Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)

We have always evaluated the case for commencing or expanding our national screening programmes against internationally accepted criteria, collectively known as the Wilson and Jungner criteria. The evidence bar for screening programmes should and must remain high. This ensures that we can be confident that programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards. While Ireland currently screens for fewer conditions than many other European countries, direct comparisons are not always accurate. Ireland adopts a national population-based approach, with screening being the first part of a full pathway that also involves onward diagnosis and treatment. The evidence related to each of these is examined in advance of the recommendations by the NSAC. Unlike some other European countries, Ireland does not screen on a regional or indeed pilot basis. Nevertheless, the Government is aware of how difficult it is for parents whose children have received a diagnosis of a rare disease and how challenging daily life can be for them, their families and their children. Advances in technology and treatments for many of these conditions are continually emerging, which is very welcome, and the House can be assured that all stakeholders involved in the implementation process are working to ensure that screening for both conditions is introduced as soon as possible, and the Minister will continue to advocate on behalf of the rare diseases community in this regard.