Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
1222. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to update on the National Genetics and Genomics Office priority deliverables for 2026; the additional resources required to fully ensure the KPIs are achieved within the timeframes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37673/26]
View answerThe HSE National Genetics and Genomics Office (NGGO) was established in 2023 to implement the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland. My department is working closely with the NGGO on supporting full implementation of the Strategy including key deliverables for 2026.
The NGGO is currently developing a Bioinformatics and Genetic Data Infrastructure Roadmap which will set out the requirements and coordinated timelines for the delivery of the bioinformatics and data infrastructure in line with the Strategy’s vision and HSE’s Digital Health Strategy. The Roadmap is due for completion in early Quarter 3 2026. The HSE National Bioinformatics Director is now in post and the NGGO will look to recruit additional bioinformatics support later this year.
Through engagement with clinical specialists and laboratory colleagues, the NGGO published the National Genomic Test Directory for Rare and Inherited Disease (the Test Directory) in 2025. In February of this year the NGGO launched the National Genomic Processing Service (NGPS) at Beaumont Hospital to facilitate the operationalisation of the Test Directory and the processing of samples sent abroad for genetic and genomic testing. Resources have been provided to recruit scientific and administrative staff to deliver this service. Version 2 of the Test Directory will be published later in 2026 resulting in an expansion of the NGPS.
In early 2026 a Communications and Engagement Strategy was developed by the NGGO to raise public awareness of genetics and genomics, improve genetic and genomic health literacy and increase support mechanisms for patient involvement in strategy implementation. The strategy will be informed by continued engagement and feedback from Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) partners. Work is near completion on additional patient informational materials.
The NGGO will continue working closely with the Department of Health in advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland.
