A local TD has called for spinal muscular atrophy to be added to the conditions tested for in the newborn heel prick test.
Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition that makes the muscles weaker and causes problems with movement.
Sinn Féin's Pauline Tully raised the matter in the Dáil last night and cautioned that we "need progress on this important issue without further delay".
Each year in Ireland, an average of six babies are born with the condition.
Deputy Tully says "the earlier a patient receives treatment for SMA, the better the outcome will be".
Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Tully said she hopes it can be added to the list of conditions tested for as part of the heel prick test "as soon as possible":