Coalition 'ignoring' HSE calls to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

FASD, caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb, can lead to shorter life expectancy and higher rates of suicide and substance abuse

RCSI research found that people with FASD have an average life expectancy of 34 and have a higher rate of suicide and substance abuse than the population at large. Picture: iStock

The Coalition has been accused of ignoring calls from the HSE to implement a whole-of-government approach to address  fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

FASD is caused by a baby being exposed to alcohol while they are in the womb.

Ireland has the third highest rate of FASD in the world. Research published last year found that our health system lacks diagnostic pathways and support services for sufferers.

Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences also found that people with FASD have an average life expectancy of 34 and have a higher rate of suicide and substance abuse than the population at large.

A HSE paper on the disorder, which affects brain and body development, leading to lifelong challenges with learning, memory, attention, and behaviour, was published in September 2022 —but  its first action has still not been delivered.

The HSE said it has continuously highlighted the need for a "co-ordinated, whole-of-government approach to the prevention of and response" to FASD.

In 2022, the HSE estimated that up to 7.4% of the population could be living with FASD. Yet there is still no standard criteria for diagnosis and supports, making Ireland the only EU country without a diagnostic regime.

"This is particularly egregious as, according to FASD Ireland, Ireland has one of the highest prevalences of FASD in the world," said Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice.

Responding to a number of parliamentary questions submitted by Mr Rice, the HSE said it has raised awareness of FASD as "a significant public health issue" and has supported measures aimed at preventing prenatal alcohol exposure through public health messaging, professional education, and engagement with relevant stakeholders.

Cork South-Central Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice: 'The Government cannot continue to put FASD on the long finger.' File picture

"While a whole-of-government national FASD strategy has not been developed to date, the HSE continues to highlight the need for a co-ordinated cross-government approach to the prevention of and response to FASD, " Aisling Sheehan, national lead for the HSE's alcohol and mental health and wellbeing programmes, wrote in her reply to Mr Rice.

She said that through its health promotion and prevention work, the HSE has consistently emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral engagement involving health, education, disability, children and youth services, and wider Government stakeholders in addressing the complex challenges associated with FASD.

Mr Rice said: "The Government cannot continue to put FASD on the long finger. It's almost four years since the development whole-of-government strategy was recommended and yet nothing has happened.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

"The Minister for Health cannot bury her head in the sand any longer. The actions outlined in the 2022 position paper must be implemented without delay," the Cork South-Central TD said.

Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor