Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2014
161. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health his views on developing a national policy on coeliac disease; if he will establish an expert review group to work with his Department and the Health Service Executive to develop such a policy and formulate guidelines for the screening, diagnosis and dietary support for those with coeliac disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38779/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe diagnosis and management of coeliac disease is largely managed by GPs in community services. Screening for coeliac disease is not routinely carried out in Ireland. The simple blood test required is reasonably, but not completely, accurate. This means that routinely, screening the entire population could potentially produce a high number of false-positive results. In effect, people would be diagnosed as having coeliac disease when they did not have it. Thus, screening for coeliac diseases is usually only recommended for people with known risk factors for the condition, such as having a family history of the disease. Case finding by testing family members of patients diagnosed with the disease may be beneficial, particularly if family members manifest gastrointestinal or other symptoms.
The guidelines for coeliac disease diagnosis and management currently in use in Ireland are the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, available for download at www.nice.org.uk. This is the policy on which care in Ireland is based and it will be kept under review. Ultimately though, the clinical decision for the care of people with coeliac disease is for clinicians.
