Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 November 2018
162. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason the genetics department in Our Lady's Children’s Hospital, Crumlin is located in the hospital in view of the fact it provides a national service to adults; the governance structure which applies to this department; and his plans to establish this as a stand-alone unit in the HSE. [48818/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe service for medical genetics in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, established in late 1994, provides services for patients and families in Irelandaffected by, or at risk of, a genetic disorder. The service is under the governance of Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. It is recognised that there have been rapid and progressive developments in genetics and genomic medicine in recent years and that it is an area of medicine that will continue to rapidly develop.
In 2014, a review of the laboratory and clinical genetic services at Crumlin was commissioned by the HSE. The report made recommendations relating to the genetic services at Crumlin and also recommended that investment should be made in developing a contemporary solution for clinical and laboratory genetics & genomics for the country.
Following on from that report a Steering Group was established by the HSE in 2015 to develop a plan for the genetics & genomics national network. Recommendations included the appointment of a National Director of National Genetic and Genomic Medicine Network and a Clinical Laboratory Director. The HSE National Service Plan 2018 includes a commitment to commence development of the National Genetics and Genomic Network. These key posts, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will inform the development of the national strategic direction for genetic and genomic medicine services, including genetic services.
