Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know that the Senator is passionate about this subject, as we all are. Obesity is becoming very prevalent, particularly among young children. I do not have a specific answer to the Commencement matter, about which I am disappointed. I was handed this note before I walked into the Chamber and will read it. The Minister and the Department of Health do not have a role in decisions on the diagnostic tests to be provided for specific patient groups. It is an executive responsibility of the Health Service Executive. The investment decisions should be informed by expert clinical opinion, an assessment of patient need, evidence of effectiveness and budget impact. The roll-out of major new technology should be the subject of a formal health technology assessment. I know that will not satisfy the Senator, but I have not been able to speak to the Minister because he has been in the Dáil Chamber. I will come back to the Senator because her Commencement matter is specifically about fibroscans and I do not believe the answer was adequate.