Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1361. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to provide adequate resources for genetic services in CHI Crumlin; the steps he will take to reduce waiting lists for genetic testing in CHI Crumlin; when the National Testing Directory for genetics and genomics will begin its development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16397/23]
View answerThe Government and I are fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland, including at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin. One of the key ambitions of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland, launched in December 2022, is to build a strong national genetics service. This will be a patient and family-centred service that can be accessed equitably across the country and across the lifespan of patients. In line with the principles of Sláintecare, we will continue to support the enhancement of genetic services across the Regional Health Areas (RHAs). This service will be supported by a National Office for Genetics and Genomics, who will work with RHAs to ensure the effective delivery of a national service at a local level.
The Strategy also outlines a plan to achieve this ambition by improving the evidence-base and infrastructure supporting genetic testing in Ireland. By the year end, the HSE will begin developing a National Testing Directory for genetics and genomics, which will map the current genetic tests conducted across Ireland and provide a more transparent process to referrals. This development, therefore, will be a key steppingstone to improving national genetic testing and ultimately help reduce wait time, including at key testing hospitals such as CHI Crumlin. The Strategy also outlines a plan to build a strong genetic workforce for the future. This will be achieved by not only recruiting new staff, but training and development for a future workforce, and professional development for current staff within the health service. To start implementing the Strategy in 2023, I approved €2.7 million including the appointment of key staff. These appointments included a National Director for Genetics and Genomics, a Bioinformatics Lab Director, two clinical genetic consultants and six genetic counsellors.
