Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a screening programme for haemochromatosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41398/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In March 2006, I established a Working Group to examine the nature and extent of haemochromatosis in Ireland and to advise on the actions necessary to address the problems caused by it. The Working Group presented its report to me in June 2006. It makes a series of recommendations relating to the management and treatment of haemochromatosis. The report has been circulated to the Health Service Executive and other relevant organisations for implementation.

A key recommendation of the Report is that funding should be prioritised to develop a screening programme to detect the prevalence of Hereditary Haemochromatosis in Ireland. Information obtained from this programme would provide helpful guidance to policy makers in structuring a countrywide programme for haemochromatosis service development.

My Department have is in discussions with the Health Service Executive regarding the implementation of the Report's recommendations and the establishment of a screening programme forms part of these discussions.