104. Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children when she proposes to have in place a national neonatal screening service for cystic fibrosis; her proposals to roll out such a service; and when it can be expected the screening programme will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter.    

REPLY.

The Health Service Executive’s Expert Advisory Group on Children and Families has produced a draft policy document on the introduction of a cystic fibrosis screening programme for newborns.  Recommendations include the establishment of a Steering Group to oversee its implementation and to ensure coherence with the development of other relevant services.

The Steering Group has been established and will oversee the roll out of the screening programme. The HSE has set aside the necessary finances to allow for the commencement of the Programme later this year, subject to the preparatory arrangements being completed.  My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputies on the operational issue raised by them.