Fianna Fáil Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher will move a Bill in the Dáil today (Tuesday) aimed at preventing the destruction of important heel prick data.
After raising the matter on Topical Issue debates in the Dáil two weeks ago, Deputy Kelleher submitted a Bill on protecting heel prick data to the Ceann Comhairle’s office last week. He was given the go-ahead on Monday to introduce the Bill.
“I see that the Health Minister James Reilly has now ordered that these important screening cards are not destroyed and that a review takes place. While this is a welcome reprieve, I believe we need to resolve this matter once and for all by means of legislation,” said Deputy Kelleher.
“The
Retention of Newborn Screening Cards Bill 2013
is straightforward and non-contentious. It seeks to amend existing data protection laws to protect heel prick data.
“I strongly believe that the information contained in these samples taken as part of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme is of vital importance to the health of the nation. Consequently, such information needs to be retained on a legitimate basis and as a matter of course.
“I urge Minister Reilly and his Government to take my proposals on board and bring finality to this issue as soon as possible.”
