Health Procurement: Motion
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-29
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Teresa Costello (FF), Agricultural Panel

I welcome this debate on genetic and genomic medicine and I commend the proposers for bringing forward a motion on an area of healthcare that is rapidly transforming how we prevent, diagnose and treat disease. I find it fascinating. Fianna Fáil welcomes this discussion and the Government's ongoing continued commitment to improving genetic and genomic medicine services in Ireland. Our vision is clear. We want a patient and family-centred genetics and genomics service aligned with the principles of Sláintecare, particularly equity of access, integration of care and improved patient outcomes.
Advancing genetics and genomics is central to the future of our health service. It enables earlier diagnosis, more precise and targeted treatments, better disease prevention and more informed care for patients and their families. Genomics is the study of the body's complete set of DNA and how genes influence health and disease. Genetic testing allows us to identify specific inherited conditions. I underwent genetic testing following my breast cancer diagnosis, so it is an area I am particularly interested in and I am really glad that this has come forward. It can be very beneficial for patients with cancer, rare diseases and a host of other illnesses. We talk about preventative medicine and early diagnosis. This is really a game-changer and is fascinating.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-29/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:34+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-29