Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 to 168, inclusive, together.

As this is a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Health if any consideration has been given to providing a national screening programme for coeliac disease, similar to that of the Italian system where they included a screening programme for one- to 17 year-olds for coeliac disease into their national legislation in late 2023 (details supplied), with consideration that Ireland has one of the highest incidence rates of coeliac disease in the world [4426/24]

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.

In response to the Deputy's question, I will highlight that any decisions about further changes in screening, including introducing new programmes, will be made on the advice of the 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.

Careful consideration must be given to any proposed expansion of Ireland’s screening programmes and this process must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. This includes ensuring that decisions are made based on internationally accepted criteria and scientific rigour.

The Committee holds Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to make proposals for the introduction of new population-based screening programmes or changes to existing programmes in Ireland. NSAC has not previously received nor considered proposals regarding screening for Coeliac Disease. The Committee’s third Call for Submissions is currently open until 1 March 2024. Further information is available on the Committee's website at www.nsacommittee.ie

It is important to note that population health screening measures are not individual diagnostic tests. Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone who is worried about symptoms at any time is advised not to wait for screening but to contact their GP immediately, for appropriate follow-up care.