Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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1398. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland; the status of the development of the promised National Testing Directory for genetics and genomics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16537/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government and I are fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland. One of the key ambitions of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland, launched in December 2022, is to build a strong national genetics service. This will be a patient and family-centred service that can be accessed equitably across the country and across the lifespan of patients. In line with the principles of Sláintecare, we will continue to support the enhancement of genetic services across the Regional Health Areas (RHAs). This service will be supported by a National Office for Genetics and Genomics, who will work with RHAs to ensure the effective delivery of a national service at a local level.

The Strategy also outlines a plan to achieve this ambition by improving the evidence-base and infrastructure supporting genetic testing in Ireland. By the year end, the HSE will begin developing a National Testing Directory for genetics and genomics, which will map the current genetic tests conducted across Ireland and provide a more transparent process to referrals. This development, therefore, will be a key steppingstone to improving national genetic testing and ultimately help reduce wait time.