Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. Early last year, the Minister established a working group to examine the nature and extent of haemochromatosis and to provide advice on the actions necessary to address the problems caused by the condition. The group, which was chaired by Mr. Maurice Manning, reported with 20 recommendations in June last year. Since then, progress has been made in a number of areas.

A key issue highlighted in the report was that blood from persons with haemochromatosis was not being used by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, IBTS. The IBTS has re-examined its policy on this issue and has decided to establish a pilot venesection programme for haemochromatosis patients in one of its clinics. Subject to the usual screening protocols, blood from these patients will be used by the IBTS. A clinician has been appointed to one of the IBTS clinics to oversee the pilot programme.

Department of Health and Children officials contacted the Irish Insurance Federation with regard to problems some people had encountered regarding insurance once they were diagnosed with the condition. The federation has agreed to investigate any complaint about life or health insurance cover linked to diagnosis with haemochromatosis. Department officials met representatives of the population health directorate of the Health Service Executive last year to progress the relevant recommendations in the report, especially those relating to health promotion and awareness. Work continues in this regard and another meeting will take place in the coming weeks between senior management of the HSE and Department of Health and Children. The provision of appropriate venesection services will be a key issue for examination by this group.

The report was also sent to the Irish College of General Practitioners to ensure that general practitioners had up-to-date information on the matter. The Irish Haemochromatosis Association has also been in contact with the college. For its part, that association continues to increase awareness among both clinicians and patients of the issues related to the condition. On behalf of the Minister, I pay tribute to the association which has held a range of seminars throughout the country and has also updated a patient information booklet on the subject, which has been circulated to its 900 members. The Minister is confident that over the coming months, further progress will be made on implementing the recommendations in the working group's report.