Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 4 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 July 2006. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 July 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the merits of creating a database of people in the Province with foetal alcohol syndrome or other alcohol-related complications of pregnancy.

Answer: A formal assessment has not been made of the merits of creating a database or registry of people in the Province with foetal alcohol syndrome or other alcohol-related complications of pregnancy. Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a difficult condition to diagnose accurately because of the wide range of symptoms with which it can present, signs and symptoms which themselves can be indicative of other conditions e.g. behavioural problems. In addition there are also the difficulties associated with ascertaining or establishing the mother's alcohol intake before and during pregnancy.

Secondary information