The first booklet about diabetes in the Irish language is now available. It is the latest in a series of developments aimed at supporting families who are rearing their children through Irish.

On the publishing front, new and colourful books for children continue to come on stream, such as the newly-launched six-book series from O'Brien press. Called SOS, the books are aimed at younger readers.

According to MβirΘad U∅ Dhomhnaill of Comhluadar, the support network for families rearing their children through Irish, "there is a huge dearth of material available in Irish compared to the ocean of games, toys, books etc. that can be found in any shopping centre around the country."

U∅ Dhomhnaill welcomes any new material, and points out that Comhluadar keeps a resource list for parents with information on what is available and where.

"It can be difficult for some parents to find the Irish language material," she says.

The booklet on diabetes, DiaibΘiteas le do Bheo? Bain Ceol as an Saol! is endorsed by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland, and will be "a valuable resource for people, especially in the Gaeltacht areas", says the federation's Kieran O'Leary.

The guide, which is sponsored by MediSense, aims to provide practical advice and information on all aspects of living with diabetes. It also addresses potential areas of concern for people such as working with diabetes, diabetes and its impact on lifestyle and diabetes and children, with a look at ways to prevent complications occurring later in life.

For more information call freephone 1800 77 6633 or go to www.abbott.com