asked the Minister for Health the countries in the EC which do not have full laboratory facilities for the diagnosis of inherited metabolic disease; if he intends to ensure that full laboratory facilities will be available in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Diagnostic Screening Services.
62.
I am not aware of the full extent of screening services for the diagnosis of inherited metabolic disease in other EC countries. The national screening service for Inborn Errors of Metabolism for all newborn infants in this country is provided at the Childrens Hospital, Temple Street. These tests are for inherited conditions which would not be clinically suspected and which can cause serious illness and death in the neonate. Temple Street carry out full screening tests for Phenylketonuria (PKU), Homocystinuria, Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), Tyrosinaemia, Galactosaemia and Hypothyroidism. The hospital has submitted proposals to my Department regarding an extension of the existing screening services which I am considering.