PQ 1127
1127. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health when screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition affecting approximately six babies born in Ireland each year, will be included in the national newborn bloodspot screening programme; if SMA screening will be implemented before the end of March 2026, as cited by a leading paediatric clinician in recent media coverage; the preparations that are currently underway to ensure this timeline is met, given that more than two years have elapsed since the decision was taken to include SMA in the heelprick test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12116/26]
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17 February 2026
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17 February 2026
Summary
1127. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health when screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition affecting approximately six babies born in Ireland each year, will be included in the national newborn bloodspot screening programme; if SMA screening will be implemented before the end of March 2026, as cited by a leading paediatric clinician in recent media coverage; the preparations that are currently underway to ensure this timeline is met, given that more than two years have elapsed since the decision was taken to include SMA in the heelprick test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12116/26]
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Health Screening Programmes
Health Screening Programmes
xml · EN · 17 February 2026
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- Official source: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-02-17/1127/
- Open data entity: https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/question/2026-02-17/pq_1127