My Department is currently in the process of reviewing the National Rare Disease Plan 2014-2018. In parallel to this review, initial work has commenced on the development of a new Rare Disease Plan and is progressing with due consideration being given to how it can best meet the needs of patients and families affected by a rare disease. In the coming weeks my Department will make further information available with respect to the process for the development of a new the plan.
The development of a new Plan, along with the ongoing review of the 2014 Plan, will allow us to consider areas of the previous Plan that need to be further progressed, while also looking to the future and the needs of those patients and families living with a rare disease diagnosis.