Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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2493. To ask the Minister for Health if she has considered introducing a structured screening programme for prostate cancer, similar to BreastCheck and CervicalCheck, given international evidence and recent high-profile cases highlighting the consequences of late diagnoses. [46373/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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2497. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has conducted a cost–benefit analysis of introducing routine PSA screening for men in certain age brackets, in terms of both survival outcomes and reduced treatment costs for late-stage cancer. [46377/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2493 and 2497 together.

As Minister for Health, I am dedicated 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.

I am intent on advancing the cancer screening commitments outlined in the Programme for Government, including those related to the research, implementation and evaluation of cancer prevention and early detection initiatives for prostate cancer.

I would note that any changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be facilitated through established evidence-driven 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 myself as Minister. The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that 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. In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC is actively progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted requests to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to examine the evidence for such.

HIQA is currently focused on concluding a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process to examine the expansion of the age range eligibility of the BowelScreen programme. It has also commenced additional evidence review processes on proposed changes to the BreastCheck programme, specifically in terms of the age range eligibility and the potential introduction of a standardised breast density measurement.

HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies, in order to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. HTAs are time intensive and rigorous processes.

In terms of prostate cancer screening, under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, an updated European Council Recommendation on cancer screening was published in December 2022. The Recommendation calls for the further expansion of cervical, breast and colorectal (bowel) cancer screening, as well as feasibility studies on future screening programmes for gastric, prostate and lung cancer.

My Department is coordinating Irish inputs into a four-year EU4Health-funded Joint Action project, titled EUCanScreen (2024-2028). The project is aimed at coordinating research activities associated with the European Council Recommendation across Europe. This includes research relating to the sustainability of cancer screening programmes, data monitoring and the barriers/facilitators to screening. EUCanScreen also contains a specific task looking at the role of risk stratification in new screening programmes.

My Department is also aware of the involvement of Irish-based researchers in another EU4Health funded project, titled PRAISE-U, which is aimed at exploring the feasibility of risk-stratified screening for prostate cancer as a way to help reduce morbidity and mortality caused by the disease, while avoiding overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

I would emphasise that any future decisions on the future of Ireland’s cancer screening programmes will be based on the advice that I receive from NSAC.

I would like to highlight that NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite proposals from all stakeholders and organisations, including members of the public, the HSE and other medical professionals, for the introduction of new screening programmes or changes to existing programmes. The 2025 Call for Submissions is now live and will remain open until 12 September. Further information on how to make a submission, along with the list of conditions currently on NSAC’s work programme, is available on the NSAC website at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie.

Finally, I would emphasise that 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 immediately.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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2494. To ask the Minister for Health the public information campaigns that are in place to encourage men over 50, or those in high-risk categories, to request PSA testing from their GP; and if she will consider funding a targeted awareness initiative. [46374/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is available to GPs, and their patients, in Ireland. Testing for PSA has a role in assessment of men with clinical features suspicious for and/or suggestive of prostate cancer and in follow up of men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The appropriate use of PSA testing in this context and interpretation of results is described in the National Prostate Cancer GP Referral Guideline, available at: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/resources/gpreferrals/gp-prostate-referral-form-and-guideline.html.

The NCCP has advised that PSA testing is not recommended as a routine screening test for men with no clinical features suggestive of prostate cancer. While there is evidence to demonstrate that PSA testing of asymptomatic men is associated with increased detection of prostate cancer, debate continues about the benefits of increased detection as men with non-lethal cancers may, as a result, undergo radical treatments that compromise quality of life.

In April 2025, the HSE and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) published updated National Clinical Guidelines for prostate cancer. These include guidelines on the use of focal therapy and active surveillance for patients with prostate cancer (www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/guidelines/prostate/).

If testing of PSA in men with no clinical features of prostate cancer is considered, the clinician should discuss patient’s concerns, benefits/harms/risks of prostate assessment and provide the patient information leaflet: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/patient/leaflets/having-your-prostate-checked-a-guide.pdf. This provides the patient with a basis for making an informed decision to consent to testing.

September is recognised by the HSE as Blue September - Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer and promoting early detection.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has actively used social media platforms throughout 2025 to raise public awareness about prostate cancer. This includes promoting the PRAISE-U initiative, which encourages eligible men to participate in home-based PSA screening, and sharing updates on the newly published National Clinical Guidelines. These efforts aim to improve early detection and informed decision-making among the public.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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2495. To ask the Minister for Health the number and percentage of prostate cancer cases diagnosed at stage three or four in each of the past five years; and the steps being taken to improve earlier detection rates. [46375/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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2496. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department will review whether men without regular GP access are at a disadvantage in accessing PSA testing; and if alternative access pathways will be considered. [46376/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is available to patients in Ireland. Testing for PSA has a role in assessment of men with clinical features suspicious for and/or suggestive of prostate cancer and in follow up of men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The appropriate use of PSA testing in this context and interpretation of results is described in the National Prostate Cancer GP Referral Guideline, available at: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/resources/gpreferrals/gp-prostate-referral-form-and-guideline.html.

It is recommended that PSA testing and other prostate healthcare concerns are discussed with a GP. If a patient cannot access a GP for any reason, the HSE Live helpline may be able to assist. (1800 700 700 or 01 240 8787)

The National Cancer Control Programme has advised that PSA testing is not recommended as a routine screening test for men with no clinical features suggestive of prostate cancer. While there is evidence to demonstrate that PSA testing of asymptomatic men is associated with increased detection of prostate cancer, debate continues about the benefits of increased detection as men with non-lethal cancers may, as a result, undergo radical treatments that compromise quality of life.

If testing of PSA in men with no clinical features of prostate cancer is considered, the clinician should discuss patient’s concerns, benefits/harms/risks of prostate assessment and provide the patient information leaflet: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/patient/leaflets/having-your-prostate-checked-a-guide.pdf. This provides the patient with a basis for making an informed decision to consent to testing.