Róisín Shortall
Ceist:844. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the intended role of the national genetics and genomics medicine network as committed to in the programme for Government. [14417/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 July 2020
Ceisteanna (844)
Freagraí scríofa
An independent review of the laboratory and clinical genetic services was commissioned by the HSE and undertaken by Professor Dian Donnai and Bill Newman. The report, which was submitted in May 2014 to the HSE made 20 recommendations, one of which was the establishment of a National Genetic and Genomic Medicine Network (NGGMN). The Report of the National Genetic and Genomic Medicine Network Strategy Group (2016) (the Smith Report) reviewed the Donnai and Newman Report and made recommendations for the next steps, with respect to clinical and laboratory genetics & genomics for the country.
The establishment of a National Genetic & Genomic Medicine Network (NGGMN) will bring together all parties within the field of genomic medicine (and associated research). The NGGMN will build the effective governance arrangements that recognise the interdependence between corporate, financial and clinical governance across the service and integrate them to deliver high quality, safe and reliable healthcare. The NGGMN will operate on hub and spoke basis with dedicated outreach clinics.
Funding has been provided for the recruitment of a number of posts to begin the work of establishing the Network and recruitment is currently underway. These posts include a Director of the Network, which will be an academic appointment jointly with UCD and Trinity College Dublin, a Clinical Laboratory Director and a General Manager.
As part of its 2020 work programme, the Department is considering the role of genetics and genomic medicine within the Irish healthcare system, as well as reflecting on alternative approaches taken in other jurisdictions to advancing their national genomic medicine strategies. During February, a background paper was developed for consideration by the Management Board and prior to the Covid-19 crisis, a brief statement of intent was being prepared setting out the principles and objectives of a public genomic medicine service. This will facilitate engagement with national and international stakeholders with an interest in the establishment of a publicly funded genetics and genomics programme.