Vol. 475 No. 1
31 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has for the establishment of a national birth defects register open to inspection by health authorities and researchers, in order to identify any geographical clusters of birth defects and to facilitate research into possible environmental causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4341/97]
Limerick East): The birth notification form contains a section which provides for the identification of specific birth defects in newborns. The birth notification system provides the basis for the annual “Perinatal Statistics” report which is published by my Department. This report includes information relating to stillbirths and early neonatal deaths caused by congenital abnormalities and other conditions.
However, the birth notification system is designed to provide early notification of births and many birth defects may not be diagnosed until a later stage in the development of the child. A birth defect register must therefore draw data from a variety of sources in addition to birth notification information.
A European project on congenital defects (EUROCAT) has operated in Ireland since 1979. It presently covers the Eastern Health Board region and Galway county.
My Department is currently developing a public health information system, in conjunction with the health agencies, which will provide a wide range of indicators on a county by county basis. The feasability of extending EUROCAT to other areas and the incorporation of the data in the public health information system will be considered.
