Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he intends to set out a policy endorsing a framework for management of haemochromatosis in the health services; if he will consider an awareness and education campaign or at least a circular to general practitioners to raise awareness of this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12221/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In June 2006, the Report of a Working Group on haemochromatosis was published. It examined the nature and extent of haemochromatosis in Ireland and advised on the actions necessary to address the problems caused by it. The Report makes a series of recommendations relating to the management and treatment of haemochromatosis. The report was circulated to the HSE and other relevant organisations for implementation.

The HSE is currently formulating a programme to ensure that everyone with haemochromatosis will have early access to diagnosis and treatment in every part of the country. This approach will include a programme of awareness among primary and secondary care clinicians including GPs, hospital doctors, nurses in primary, secondary and community care roles, nutritionists and physiotherapists. It is envisaged that access to quality care will be provided by an integrated programme of community-based and hospital-based diagnostic and regular review services. This will be combined with easy-access community-based phlebotomy clinics in appropriate locations throughout the country. Many people with haemochromatosis are eligible to become blood donors, and many already do so both at regular blood donation clinics and especially at a specific clinic held every week by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. This has been a very successful and welcome development, and it is expected that increased access of donors with haemochromatosis to regular blood donation clinics will form part of the programme.

In addition, a sum of €100,000 was granted to the Irish Haemochromatosis Association, from my Department's National Lottery funding, in December 2010 to support the Association in raising awareness about the condition. The Association, which has around 1,600 members, has an informative website and publishes regular newsletters. With the additional funding it intends to publish and circulate information to GPs, practice nurses and newly diagnosed patients and to create greater awareness of the condition among medical professionals and the general public.