Calls to expand heel prick test as Ireland slips down European rankings

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. Picture: Gareth Chaney

Ireland has dropped down a ranking of European countries based on availability of newborn screening or heel prick tests, now lying 23 out of 32 countries, new research shows.

Advocates working with families affected by rare diseases including SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) have called for changes in how conditions are assessed in Ireland.