Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
663. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the aspects of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomic Medicine that will be progressed in 2026; the funding that will be required to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13896/26]
View answerThe primary objective for 2026 is the operationalisation of critical infrastructure and standardisation of clinical pathways to eliminate regional variations in service delivery and ensure equitable access to genomic diagnostics nationwide. The specific aspects that will be progressed in 2026 to achieve this objective, are 1) launching the National Genomic Processing Service (NGPS), 2) development of the bioinformatics roadmap, 3) development of the Clinical Genomics Model of Care, and 4) progressing the proposal to develop the National Genomic Medicine Centre (NGMC)
Launch of the NGPS: Operational as of 16 February 2026, this service based at Beaumont Hospital acts as the central national hub for genomic samples. The NGPS currently manages samples specifically for clinical indications within Version 1 of the National Genomic Test Directory for Rare and Inherited Disease. This ensures that patients falling within these specific categories have access to the same high-standard tests regardless of their location.
Development of the Bioinformatics Roadmap: This is scheduled for delivery by Q2 2026. This will define the requirements for handling genomic data sets, connecting the national framework to the wider health service and ensuring data remains securely stored within Ireland.
Development of the Clinical Genomics Model of Care: The working group, which includes patients and advocates, is meeting throughout 2026 to finalise a framework for regionally delivered genomic services. This project is intended to ensure clinical teams are equipped to utilise genomic data within routine patient care.
Planning and development of the NGMC: The formal Business Case and Strategic Assessment will be progressed during the 2026 period. This centre is intended to eventually co-locate national genetics services under a single governance structure.
The National Genetics and Genomics Office and Genomic Medicine Services require a dedicated recurrent budget of €4.5 million to fund specialist roles, alongside the services and infrastructure mentioned above. This funding is in addition to separate strategy funding provided across cancer and rare disease genomic medicine support. Any future capital investment requirements will be identified through the Capital Investment Fund.
