Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:795. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28159/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 31 May 2022
Ceisteanna (795)
Freagraí scríofa
The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) Programme is a priority for me as Minister for Health, and I am pleased to report recent progress in this area.
A ninth condition, ADA-SCID (Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) was added to the NBS programme on 23rd May 2022. This important development means that all newborn babies in Ireland will now be screened, as part of the ‘heel prick’ test, for this rare condition which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
I wish to acknowledge the significant work undertaken by a range of stakeholders and staff in the HSE to get to this important milestone for families in Ireland. In particular, the commitment of HSE NBS group and the National NBS laboratory at CHI in Temple Street is acknowledged, and reflects the thorough and complex planning process which is required for implementation.
The independent, expert National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC), which makes recommendations to me and my Department, is currently progressing further expansion of the NBS programme.
The NSAC has commissioned HIQA to undertake a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) looking at the addition of other SCID types to the NBS programme. I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee on this condition after the HTA process is finalised later this year.
The expansion of the NBS programme is being informed by the international experience and approaches of other countries in expanding such programmes.
In addition to the scientific and technological information required to make evidence-based decisions about expansion, there are a number of ethical, legal and societal issues which arise when planning an enduring population-based programme of this nature. Decisions in relation to population-based screening can be complex and challenging and it is vital that Ireland continues to employ a robust, methodologically sound and detailed analysis of the evidence in each and every case.
The NSAC continues to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including clinicians and patient advocates, as it considers the further expansion of the NBS programme.
The Committee is also progressing its consideration of proposals that it received in response to its first Annual Call held in late 2021, which includes consideration of any proposals in relation to the expansion of the NBS programme.
In conclusion I wish to assure you that I am committed to the expansion of the NBS programme, and I look forward to receiving further recommendations and advice from the NSAC in the time ahead.