Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne. I will relay that to the Minister for Health. I have no doubt that engagement will continue with the Coeliac Society of Ireland. I reiterate that the NSAC is an independent expert group which makes recommendations to the Minister for Health. It is chaired by Dr. Suzanne Crowe. There is a wide range of expertise on that board. It ensures a rigorous and expert-driven approach for considerations on Ireland's screening policy. To date, six recommendations have been made to the Minister for Health by that committee. Regarding the current NSAC priorities, HIQA is focused on the conclusion of two health technology assessment processes based on requests from the committee to consider the evidence for a proposed age range expansion to the bowel screening programme and the potential development of a screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Should the Coeliac Society of Ireland feel that there is additional evidence that would justify the NSAC reconsidering its proposal for the establishment of a screening programme for coeliac disease, I would encourage it to submit it, as the Senator said it will do, to the upcoming NSAC call for submissions. I conclude by emphasising that screening is for people without symptoms and if anyone becomes aware or has concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional, who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.