Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In line with Recommendation 6 of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 and to support the implementation of Recommendation 19 of the Strategy, a Model of Care for Hereditary Cancer was launched in 2023. The model of care will inform the development of services for the identification and management of people with an inherited cancer predisposition.

The Government’s commitment to implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is evidenced by significant investment in recent years. New development funding of €20 million was allocated in 2021 and a further €20 million was provided for 2022. This funding has facilitated work in the area of hereditary cancer genetics, including:

• Recruitment of staff to cancer genetics services.
• Development of GP referral guidelines for breast family history.
• Completion of a needs assessment for those with a BRCA gene alteration.
• Development of online training for health care professionals delivering mainstreamed BRCA testing, i.e. genetic testing embedded in oncology services.
• Recommendations on universal tumour testing in certain types of cancer for possible Lynch Syndrome, an inherited condition which causes people to have a higher risk of developing certain colorectal cancers.

In 2023, the Government allocated €2.7 million to the implementation of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland. This allocation included the establishment of a National Office of Genetics and Genomics and the appointment of front-line staff.