Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
582. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding awareness of spinal muscular atrophy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43208/21]
View answerSpinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement. This may affect walking and upper body movement, breathing and swallowing.
Consideration of the introduction of new population-based screening programmes or modifications to existing programmes is a matter for the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). The Committee's role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations to the Minister for Health accordingly.
The NSAC is currently finalising plans for its first ‘annual call’ which will be announced later this year. Applications for proposals for new population based screening programmes and modifications to existing programmes will be welcomed from the public as well as the HSE, health professionals and other professional bodies. Further information on the 'annual call' will be published on the NSAC website at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie
As this question also relates to service matters, I have also asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
