Kilkenny Castle among 30 Irish landmarks turning red for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day

Kilkenny Castle will be among 30 buildings across Ireland to turn red today to mark International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day as the Government is urged to take action to address the silent epidemic of FASD across Ireland.

FASD Ireland is calling on the Government to recognise FASD as a disability, provide a framework of support for those living with FASD and deliver a national public health campaign on the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure.

The HSE describes FASD as an often invisible disability associated with lifelong physical, mental, educational, social and behavioural difficulties. Its 2022 position paper estimated that FASD may affect between 2.8% and 7.4% of the Irish population. Many of these individuals are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Each September, communities around the world recognise FASD Awareness Month which occurs in September with FASD Awareness Day on the 9th. The date reflects the nine months of pregnancy and highlights the importance of planning and choosing an alcohol-free pregnancy, removing the risk of FASD. This is a shared responsibility, requiring support from both parents, particularly as new research shows the father should also be alcohol free for 90 days before conception.

Across Ireland today, 30 prominent buildings will be lit red for International FASD Day. These include Leinster House, Enniskillen Castle, Bunratty Castle, Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Castle, Collins Barracks, Mansion House, Merchants Quay in Limerick, Galway City Council Building, Ranfurly House in Dungannon and FASD Ireland’s offices at 51 O’Connell Street, Ennis.

FASD Ireland is demanding urgent action to prevent future cases of FASD and support those living with the condition.

It is calling for three priority actions from Government:

To recognise Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) as a neurodevelopmental disability and to provide an assessment pathway for people who are displaying symptoms of FASD, or where evidence of prenatal alcohol exposure is known about.

To provide a lifelong framework of support for people living in Ireland with FASD.

To deliver a national public health campaign educating the public about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure. This needs to include the risks as a result of paternal (father) alcohol exposure.

Tristan Casson-Rennie, FASD Ireland Chief Executive, said: “International FASD Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about FASD and the importance of planning for an alcohol-free pregnancy for both parents. It’s important for those trying to conceive to remember that there is no amount or type of alcohol that is safe to consume at any point during pregnancy. It is also important that this is not a conversation about blaming women. Men, families and wider society also have a role in creating environments that support alcohol-free pregnancies.

“The day also presents a chance to educate communities about FASD and its impacts, reduce stigma around those with FASD and highlight the resources available for people living with FASD and their families.

“Alongside awareness raising, we also need increased support for the estimated hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland living with FASD and their families. The Irish Government knows FASD exists, that it is significantly underdiagnosed and that its effects can be lifelong. We now need action. That is why we are urging the Government to recognise FASD as a disability and provide lifelong support for those living with the condition.”

FASD Ireland is also asking the public to come together to spread awareness on International FASD Day by wearing red shoes or a red item of clothing and using the hashtags #RedShoesRock, #FASDAwarenessDay and #FASDIrl.