Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for reading the reply into the record. Like me, he has constituents with haemochromatosis. He understands the importance of raising this matter. I understand that things have to be done on the advice of the national screening programme. However, the question needs to be put. To try to elicit a more comprehensive response and engagement I will request that Fine Gael private Members' time be used to raise this issue as a motion to see if we can bring a Minister for Health into the House to have a proper engagement on the issue. I repeat my three asks. The first is for a national strategy, which I do not think is too much to ask for, along with a point of contact and engagement in the Department of Health for organisations representing people with haemochromatosis. The second ask is for a national screening programme, which would be good for people's health. If something is identified it can be treated and there can be interventions to support it. Third, there needs to be equality in terms of the cost. I agree the changes in the budget have gone some way towards that. Finally, there needs to be a national information campaign so people are made aware that this condition exists and they may have it.