Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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1451. To ask the Minister for Health the timelines for the health technology assessment which HIQA has been requested by the National Screening Advisory Committee to undertake in relation to the addition of spinal muscular atrophy to the newborn bloodspot screening programme, or heelprick test; when he expects the NSAC to receive this HTA; the length of time they will consider it; when he expects to get a recommendation on its inclusion from the NSAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13543/23]

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.

The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) programme is a priority for me. As you know, a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the addition of an eleventh condition to the NBS programme, Spinal Muscular Atrophy is now underway. I am advised that the NSAC expect HIQA to complete this process over the coming months and that the HTA will be presented to and considered by the Committee at a meeting before the end of this year.

I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee following their consideration of the HTA once it is available.