3963. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the work being carried out to identify children with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) at the earliest stage of life to limit the development of secondary disabilities; the estimated economic cost of FASD to the State; and the funding that has been allocated to support families impacted by FASD in the future. [63795/26]

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

My Department raises awareness about the risks of alcohol, including during pregnancy. The response to alcohol and drug use has become more structured. Women are routinely asked about alcohol intake at booking across all 19 maternity sites, with support available through maternity teams, counselling services, Drug and Alcohol Liaison Midwives and inpatient stabilisation programmes where required. Consistent information is provided through MyChild.ie, My Pregnancy Book, the My Pregnancy email programme, Ask About Alcohol, videos and other national resources. MECC and SAOR provide staff with screening and brief-intervention skills, while the Alcohol and Pregnancy HSE podcast reinforces consistent messaging.

Five Drug and Alcohol Liaison Midwives now cover five of the six health regions, with recruitment of a further post in progress. The service links maternity and addiction care and provides clinical guidance, support, advocacy and liaison. Clear pathways are reported in the areas covered, and all six regions have access to inpatient stabilisation programmes.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to provide further information to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.