Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
630. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the steps taken to date in relation to furthering the expansion of the heel prick test for newborn screening in Ireland, with regard to specific testing for Severe Immunodeficiency (SCID); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22584/23]
View answer631. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the further investment, if any, that will be required in terms of staffing and equipment requirements for the purposes of including Severe immunodeficiency (SCID) in the heel prick test for newborn screening in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22585/23]
View answer632. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the anticipated timeline envisaged for including Severe Immunodeficiency (SCID) in the heel prick test for newborn screening in Ireland; when parents in Ireland can expect SCID to be added to such test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22586/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 630, 631 and 632 together.
The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot (NBS) Programme is a priority for me, and the National Screening Advisory Committee has been progressing work on this expansion.
In January 2023, I approved a recommendation from the Committee for the addition of T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-based screening for all types of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) to the NBS programme. The Committee made its recommendation to me based on their consideration of a comprehensive Health Technology Assessment report from HIQA.
The HSE is now undertaking an extensive body of work to prepare for implementation. Therefore, as your additional queries raised relate to implementation, these are a service matter and have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to you.
