I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 and 673 together.
The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot (NBS) Programme is a priority for me, and the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) has been progressing work on this expansion.
In January 2023, I approved a recommendation from the Committee for the addition of T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-based screening for all types of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) to the NBS programme. The Committee made its recommendation to me based on their consideration of a comprehensive Health Technology Assessment report from HIQA.
The HSE is now undertaking an extensive body of work to prepare for implementation. Provision for this addition will be included in the relevant HSE service planning processes in line with HSE budgeting procedures.
Therefore, as your additional queries raised relate to implementation, these are a service matter and have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to you.
As you may be aware, any decisions about further changes or expansion of cancer screening will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms. As you will appreciate, these are lengthy and complex processes.
Ireland is not taking longer than other countries to assess and implement additions to the newborn bloodspot screening programme and patient advocates and clinicians are involved in these processes. While I accept that we currently screen fewer than many European countries, we now have the processes underway to safely accelerate expansion over the next few years.
The expansion of newborn bloodspot screening is being continually reviewed across Europe where the number of conditions screened for varies significantly. For example, the UK currently screens for a similar number of conditions (nine) as Ireland.
I look forward to receiving further recommendations from the Committee, and I wish to assure you that I remain committed to the further expansion of screening in Ireland in accordance with internationally accepted criteria and best practice.
