The Challenge of FASD to Irish Public Policy

Nat O’Connor and Farhana Sharif
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Nat O’Connor: Social Policy, University College Dublin, Ireland
Farhana Sharif: Social Policy, University College Dublin, Ireland

No 202507, Working Papers from Geary Institute, University College Dublin

Abstract: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are the most common preventable neurodevelopmental disabilities. Despite international recognition of FASD as a major public health challenge, such as in the World Health Organization’s Global Alcohol Action Plan, this recognition has not always translated into concrete policy responses, even in high-income countries with high levels of alcohol consumption. The case of Ireland illustrates how a lack of high-level strategic recognition of FASD as a public health and social policy challenge has resulted in limited state action and a high prevalence of FASD. The paper provides an overview of FASD and presents a comparison of ten high-income countries with high alcohol consumption rates but markedly different estimates of FASD prevalence. It then provides an analysis of Ireland’s policy response to FASD, identifying its strengths, gaps, and implications for international policy learning.

Keywords: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; FASD; Public Health; Public Policy; Alcohol Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I18 K23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 25 pages
Date: 2025-10-31
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