Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1786. To ask the Minister for Health if there has ever been a pilot screening programme for cardiovascular or structural heart disease in Ireland; if so, if he will provide details of that pilot; if not, if will he consider introducing one given that cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest causes of deaths in Ireland every year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30343/22]

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, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.

It is important to be aware that any decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, or the introduction of new programmes, such as screening for cardiovascular diseases, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.

It may be of interest to note that the NSAC held its first 'Annual Call’ in 2021, which gave the public an opportunity to suggest new screening programmes or modifications to existing ones and the Committee are currently reviewing the submissions received. I will be guided by their advice to ensure Ireland’s population-based screening programmes continue to evolve in line with new evidence and developments.

It is important to remember that screening is for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.

Moreover, in 2018, the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services was established by the Minister for Health to review the delivery of cardiac services nationally. The Review seeks to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality, and sustainability of the services that patients receive. The Review considers the delivery of all cardiac services nationally.

The Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report with the next meeting planned for late June 2022. Any newly proposed cardiovascular health screening recommendations resulting from the Review will be subject to consideration and advise of NSAC.