The Government and the Department of Health are fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland. Our vision for Irish genetics and genomics is to develop a patient and family-centred service, that aligns with the values of Sláintecare, through its focus on equity of access and enhanced patient outcomes. In 2023, I allocated €2.7 million to implement the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland, including the establishment of a National Office of Genetics and Genomics and the recruitment of key staff within the National Office and the wider genomics service. Details are supplied in the following table.
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Details
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Allocation 2023
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Recruitment of staff for the National Office of Genetics and Genomics and frontline workforce (16.5 WTEs)
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1 National Director of the National Office
1 Bioinformatics Lab Director
2 General Managers
6 Genetic Counsellors
2 Clinical Genetic Consultants
3 Administrators (Grade VI)
2 Genomics Resource Associates (Grade V)
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€1.2m
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Non-pay costs
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Patient support, health promotion, and external PMO support
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€1.5m
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Total
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€2.7m
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