Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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204. To ask the Minister for Health the way that his Department is supporting the medical genetics service in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31084/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Clinical Genetics service at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin was founded in 1995 and provides a diagnostic, counselling and clinical genetic testing service for children and adults affected by or at risk of a genetic condition. 

The service is the main provider of general genetic counselling to the population of the Republic of Ireland. It cares for and manages families with genetic conditions, rather than simply focusing on individual patients. 

Currently there are four Consultant Geneticists in CHI at Crumlin. I am pleased to advise that two vacant posts have been approved by the Consultant Applications Advisory Committee and have been advertised with a closing date of 22nd of July 2022. A locum post is also currently in place.  

To support the progression of Genomics and the development of a national genomics network work a single vision for the future of genomics is required. The Department of Genomic Medicine at CHI is in a central position to build on the foundations of the clinical genomics service in CHI at Crumlin to support clinical teams in understanding and managing disease through precision medicine. CHI are progressing the recruitment of a Genomics Medicine Lead (consultant) across CHI who will link and advise on a national strategy. 

I fully support the development of a national strategy for Ireland, and I am pleased to advise that Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer, has recently set up an international group to review and advise on the national strategy for genomic medicine. This group will be reporting on its outcomes later this year and I look forward to hearing its progress.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to locating a national genomics hub outside of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin given that the current location is causing difficulties in treating adult patients who make up the majority of patients attending the clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31085/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible