Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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2204.To ask the Minister for Health when the national review of cardiac services report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31870/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Review of Cardiac Services (NRCS) was established to recommend the best service configuration, clinical governance and performance requirements for national cardiac services for the next 10-15 years. The NRCS represents a significant and comprehensive piece of evidence-based work, supported by a steering group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.

The Review is finalised, and I have reviewed it. Subsequently, I requested additional information on cardiology productivity metrics and, with advice from the Chief Medical Officer regarding cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation, situated the Review within a wider context. This includes integrating cardiac care to deliver a more comprehensive systems approach to cardiovascular health.

At present, department officials are preparing an interim plan to ensure continued progress and address the immediate needs of our cardiac community. In parallel, the full report will be brought to Government. The interim plan will facilitate preliminary actions and adjustments based on early findings and priorities, which include strengthening current governance structures and the need for data-driven decision-making.

These early identified priorities will deliver results in the short term and will be developed in parallel with the NRCS's recommendations when they are published. Additionally, these specific actions can be realised over the coming months (in conjunction with National Service Plan 2025) in advance of the required longer-term investment in a new cardiac strategy.