Support FASD Ireland, People living with FASD and their Parents and Carers.

FASD is widely understood to be Ireland’s most prevalent neurodevelopmental disability, yet awareness, diagnosis pathways, and supports remain inconsistent and, in many cases, inaccessible. This has significant implications not only for individuals living with FASD, but also for their families and for services across health, education, justice, and social care.


Despite this, FASD is not currently recognised as a disability in Ireland. In response to Parliamentary Question PQ14312/25, Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD stated that “FASD is not deemed a disability [in Ireland] at this time.” This position is totally at odds with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) Article 1 which states:

"The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others."


FASD Ireland has repeatedly asked Government to make the appropriate arrangements in law so that FASD is recognised as a Disability in Ireland. Until this happens, this means that Ireland is also in breach of Article 2 of the UNCRPD as an estimated 381,000 people living with FASD in Ireland are being discriminated against and unable to access services in healthcare, education, housing, transport and welfare.


We are encouraging you to contact your local TD or Senator to raise this issue and seek clarity on how this position will be reviewed. Recognising FASD appropriately is a critical step toward ensuring consistent pathways to diagnosis, support, and meaningful intervention.


There is a clear opportunity for leadership in addressing this gap. Engagement from elected representatives can play a key role in advancing recognition, improving understanding, and supporting a more coordinated national response.


Please use the attached draft letter to edit your personal details and send it to your local TD (You can find your local TD here: www.findmytd.com 

If you are unable to download the letter you can copy or copy and paste the wording below. Please remember to update the areas to include your own personal details.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]


[Deputy’s Name]
Dáil Éireann
Leinster House
Kildare Street
Dublin D02 A272


Dear Deputy [Surname],


I am writing to you as a constituent to ask for your support in helping to advance a national conversation on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), an issue that continues to affect thousands of individuals and families across Ireland, yet remains significantly under-recognised and under-resourced.


FASD is widely understood to be Ireland’s most prevalent and only preventable neurodevelopmental disability, yet awareness, diagnosis pathways, and supports remain inconsistent and, in many cases, inaccessible. This has significant implications not only for individuals living with FASD, but also for their families and for services across health, education, justice, and social care.


Despite this, FASD is not currently recognised as a disability in Ireland. In response to Parliamentary Question PQ14312/25, Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD stated that “FASD is not deemed a disability [in Ireland] at this time.” This position is totally at odds with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) Article 1 which states:

"The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others."


FASD Ireland has repeatedly asked Government to make the appropriate arrangements in law so that FASD is recognised as a Disability in Ireland. Until this happens, this means that Ireland is also in breach of Article 2 of the UNCRPD as an estimated 381,000 people living with FASD in Ireland are being discriminated against and unable to access the essential services they need for support.

As my elected representative, I am asking you to:


  • Raise this issue with the relevant Ministers and departments, seeking clarity on how and when this position will be reviewed
  • Advocate for formal recognition of FASD as a disability within Ireland
  • Support the development of a coordinated, cross-departmental response to FASD
  • Promote the establishment of clear diagnostic pathways, including the 4-digit diagnostic code, and a framework of supports for those living with FASD
  • Call for realistic funding for FASD Ireland and other alcohol harm related advocacy organisations, by establishing a 'ring-fenced' alcohol related harm fund, along similar lines to New Zealand, where a levy is attached to already collected revenue receipts of 1% for on-trade sales and 2% for off-trade sales of alcohol.


I believe there is a real opportunity for leadership here - to ensure that FASD is recognised, understood, and appropriately addressed at a national level. Your engagement could play a key role in progressing this issue and helping to bring it into wider public and political focus.


Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome any update on actions you may take in relation to this matter.


Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]