I propose to take Questions Nos. 498 to 500, inclusive, together.
The HSE’s National Genetics and Genomics Office (NGGO) was established in 2023 to implement the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland (2022). Its activities include coordinating a national approach to genetics and genomics, ensuring patient and public involvement (PPI) and partnerships, building the genetics and genomics workforce for the future, enhancing genetic and genomic clinical services, and strengthening infrastructures to drive advances in genetics and genomics.
As part of strategy implementation, at the end of 2024 the NGGO published the first version of the National Genomic Test Directory for Rare and Inherited Disease (the Test Directory) as an advisory document. Version 1 of the Test Directory includes tests for clinical indications from the specialties of Cardiology, Lipids, Metabolic, Mitochondrial, and Ophthalmology. Throughout 2025 and 2026, the NGGO will work to develop further versions of the Test Directory.
The NGGO, with support from my Department, is advancing the development of a centralised National Genomic Processing Service (NGPS). The NGGO sought the advice of HSE Procurement to develop a transparent and objective process to identify a service provider for the NGPS from HSE funded hospitals.
The NGPS will support the use of the Test Directory and will be a hub for receipt of specimens from hospitals across Ireland to refer for genomic testing by quality assured laboratories abroad. The service will also coordinate the reporting of results back to the requesting hospitals and consultants. Earlier this year an Expression of Interest and Invitation to Participate process was opened to all publicly funded Model 3 and Model 4 hospitals and it is projected that the NGPS will be established in 2025.
Separate to the development of the NGPS, the NGGO will work with HSE procurement to identify a process for the procurement of genomic tests included in the Test Directory. The procurement of testing will be governed by the Office of Government Procurement’s guidelines to ensure transparency, efficiency, and value for money.
The NGGO and my Department continues to work closely on the implementation of the Genomics Strategy including options for enhancing genomic testing capacity.
