Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2024
48. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has considered broadening the scope of screening programmes to address more effectively the undetected treatable conditions, which if caught earlier would enhance health lives and reduce health costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19862/24]
View answerI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
It is important to be aware that any decisions about changes to or expansion of our screening programmes will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This is an independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important that 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.
NSAC is an independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. Its role is crucial in ensuring that Ireland has 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.
Significant progress has been made on the expansion of the NBS Programme since I became Minister for Health. As the Deputy will be aware, last year I approved recommendations from the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) for the addition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to the NBS programme, which will bring the number of conditions screened for in Ireland to 11, once the implemented. I would highlight that this will represent a 37% increase achieved under the lifetime of this Government.
NSAC is conscious of the constantly changing landscape regarding screening and holds regular Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to make proposals for the introduction of new population-based screening programmes or changes to existing programmes in Ireland. The third and most recent Call for Submissions closed on 1 March 2024. All submissions are carefully considered by the Committee as per its work programme.
