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 Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland is to build a strong patient and family-centred national genetics service that can be accessed equitably across the country and lifespan of patients.

In 2023, the Government allocated €2.7 million to the implementation of this Strategy which included the establishment of a National Office of Genetics and Genomics and the allocation of front-line staff across the HSE Health Regions in areas of immediate need.

Last year, the following genetics/genomics posts were allocated to deliver services in CHI, Crumlin:

• 2 genomic resource associates
• 1 genetic counsellor

In Budget 2024, €1.9 million was allocated to the implementation of the Strategy, to fund both clinical and laboratory and bioinformatics investment. This includes funding for additional Consultant Clinical Geneticists, Genetic Counsellors, Genomic Resource Associates, Bioinformaticians, and Genetic Technologists.

Recruitment through the strategy will be ongoing during its implementation phase, and beyond. Some of the posts approved in 2023 were affected by the HSE recruitment moratorium.

A priority for 2024 is the development of a robust National Genetics and Genomics Workforce Plan to support the recruitment, retention, education and career development of specialised roles. As part of this, a workforce planning analysis will take place. This will include genetic counsellors and the development of the Genomic Resource Associate (GRA) roles to support patients to navigate the genetic and genomic care pathway and improve coordination of care.

The development of a National Genomic Test Directory for Rare and Inherited Diseases is another priority deliverable for 2024. This Directory will support the delivery of equitable national genetics and genomics services, including clinical genetics services, genomics laboratory capabilities and associated bioinformatics. The Directory will map the current genetic tests conducted across Ireland and provide a more transparent process for referrals. This will be a key development in improving national genetic testing and will ultimately help to reduce wait time.