Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
322. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health to establish a national screening programme for prostate cancer, given the significance of early detection in improving health outcome, patient prognosis and quality of life. [10665/26]
View answerI am committed to supporting Ireland’s 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 undertake a review of European screening and early detection programmes including for prostate and gastric cancers, to guide any further expansion of screening programmes. It also commits to research, implement and evaluate cancer prevention and early detection initiatives, including prostate cancer.
I would note that any proposed 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.
Recommendations from NSAC are generally based on the findings of comprehensive Health Technology Assessment (HTA) reports, which are undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on behalf of the Committee.
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 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.
A HTA to consider a potential prostate cancer screening programme has not yet commenced. The current focus of NSAC is on the conclusion of evidence reviews related to proposed expansions to the BreastCheck programme, as well as the potential introduction of a screening programme for Familial Hypercholesterolemia and the addition of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia to the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme. Recommendations on all three of these conditions will be submitted to myself for consideration throughout 2026.
Nevertheless, I recognise that across Europe, several major research initiatives are underway to assess the feasibility of prostate cancer screening programmes, many involving Irish-based researchers.
In this regard, I welcome the involvement of Irish-based researchers in the EU4Health funded project, titled PRAISE-U, which is exploring the feasibility of risk-stratified screening for prostate cancer to help reduce morbidity and mortality caused by the disease, while avoiding overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
The findings from these studies will contribute to the evidence base for future consideration by NSAC. I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee in due course.
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.
