03 July 2006
Ms O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Criminal Justice Bill 2004 - Committee Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 10 p.m.
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Ms O'Rourke: I requested it.
Dr. Henry: I accept that the Leader has done so [requested a debate on human rights in China]. I am particularly concerned that we seem to have scored badly on our care of neonates.
The report recommending the fortification of bread with folic acid to attempt to reduce the number of children born with neural tube defects in this country was to be published at the end of last year. Apparently, it is due to be published shortly. Would it be possible to make time available for a debate on the care of the new born when we return? There are no hearing tests for the new born in Ireland.
While Ireland is set to become the first country in Europe to develop a test covering many of the common cystic fibrosis mutations, screening will remain patchy due to a severe lack of funding. We have a very high incidence of cystic fibrosis. In Northern Ireland, where they have screened for approximately 15 years, children live, on average, a considerable number of years longer than their counterparts here or in Scotland, where there is also a lack of screening. I call for a broad debate on how we can better care for the new born in this country. What happens shortly after a baby is born is very important for his or her health both as a child and as an adult.
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