Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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536. To ask the Minister for Health the status of a new cardiovascular disease strategy; if a strategy will be published by his Department in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56324/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.

The aim of the Cardiac Services Review is to recommend configuration for a national adult cardiac service to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme. In terms of scope, the National Review covers scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults and considers cardiac diagnostic procedures such as echocardiogram.

The COVID-19 Pandemic impacted on the progress of the review during 2020 and into 2021 as the Chair of the Cardiac Services Review has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response.

Substantial progress has been made on the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services since the Steering Group reconvened in September 2021 and it is currently in its concluding stages. The final Steering Group meeting was held in October and recommendations are now finalised. The Report is being prepared to send to the Minister for his consideration.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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537. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department will be drawing down funding under the EU joint action on diabetes and cardiovascular disease scheme; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56325/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The EU4Health Programme mandates a wide range of support to health policies and actions. 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.

Participation in the 2022 EU4Health Programme joint action on diabetes and cardiovascular disease initiatives remain under consideration by officials in my department.