571. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health to ensure that an organisation (details supplied) has adequate funding. [3224/26]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a prevalent, yet preventable, neuro-developmental disorder. FASD is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and can lead to lifelong challenges with learning, behaviour, health, and social skills.

Children, young adults, and families living with FASD may need support from different services depending on their needs, including primary care, disability services, and mental health care. The Government remains committed to delivering the appropriate services for each person with FASD in line with their needs.

My Department does not currently fund this organisation. Funding for all service developments is considered in the first instance as part of the annual estimates process, in the context of overall prioritisation of available funding. This process seeks to balance available funding across all service areas to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritise areas of greatest need.

Initiatives are ongoing which focus on prevention and health promotion, helping to reduce alcohol use and limit harm to people, families, and communities. This includes alcohol labelling, national guidance, and training for healthcare staff.