Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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744. To ask the Minister for Health if the BowelScreen programme has given consideration to extending the screening programme to those aged 50 to 54; if further investments will be made in the BowelScreen programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56567/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to supporting our cancer 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 Programme for Government commits to extend the BowelScreen cancer screening programme.

BowelScreen, the national bowel screening programme, invites men and women aged between 59-70 to take the free at-home screening test. Funding of €1.9 million was allocated in Budget 2026 to support the extension of BowelScreen to individuals aged 58 to 70. The first part of this extension, to those aged 70, was successfully completed in April 2025, with those aged 58 expected to start receiving invitations later this year. This is an important part of a phased approach to expanding the screening age, in line with available capacity and resources. When full expansion is complete, people aged 55-74 will be invited for screening.

I would note that a proposed further extension of BowelScreen, to those aged 50-54 is currently under consideration. This will be facilitated through evidence-driven protocols, namely the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC), which 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 for Health. 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.

In this regard, I am pleased to say that the final report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on their Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process to consider the proposed expansion of the BowelScreen programme to those aged 50-54 is expected to be submitted to NSAC in advance of their meeting in December 2025. I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee shortly afterwards.

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. They are time-intensive and rigorous processes.

Finally, I would like to 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.