Vol. 449 No. 8
76 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a national register of birth defects in Ireland in view of the fact that such a register would assist research and forward planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4609/95]
Limerick-East): Information on birth defects is available from a number of sources. Registers operate in the Eastern Health Board area and in Galway; the birth notification scheme collects information on birth defects which are apparent before a new-born baby is discharged from hospital. Information would also be available from the hospital in-patient inquiry scheme in respect of babies with birth defects who were subsequently treated in an acute hospital. I consider it would be more appropriate to consider how existing sources of information on birth defects can be developed rather than to develop a separate register.
