CORK East Social Democrats’ TD Liam Quaide has this week raised the need for Government to recognise Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) as a disability and to progress with standard criteria for diagnosis and support for people living with the condition.

Addressing the Dáil on Tuesday evening’s statements on disability, Deputy Quaide told the House; “I want to mention the importance of recognising Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a disability and to progress with standard criteria for diagnosis and supports. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are estimated to affect up to 7.4% of the population and are associated with lasting physical, mental, educational, social and behavioural difficulties. They are a serious neurodevelopmental condition and there is a great deal of work to be done in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supports.”

Deputy Quaide, who is filling in for Party Leader, Deputy Holly Cairns, as Disability spokesperson during her maternity leave, concluded by saying; “The former Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, committed to supporting the aims of FASD Ireland and I hope that the current Government will honour that.

Speaking from their Head Office in Clare, Mike Taylor, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at FASD Ireland said; “We are very grateful to Deputy Quaide and to the Social Democrats for highlighting the need to progress with the recognition of FASD as a disability and to put in place standard criteria for diagnosis and support. FASD is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental condition in this country, which the HSE estimates that roughly 6,000 babies a year are born with. Despite this incredibly high prevalence, the State has consistently failed people with FASD and their families in the past by failing to provide diagnosis and support. FASD Ireland are here to take the fight for recognition for people living with FASD and their families and we are very grateful to have the support of elected representatives like Deputy Quaide and his Party to achieve the recognition of FASD as a disability and progressing with standard criteria for diagnosis and support. As the Deputy pointed out in his contribution, we engage constructively with Government and look forward to meeting with the new Minister for State for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton, in the near future.

“For far too long, people living with this extremely prevalent condition have had no access to necessary supports in order to have the best quality of life that they can have and I’m sure as a clinical psychologist for many years, Deputy Quaide would have seen this in his own practice, just like the many educational, health and social care professionals that have contacted us for support since FASD Ireland was set up in 2021.

For anyone living with FASD, their families, caregivers or professionals dealing with people living with this condition, FASD Ireland is here to support you and provide advocacy on your behalf. Our confidential phone support service is available at 065 670 3098 Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and information is available on our website located at www.fasdireland.ie”.