Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the neo-natal screening programme for cystic fibrosis as announced originally by a previous Minister (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27794/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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In June 2009, the Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis Steering Group was established under the Chairmanship of Professor Gerry Loftus, Professor of Paediatrics, Galway.

Preparatory work in relation to staffing and recruitment in CUH Temple Street and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Crumlin, information and ICT processes, Education and Training and Clinical Protocols has continued through the efforts of the Steering Group members, the specific sub-groups and the review of Newborn Metabolic Screening. A proposal for an integrated laboratory screening management information system for the existing and expanded newborn screening programme is about to be submitted to CMOD for approval to proceed.

It is anticipated that implementation of the screening programme will begin in late 2010.

As part of this process, a governance structure for the existing newborn screening programme is being developed under the auspices of the Clinical Risk and Quality Directorate.