Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2025
656. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a further update on the implementation of the Model of Care for Hereditary Cancer, the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65039/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Hereditary Cancer Steering Group oversees the implementation of the NCCP Hereditary Cancer Model of Care.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) published the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland (the Strategy) in December 2022. In alignment with Sláintecare, the Strategy outlines a vision for a sustainable, patient and family centred genetics and genomics service that is equitable and available to patients throughout their lifespan, across the country.
The National Genetics and Genomics Office (NGGO) was established in 2023 to implement the Strategy. The NGGO identified six priority deliverables for 2024 that were aligned to the Strategy’s themes and the related areas of focus.
Working groups have been developing networked services, including a pathway to a national multi-disciplinary team; agreeing template job descriptions for new roles and seeking funding via the service planning process; working to operationalise mainstreamed genetic testing; developing e-learning to support health care professionals; and developing patient information material.
Two of the eight designated cancer centres now have established mainstreamed pathways. Available data shows that to date in 2025 at least 446 patients have availed of cancer genetic testing through these new pathways. This makes pre-test counselling and genetic testing available through the treating oncology team, for certain patients with a diagnosis of cancer, including breast cancer. Previously patients would have to wait up to 33 months wait for a routine specialist cancer genetics appointment prior to testing. A key priority for the NCCP for for 2026 will be the roll out of mainstreamed cancer genetic testing to other regions.
A national multi-disciplinary meeting (MDM) is established in CHI Crumlin. Development is underway of a national MDM for hereditary cancer in adults which is due to commence in January 2026. These MDMs provide access to a specialist cancer genetics opinion where required, reducing unnecessary referrals.
Targeted workforce investment by the NCCP has included expansion of the specialist cancer genetics service at St James's Hospital, including the appointment of additional genetic counsellor and MDM coordinator to the specialist cancer genetics services to support a national MDM. Regionally, appointments such as genetic counsellor, data manager and medical oncologist with a special interest in genetics to lead the delivery of the mainstreamed service.
