Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
17. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health whether she is concerned about the number of biopsies carried out on children diagnosed with DMG and DIPG; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4680/26]
View answerThe Government's commitment to cancer services is reflected in significant investment of more than €105m under the current National Cancer Strategy, including an additional €23m invested last year.
DMG/DIPG are rare forms of brain tumours that occur in children.
Typically, fewer than five children are diagnosed annually and between 2019 and 2023, a total of 22 patients aged 15 and under have been diagnosed with the condition.
HSE Children’s Health Ireland has advised that over the past 10 years, the international consensus has developed to recommend that a biopsy should be considered in all children who have imaging characteristics consistent with DMG/DIPG.
Data from the National Cancer Registry Ireland indicates that 59% of patients with DMG/DIPG received a diagnostic or staging procedure within a year of diagnosis. This includes biopsy, lymph-node excision, surgical exploration, endoscopic exploration and other diagnostic procedures.
The nature of the diagnostic or staging intervention is a clinical decision. CHI has advised that all patients suspected of having DMG or DIPG are offered biopsies where technically possible, based on the location of their brain tumour.
Whilst this form of childhood cancer is extremely rare, its impact is profound, and I sympathise deeply with any family impacted.
