Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2015
161. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the information available to him on the incidence of foetal alcohol syndrome over the past ten years; and if he will consider introducing a comprehensive testing and education programme to address this significant issue. [17101/15]
View answerThe diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is difficult as there are many features that need to be present along with a history of pre-natal alcohol intake. FASD can be misdiagnosed or unconfirmed. There is no national register of FASD, therefore the number of cases of FASD, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder in Ireland are unknown. This mirrors the situation in many countries in Europe.
The Health Service Executive has advised that the number of newborn discharges with a diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome reported to HIPE, 2005-2014 is thirteen. Diagnosis of moderate cases or of FASD may be made at a later stage within primary care services. Such cases are not captured in HIPE data and are not quantifiable at this time.
The Report of the Steering Group on a National Substance Misuse Strategy, 2012 recommended to:
- Implement policies and clinical protocols in all healthcare settings to prevent, assess and respond to issues arising in relation to pregnant women affected by alcohol use;
- Strengthen FASD surveillance in maternity hospitals through the Eurocat Reporting system and promote greater awareness among healthcare professionals of FASD so as to improve the diagnosis and management of FASD.
The current maternity hospital approach to Alcohol and Pregnancy is as follows:
- All mothers are asked about alcohol intake at their first antenatal visit;
- They are advised to avoid alcohol during pregnancy as there is no safe minimal intake. An information leaflet, Alcohol and Pregnancy is readily available. There is an additional booklet, Substance Misuse in Pregnancy, provided by the drug liaison midwifery service, which contains a section on alcohol risks during pregnancy;
- If a mother is identified at the antenatal clinic to be drinking in excess she is referred to the social work department for support and advice;
- Where appropriate, the social workers refer the mother to the GP and other support agencies.
Currently a Senior Psychologist in early intervention services who specialises in FASD provides training to clinical staff in the West and North West area in so far as resources allow. Any additional resources required to develop screening tools for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome or FASD, associated education programmes and specialised follow up services for children with positive diagnosis would have to be considered in the context of emerging priorities, service delivery plans and budgetary controls.
As the Deputy is aware, the General Scheme of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was approved by Government on the 3 February 2015. The General Scheme provides labels on alcohol products and will contain, inter alia, health warnings in relation to consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
