Ireland has just half the consultant clinical geneticist workforce recommended in guidance from the UK Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the Medical Independent (MI) has learned.
The RCP recommends 0.3 consultants in clinical genetics per 100,000 population. According to the HSE, this equates to a recommended consultant workforce of approximately 16 whole-time equivalents (WTEs) in Ireland.
However, a spokesperson for the Executive told MI there are eight consultant geneticists employed by the HSE. This is an increase from four consultant geneticist posts in 2020.
Last year funding was confirmed for one consultant geneticist, four genetic counsellors, and one genomic resource associate.
In 2025 the HSE National Genetics and Genomics Office (NGGO) has confirmed funding for two consultant geneticists, three genetic counsellors, six genomic resource associates, and 1.5 WTE administrative support positions.
The HSE spokesperson said a workforce plan is due to be developed in the second half of 2025. The report Clinical Genetics Medical Workforce in Ireland 2024-2038 has recently been published by National Doctors Training and Planning.
Meanwhile, the HSE and Department of Health have launched the first version of the National Genomic Test Directory for Rare and Inherited Disease.
The HSE spokesperson told this newspaper the directory is “an ongoing piece of work”.
“The initial version includes specialties: cardiology, lipids, metabolic, mitochondrial, and ophthalmology. Subsequent versions are planned for completion in 2025 and 2026, and each will include additional specialties.
“The NGGO will seek to implement the test directory by overseeing the setting up of a pre- and post-analytical service – the National Genomic Processing Service. The service will coordinate, track, and monitor the sending out of samples to quality-assured laboratories, receipting of results, and will be an information resource for clinicians.”
Dr Richard Hagan, NGGO National Clinical Laboratory Director, said: “The test directory identifies genomic tests that can be requested by clinicians based on a set of agreed clinical indications and eligibility criteria. This evidence-based approach will enhance the use of genomic tests and improve patient care and their experience. The test directory will ensure that patients receive the right test, at the right place, at the right time, and requested by the right person.”
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said the directory was an important first step in improving patients’ and families’ experiences of genomic testing as part of an enhanced clinical genomic service in Ireland.
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