Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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175. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure greater levels of genetic testing for cancer and ultra-rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42468/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 highlighted the growing role of cancer genetics in cancer prevention and cancer care. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme is working closely with clinical genetics and cancer genetics services in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and St James’s Hospital to develop the services to meet the growing need. Under the strategy, investments have been made in genetic counsellor, consultant and support positions, as well as cancer genetic testing.

The demand for genetic assessment and testing is growing rapidly, due primarily to an increased awareness among the public and among health care professionals. A HSE Genetics and Genomics Programme is planned, with whom the National Cancer Control Programme will work closely to ensure the sustainable development of clinical and laboratory genetics and genomics services in Ireland.

Many rare diseases are genetic in origin and, as such, effective genetic services can have an important role to play in relation to diagnosis. The medical genetics service in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin provides services for patients and families affected by, or at risk of, a genetic disorder. It comprises three integrated units: a clinical genetics service; a cytogenetics laboratory and a molecular genetics laboratory.

Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin provided additional resources last year to support the hospital’s Department of Clinical Genetics. An external multi professional team, led by an experienced NHS UK Health Manager, has been assisting in the improvement of the service. Investments in staff and equipment to further develop the service is continuing.