About DES Action Ireland
In 1988 an Irish DES mother became aware of the DES Action European and
worldwide network. Having established that DES was used in pregnancy in
Ireland, a working party was set up by the Health Committee of the
Council for the Status of Women (now the National Women's Council) to
examine the extent of the DES problem in Ireland. In 1990 DES Action
was constituted and a committee elected by the membership to administer
the organisation. DES Action lobbied at a political level and was given
a grant by the Department of Health to train volunteers in counselling,
information-giving, the medical aspects of DES exposure and media
communication.
The aims of DES Action Ireland direct the activities of the organisation. These aims are:
DES Ireland aims to ensure that appropriate referral and follow-up care is made available |
- to identify all persons exposed to the drug DES
(Stilboestrol) and to ensure that appropriate referral and follow-up
care is made available to them;
- to provide
resources to educate consumers and health professionals about DES
exposure and the unique care needed by DES exposed people;
- to provide information and support for DES exposed people;
- to ensure the recognition of the need for further research relating to DES exposure;
- to
give such assistance as may be required to responsible bodies and
organisations such as doctors' associations and government agencies in
the development of a policy with regard to the DES issue.
The committee, all of whom act in a voluntary capacity, meets monthly
to deal with the running of the organisation. The AGM is held in
February along with a DES daughters meeting. Funds are generated from
membership fees, donations and fund-raising events. An information line
at 01-6762873 is accessible to enquirers. When considered necessary,
callers are advised to attend the DES clinic. DES Action can act as a
clearing-house for the DES clinic so that women who are not at risk do
not attend the clinic unnecessarily.
Awareness campaigns focus on reaching the general public through
newspaper and magazine articles, letters to the editor and radio
interviews. DES Action volunteers are available to address meetings, in
particular of women's groups, to explain the issue and provide
information. DES Action Ireland is a registered charity.
Current Officers
- Ms Aislinn Ní Eifearnáin - Chairperson
- Ms Betsy Omidvaran - Secretary
- Ms Daphne Passmore - Treasurer
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