asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a recent report (details supplied) in a national newspaper that this country has a uniquely large number of spastic births, and that the Irish spastic is 15 per cent more likely to have mental handicap in addition to some physical impairment; if he is also aware of the alleged statement in the report that some cases of cerebral palsy were due to avoidable lack of oxygen at birth, hypothermia and too much sugar being present; if he is aware of the alleged claim contained in this report that foetal malnutrition was identified as a cause for this medical condition in a surprising number of cases; and if he will make a statement on the report and the action he proposes to take in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Newspaper Spastics Report.
3.
I have seen the newspaper report to which the Deputy refers. It is recognised that in order to prevent handicap in infants at risk during the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal stages a high standard of maternity and infant care is essential. In my reply to a question asked by Deputy Harte in this House last week, I outlined the improvements in services which have been effected over recent years.
I have this whole area under consideration at present and will avail of any means open to me to bring about improvements.