Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1654. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the estimated timeline for the delivery of the national cancer genetics and molecular diagnostics services; the specific metrics and targets against which the progress of the development of these services will be monitored; the dedicated resources towards realising these services including budget, infrastructure development and staffing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39683/22]
View answerThe HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has advised me that the Strategic Programmes Office within the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer in the HSE has established a Steering Group for the development of a National Genetics and Genomic Strategy for Ireland. The purpose of this group is to develop a single national strategy and implementation framework for genetics and genomics, encompassing care provided across acute, primary and community settings and spanning all ages. Four working groups are supporting the delivery of the strategy: (1) Data and Infrastructure, (2) Workforce and Collaboration, (3) Clinical Practice and Innovation and (4) Policy, Communications and Engagement. Each working group has responsibility for specific components of the strategy and implementation framework.
The NCCP has also advised that national cancer genetics and molecular diagnostic services will be addressed as part of the National Genetics and Genomic Strategy. At this time, the National Genetics and Genomics Strategy is in the initial stages of development. Therefore, at the current time, specific details on metrics, targets, monitoring and the required resources have yet to be determined. The aim is to publish the finalised strategy document before the end of 2022, following which a detailed implementation plan for the phased implementation of the strategy will be developed.
