Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is quite traumatic for a new parent to see his or her child given this little prick but, in fact, it is a minimally invasive test which fulfils an important purpose for newborn children, namely, to screen for eight conditions, as is now the case in Ireland, or for up to 40 conditions as is the case in Italy. It is an extraordinary and positive scientific development that this can be done and that in many cases the conditions and diseases which are screened for are treatable.

Italian law No. 167 provides for a small blood sample to be taken from the baby's heel between 48 and 72 hours after birth. The sample previously used to screen for only four conditions is now used to screen for 40 disorders. No further samples are needed. The birth centre ships the sample to the screening centre, with delivery within 24 to 48 hours. The screening centre analyses the sample on the arrival day or the following day. Extensive information is provided to parents, but the test is free and compulsory. I listened intently to the comments of the Minister on the test and his view that if expanded, the screening should not be mandatory. Interestingly, it is mandatory in Italy. We have mandatory vaccination programmes.