Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:18 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the research, if any, his Department is undertaking into the reported significant increase in cot deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10188/98]
Written Answers. - Sudden Infant Deaths.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:33 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to reports that cot deaths have again increased substantially; the explanation, if any, there is for this trend; and the steps, if any, he proposes to reduce the number of these infant deaths. [10182/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 33 together.
I am aware that the number of sudden infant deaths increased from 45 in 1996 to 69 in 1997. Regrettably, there is no obvious explanation for such an increase.
My Department continues to fund the national sudden infant death register, which is operated by the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association and which has provided much valuable information in relation to the incidence of sudden infant death in Ireland. My Department met with the association in January, to review the initiatives supported by the Department and establish how it might be of further assistance. Following the meeting the association submitted a number of proposals for funding. These are currently under consideration.
In addition to research, and in the absence of a clear understanding of the cause of such tragedy, there are a number of preventive measures which can be taken, and these were recently reiterated by the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association. They include avoiding smoking during pregnancy and around children, avoiding making babies too warm during sleep, and placing babies on their backs to sleep.
My Department will continue to support the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association, both in its efforts to identify the causes of sudden infant death and in its work in supporting families affected by such tragedy.