Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
502. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the definition of "rare disease" utilised by his Department and the HSE; and the number and names of the rare diseases entailed under these respective definitions provided in tabular form. [56155/22]
View answerA disease or disorder is defined as rare in Europe when it affects less than 1 in 2000 people. There are approximately 8,000 known rare diseases; 80% of rare diseases are of genetic origin and are often chronic and life-threatening. Up to 1 person in 12 in Ireland may have a rare disease at some stage in their life. Approximately 300,000 persons in Ireland are living with a rare disease.
As this question also relates to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly on this aspect as soon as possible.
