similar features.

The promotion of healthy behaviour in relation to alcohol intake is a national priority not least among young woman who are planning or embarking upon pregnancy.

In order to create greater awareness in relation to the risks associated with alcohol consumption the Health Service Executive has published a booklet entitled "Women and Alcohol". This booklet includes advice for women to avoid alcohol in pregnancy. The Department is also devising legislation to provide for mandatory labelling of alcohol containers advising of the risk of consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The legislation is part of a Public Health (Miscellaneous) Bill being prepared at present.

The diagnosis and management of FAS is a clinical issue requiring contact with General Practitioners and Specialists as appropriate.

The Health Service Executive is developing proposals for a research project in a large maternity hospital which aims to evaluate the prevalence of alcohol exposure in pregnancy, the patterns of behaviour (social drinking, binge drinking, sustained heavy drinking) and the factors that influence whether or not a woman drinks alcohol before conception and during each trimester of pregnancy. The research project aims to follow a cohort of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy to evaluate the impact on the infant's condition at birth and subsequent development.