Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
667. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently review the need for the appointment of six genomic resource associates at the department of clinical genetics at Crumlin Hospital to reduce the current unacceptable two-year waiting list with regard to rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32655/23]
View answerThe Government and I are fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland. 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 2023, the Government allocated €2.7 million to the implementation of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland. This allocation included the establishment of a National Office of Genetics and Genomics and the appointment of front-line staff. As Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin is one of the current hospitals providing a genetic testing service, Crumlin was selected for allocation of some these initial posts.
This year, the following genetics/genomics posts have been allocated to CHI Crumlin:
• 2 genomic research associates
• 1 genetic counsellor
In addition to these posts at Crumlin, the following posts have been allocated to build an equitable service at a national level:
• 1 genetic counsellor to the following locations:
• RHA A - Beaumont hospital
• RHA F – Galway University Hospital
• RHA B & RHA C - St. James Hospital / St. Vincent’s University Hospital
• 1 genetic consultant to Galway University Hospital
As part of the implementation of the National Strategy, there is 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. One of the key outputs for 2023 to help inform this work is the development of a model of care for genetics and genomics. The model of care will determine where additional posts are required and outline a plan for recruitment. The Interim Director and Interim National Clinical Director of the National Office of Genetics and Genomics will be responsible for progressing this work package.
