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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cystic Fibrosis Numbers.

Mary Wallace

Question:

136 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the occurrence rate of cystic fibrosis among children; the total number of sufferers in Ireland; the number of genetic counsellors for families with the disease that are employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The incidence of cystic fibrosis is estimated at 1 per 2,000 live-births. It is estimated that there are 800 cystic fibrosis sufferers in Ireland.

As indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 20 and 185 on 16 December 1993 the position in relation to genetic counselling is that this service is largely provided in paediatric hospitals and paediatric units and in obstetric hospitals and units throughout the country. In addition, genetic screening and testing facilities are available in the major university hospitals.

Funds have been allocated over the past two years to Our Lady's Hospital, in Crumlin for the establishment of a new medical genetic counselling service, which is to be backed up by a medical genetic laboratory service also based at that hospital. A Consultant Medical Geneticist/Professor of Human Genetics has been appointed to head up the service and is expected to take up duty at the hospital on 1 July 1994. In the meantime the appointee has been actively involved in the arrangements for the setting up of the Medical Genetics Laboratory at the hospital.
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