Health Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2012

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Questions (644)

Emmet Stagg

Question:

695 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 400 people die in Ireland each year from the outcome of ruptured aorta aneurysms, and in view of the fact that this condition, which meets all of the criteria set down by the World Health Organisation for screening programmes which can be diagnosed at very low cost, if he will now consider introducing a pilot scheme for the screening for this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7992/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

In June 2010 "Changing Cardiovascular Health: Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010-2019" was launched. This policy establishes a framework for the prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which seeks to ensure an integrated and quality assured approach in their management, so as to reduce the burden of these conditions; and while decisions concerning recommendations for screening and surgical repair of aortic aneurysm were not considered, the report did add that it should be considered further as part of general policy requirements for health screening. The Department will establish a working group to examine the possibility of introducing a pilot scheme.