Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1802. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the implementation of the hereditary cancer model of care for individuals with BRCA gene alterations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38683/23]
View answerIn line with Recommendation 6 of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 and to support the implementation of Recommendation 19 of the Strategy, a Model of Care for Hereditary Cancer was launched in June of this year. This Model of Care will inform the development of services for the identification and management of people with an inherited cancer predisposition.
The Government’s commitment to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is evidenced by significant investment in recent years. New development funding of €20 million was allocated in 2021 and a further €20 million was provided in 2022. This funding has facilitated work in the area of hereditary cancer genetics, including:
• Recruitment of staff to cancer genetics services.
• Development of GP referral guidelines for breast family history.
• Completion of a needs assessment for those with a BRCA gene alteration.
• Development of online training for healthcare professionals delivering mainstreamed BRCA testing, i.e. genetic testing embedded in oncology services.
• Recommendations on universal tumour testing in certain types of cancer for possible Lynch Syndrome, an inherited condition which causes people to have a higher risk of developing certain colorectal cancers.
Separately, the Department of Health and the HSE published the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland in December 2022.
In April 2023, a Steering Group for the implementation of the Strategy was operationalised. Chaired by the Chief Clinical Officer, Colm Henry, this multi-stakeholder group is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of the Strategy’s implementation. This work has been divided into four workstreams which will deliver key outputs associated with each area in the Strategy and report back to the Implementation Steering Group on progress.
