43. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the work currently being undertaken to recognise foetal alcohol syndrome as a long-term condition and disability; to provide a timeline for its recognition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37292/24]

Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a prevalent, yet preventable neuro-developmental issue. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and is associated with a range of lifelong physical, mental, educational, social, and behavioural difficulties.

Many people do not know or recognise that they are living with FASD. The most recent available figures from the HSE, estimate the prevalence of FASD in Ireland is between 2.8 and 7.4% of the population. The majority of children with FASD have no visible issues at birth, and difficulties may not manifest until preschool age. Currently, there are no standard diagnostic policies or guidelines for diagnosing or treating children with FASD in Ireland

In line with the HSE’s ‘mainstream first’ approach to the delivery of healthcare, such measures, supports and campaigns are led across the country by the HSE’s Health and Wellbeing division, under the remit of the Department of Health and overseen by the HSE Clinical Lead for FASD Prevention.

The HSE has recommended that a number of actions are implemented to prevent FASD. Many of these actions are currently being progressed, and some new actions are proposed that will require resourcing, such as the development of a national strategy on FASD prevention and response in Ireland.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) made €200,000 available to support an action in the HSE 2024 service plan to deliver a foetal alcohol project using a multi-care health sector approach (primary care, mental health services etc.).