Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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2022. To ask the Minister for Health if she plans to reduce the age eligibility for the BreastCheck screening programme from 50 to 40 years-of-age, given that earlier screening could lead to earlier detection of breast cancer and improved outcomes for patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18804/25]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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2218. To ask the Minister for Health if she will consider ensuring that breast density notification is incorporated into the national breast screening programme given the assistance it can give in the screening process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19773/25]

Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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2275. To ask the Minister for Health if she will commit to introducing a standardised breast density notification protocol as part of the BreastCheck program; the status of the National Screening Advisory Committee’s review of this proposal; the date at which she expects the Committee to conclude its work and present a recommendation in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20042/25]

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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2297. To ask the Minister for Health the expected timeline for introducing a standardised breast density measurement within the BreastCheck Screening Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20137/25]

Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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2299. To ask the Minister for Health whether there are plans to introduce a standardised breast density reporting protocol as part of the national breast screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20141/25]

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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2315. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department will include breast density notification in the BreastCheck screening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20200/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2022, 2218, 2275, 2297, 2299 and 2315 together.

I am 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.

BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular periods to have a mammogram. The Programme for Government commits to raising the age for the BreastCheck screening programme in line with updated standards from HIQA.

I am intent on advancing the cancer screening commitments outlined in the Programme for Government, which will be facilitated through established protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to me as Minister for Health. The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective. This is particularly important when expert opinion is divided, and uncertainty remains about whether the potential benefits outweigh the possible harms. In the case of introducing breast density measurement into breast cancer screening, a cautious, evidence-led approach is essential to ensure that any decision serves the best interests of the population and maintains the integrity of the screening programme.

In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC is progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted a request to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), which has a section dedicated to undertaking evidence synthesises on behalf of the Committee, to assess whether there is evidence for a further expansion of the BreastCheck programme. The review will focus on two key elements: the expansion of the age range eligibility and the potential introduction of a standardised breast density measurement.

HIQA is currently focused on two Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes underway to examine the expansion of the BowelScreen programme and the potential development of a population-based screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA). The evidence review for the expansion of BreastCheck remains a key priority for NSAC and is expected to commence later this year.

HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multidisciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. They are time intensive and rigorous processes. Both elements of the BreastCheck review are anticipated to be complex and will take time to ensure that any recommendations made to me by NSAC are underpinned by a robust evidence-basis.

Significant investment continues to be made in our national screening programmes. This includes allocating an additional €2.9 million in full-year costs to BreastCheck for 2025. This funding will help to future-proof the programme, allowing for increased capacity and enabling service developments to meet women's evolving needs and ensure equitable access across the entire population.

Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.