Calls to expand heel prick test to allow for earlier intervention

Vivienne, David, Luke, Liz, and Sean Ryan from Meath. Luke and Sean have spinal muscular atrophy, however, Sean was diagnosed earlier, allowing for more effective treatment.

The Irish newborn screening programme needs to expand to keep pace with Europe as even war-stricken Ukraine recently updated its programme, advocates have urged.

Newborn babies are screened here for nine conditions, allowing for early treatment of life-changing rare diseases. However, this puts Ireland in 20th position across Europe, an event calling for expansion heard.