asked the Minister for Health if he has information available which confirms or denies the statement that many mental handicap problems are caused at the time of birth; the percentage of live births, if at all, so affected; and the steps he proposes to take to ensure that the problem is dealt with in full in the greater interest of all.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Handicap Problems.
3.
There is a large volume of evidence in reports from a number of countries that mental handicap is caused by factors which occur before, during or immediately after the birth of an infant. On the basis of one Swedish study, it has been estimated that in about four per 1,000 live births mental handicap may result from such factors. Sufficient information is not available however to state with accuracy what proportion of these are due to factors which arise at the actual time of birth.
In order to minimise the factors causing mental handicap at the time of birth and to prevent the development of mental handicap in infants who were established to be "at risk" before birth, it is necessary to have a high standard of maternity and paediatric care. The necessary measures are being taken to ensure that this is available. In recent years 18 additional obstetricians and 12 additional paediatricians have been appointed to various hospitals throughout the country and additional equipment, including ultra-sound diagnostic machines, has been installed in a number of hospitals.
The new general hospitals being provided throughout the country will include maternity units planned and equipped to accepted modern standards.