A research paper which considered the potential role of genomic medicine in Ireland and which reviewed genomics strategies in other countries was presented to the Department of Health management board in January 2020.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic led to a rapid reprioritisation of the Department’s activities to manage the health and social care system’s response to the crisis.
As we emerge from the emergency phase of the pandemic, this matter is again under active consideration.
In relation to the appointment of a Director of the National Genomics and Genetics Medicine Network, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.