Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2015
79. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he, his Department or the Health Service Executive have considered the real health and consequent economic benefits of targeted screening of all first-line blood relatives of those already diagnosed with coeliac disease; if a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out; if he will commit to such a screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36365/15]
View answerThe HSE has advised my department that the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease is largely managed by General Practitioners in community services. Care in Ireland is based on the guidelines for coeliac disease diagnosis and management of the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). These provide that those that are offered serological testing for coeliac disease should include 'first degree relatives of people with coeliac disease'. The cost effectiveness of the impact of this policy in an Irish setting has not been assessed to date.
