Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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728. To ask the Minister for Health if the termination of certain screening programmes when persons reach a certain age can be reviewed in view of the fact it creates the perception that a lower value is placed on a person's health as they advance in age. [50429/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service. 

All of our national screening programmes deliver services in line with international criteria for population-based screening programmes, which are kept under constant review. Decisions about changes to our national screening programmes will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC).  This independent expert group considers the evidence for changes in a robust and transparent manner.

Importantly, the Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations accordingly. This ensures policy decisions are informed by the best available evidence and advice. In relation to consideration of any age changes, such as extending the age of any of the screening programmes, it is vital we remember that screening is a population health measure. It is not an individual diagnostic test.  The balance between the benefits of screening and the potential harms or risks to the population as a whole require careful, evidence-based consideration and balancing.

I am pleased to advise that the NSAC is currently finalising plans for its first ‘annual call’ which will be announced in the coming weeks. Applications for proposals for new population based screening programmes and modifications to existing programmes, such changes in the age of those eligible for screening, will be welcomed from the public as well as the HSE, health professionals and other professional bodies.  Further information on the 'annual call' will be published on the NSAC website in the coming weeks.