Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 5

Written Answers. - Genetic Disorders.

Bernard Allen

Question:

141 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to introduce routine genetic testing of newborn babies in regard to the high incidence of a serious blood disease in view of the fact that one in 86 Irish babies are genetically predisposed to haemachromatosis which is the highest incidence in the world. [12303/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Haemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects adults, not children. The disorder is common in Western Europe and has a high incidence in Ireland.

The gene for this condition has recently been found, and the National Centre for Medical Genetics offers genetic testing for the two common gene mutations associated with the disease. I am informed by the centre however, that despite the discovery of the gene, a great deal more work needs to be done to clarify the mechanism by which the gene abnormality actually causes haemochromatosis.

The centre is unaware of any medical service internationally which offers a screening programme to the newborn for the disorder. Because the scientific issues relating to the nature of the disease are not yet clarified, the centre advises that routine genetic screening of the newborn for haemochromatosis, though technically possible, is not advisable for the present.