I propose to take Questions Nos. 232, 233, 234, 236 and 237 together.
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a public health issue arising from the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is a group of disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and are associated with a range of lifelong physical, mental, educational, social, and behavioural difficulties.
Effective actions to prevent FASD include public health measures targeting the price, availability and accessibility of alcohol, pregnancy warning labels on alcohol products, communications campaigns, routine screening and brief interventions by healthcare professionals, healthcare supports for pregnant women, training and professional development supports for staff, and research and public health surveillance. Timely diagnosis and treatment for children with FASD is required.
The HSE position and action plan on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is outlined here - HSE Position on Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It has appointed a Clinical Lead for FASD Prevention. It has published health messages on the topic here
HSE urges alcohol-free pregnancy on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day - HSE.ie
Alcohol during pregnancy - HSE.ie
I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly on progress in implementing its action plan and the specific queries that the deputy has set out.
Question No. 233 answered with Question No. 232.
Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 232.