Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1544. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will deliver on the promise in the programme for Government to support clinical genetic services at CHI, Crumlin by appointing six genomic resource associate roles to reduce the currently unacceptable two-year waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37377/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government and I are fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland. One of the key ambitions of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland, launched in December 2022, is to build a strong national genetics service. This will be a patient and family-centred service that can be accessed equitably across the country and across the lifespan of patients. In 2023, the Government allocated €2.7 million to the implementation of this Strategy. This allocation included the establishment of a National Office of Genetics and Genomics and the appointment of frontline staff. To ensure frontline staff posts are allocated in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing an equitable national service, these initial appointments have been made across the Health Regions in areas of immediate need.
2023 Allocation of Frontline Staff
This year, the following genetics/genomics posts have been allocated to CHI, Crumlin (Health Region B):
• 2 genomic resource associates
• 1 genetic counsellor
In addition to these Crumlin allocations, the following posts have been allocated:
• 1 genetic counsellor to each of the following locations:
o Health Region A - Beaumont Hospital
o Health Region F - Galway University Hospital
o Health Region B & Health Region C - St. James Hospital / St. Vincent’s University Hospital
• 1 Consultant Clinical Geneticist to Health Region F - Galway University Hospital
Before the conclusion of this year, the following additional roles will be allocated:
• 1 x Consultant Clinical Geneticist
• 2 x Genetic Counsellors
2024 Allocations
One of the key outputs for the National Genetics and Genomics Office in 2023 is the development of a model of care for genetics and genomics. The model of care will determine where additional posts are required and outline a plan for recruitment. The Interim Director and Interim National Clinical Director will be responsible for progressing this work package.
Training and Development for Genetics and Genomics
As part of the implementation of the National Strategy, there is a plan to build a strong genetic workforce for the future. This will be achieved by not only recruiting new staff, but training and development for a future workforce, and professional development for current staff within the health service. A plan will be developed by the National Genetics and Genomics Office to increase training and development opportunities in genetics and genomics to help support workforce demand.
