Vol. 428 No. 3
87 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health his views on the recommendation of the Second Commission on the Status of Women that genetic counselling should be provided for members of the travelling community in view of the tradition in that community of marrying close blood relatives.
I am aware of the importance of genetic counselling for members of the travelling community. The Deputy will be pleased to learn that I have provided £410,000 in the 1993 revenue allocation to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin for the development of a national medical genetics service. A medical genetic consultant is being recruited at present to head up the service.
When established, the medical genetics counselling service will be available to all, including members of the travelling community.
