Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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904. To ask the Minister for Health if he intends to launch a national screening programme for structural heart disease in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34433/22]

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 structural heart disease, 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. Any newly proposed cardiovascular health screening recommendations resulting from the Review will be subject to consideration and advice of NSAC.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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905. To ask the Minister for Health if the Government intend to access funding from the European Union’s EU4Health programme which allows for European Union member states to access funding to support the roll-out of screening programmes for non-communicable diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34434/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the EU4Health Programme which, with a budget of €5.1bn, is ten times larger than the previous European Health Programme. Mandating a wide range of support to health policies and actions, it presents a significant opportunity for Ireland. The EU4Health annual work plans are structured around four overarching strands – crisis preparedness, health promotion & disease prevention, health systems & healthcare workforce, and digital – with a cross-cutting priority on cancer. My Department participates actively in the EU4Health Steering Group and Programme Committee and, together with its aegis bodies including the Health Service Executive and Health Research Board, works to bring possible support measures under EU4Health to the attention of health authorities and eligible stakeholders. Opportunities including in relation to support for screening programmes will continue to receive due consideration with a view to appropriate participation.