asked the Minister for Health if he will have steps taken to ascertain the proportion of abnormal children born in the State since the introduction of Softanon, whose condition is attributable to the drug.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Effects of Drug on Children.
3.
Mr. Ryan
There is no statutory authority under which I could require the notification to me of neo-natal deformities which may be associated with the use of a particular drug and the Deputy will, no doubt, appreciate the difficulties involved in any attempt to obtain precise information without the full co-operation of the parents and medical practitioners concerned. Some weeks ago, however, I caused certain inquiries to be put in train, as a result of which I hope that a general overall picture of the situation will emerge in due course.