Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his ongoing advocacy in this area. These are red blood cell disorders that can affect adults and children. The children can access the services of the paediatric haemoglobin and red cell disorder programme in Children's Health Ireland. In 2000, a maximum of 20 patients with such a disorder had been identified. Today, nearly 400 patients have been identified. That is a considerable increase. As the Deputy said, adults can access services in St. James's Hospital and have been able to do so since 2014. There was a very low base of patients who needed services.

There are currently 34 patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia in St. James's Hospital. They are on a chronic transfusion programme. In my final response, I will give the Deputy the rest of the information.

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