Bernard Allen
Question:144 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if she proposes to set up a national genetic counselling centre.
Written Answers. - Genetic Counselling Centre.
Roger T. Garland
Question:155 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no genetic counselling service available in the Republic of Ireland; and if she will consider establishing such a service in the near future.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 155 together.
The position at present in relation to genetic counselling is that this service is largely provided in paediatric hospitals and paediatric units and in obstetric hositals and units throughout the country. In addition, genetic screening and testing facilities are available in the major university hospitals. The report of the special committee established in 1988 to examine and recommend how an adequate medical genetics service should be organised, is currently being examined in my Department. The question of developing the service will be considered in the context of the overall resources which will be available to my Department in 1992 and the many competing demands for new developments throughout the health services.