Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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371. To ask the Minister for Health to re-introduce the Adam's forward bend test school scoliosis screening programme to ensure early diagnosis for children suffering from scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4265/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The introduction of any screening campaign has to be very carefully considered and the positive and negative impact of screening programme evaluated. In 2011, the UK National Screening Committee commissioned a full and systematic assessment of the international evidence base for scoliosis screening. The review concluded that screening for scoliosis was not recommended.

This comprehensive assessment drew on studies from many countries. The Irish epidemiology of scoliosis is not known to differ significantly from that in other countries, therefore this finding is also relevant for the Irish population.

The US Preventive task force and a similar body in Australia which reviewed screening for scoliosis, also came out against screening. The US task force are in the process of updating this review, which is due to report in 2016, and any changes in that position will be noted.

In conclusion, there is no evidence to support the re-introduction of scoliosis screening in schools in Ireland at the present time, but as with all potential screening programmes this will be subject to review as new evidence emerges.