asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the reply to a question some 12 months ago, he will now consider the establishment of a national genetic register.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Genetic Register.
71.
The position as outlined in my reply of 5th March, 1974, to the Deputy's earlier question still obtains. Information concerning genetic defects is being collected from regular child health clinics and from special studies relating to specific conditions, and at the present time I do not propose to establish a genetic register.
Does the Minister not think such a register would be helpful?
I do not see what useful purpose it would serve. I do not know of any other country in Europe, outside of Denmark, that has such a register. There is information with regard to congenital defects collected by the health boards in their examination of children at six months, 12 months and two years old. There is also information collected in some of the universities in Dublin in regard to congenital defects with special emphasis on particular ailments that may have further effect on offspring.