Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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507. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on her plans to introduce a systematic LDL cholesterol screening programme in line with recommendation 20 of the National Review of Cardiac Services; if she intends to introduce such a programme in 2026; if she will consider launching a national 'know your numbers' public awareness campaign on key cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI) to support this screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66872/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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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 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.

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 closed on 12 September 2025. Further information the list of conditions currently on NSAC’s work programme is available on the NSAC webpage at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie