Colm Burke
Question:565. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a new cardiovascular strategy; the expected timeline for its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13452/26]
View answerThursday, 19 February 2026
Questions (565, 566)
Colm Burke
Question:566. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health whether a new national cardiovascular strategy will be produced; if it will include nationwide screening and early detection of structural heart disease, cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk assessment programmes; how Ireland will align with OECD and EU recommendations (details supplied); if dedicated resources will be allocated to prevention and early detection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13453/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 565 and 566 together.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2023 and is estimated to cost the Irish state €1.7 billion annually, with 46% of this being direct healthcare costs.
Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. Today, CVD mortality is about half of the levels of 1995, however, CVD still accounts for 27.8% of all deaths in Ireland. The absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.
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. It is important to highlight that any decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, or the introduction of new programmes, 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 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.
NSAC has previously received proposals through its Call for Submission process, calling for the introduction of a screening programme for Structural Heart Disease. After reviewing the submissions received, NSAC decided not to refer the applications for further consideration by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). However, in recognition of the continually evolving nature of medical research, NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite proposals from all stakeholders and organisations, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals. The 2025 NSAC Call for Submissions closed on 12 September 2025. All proposals are carefully considered by NSAC against its rigorous criteria.
Irish officials, working closely with EU colleagues, contributed to the development of a new Council Conclusion on the improvement of cardiovascular health, adopted on 3rd December 2024, marking a strong political commitment to tackling cardiovascular disease across Europe. This engagement demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to cardiovascular health, ensuring that national priorities align with European efforts to reduce the burden of CVDs.
On 16th December 2025, the European Commission published Safe Hearts – the EU Cardiovascular Plan, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing premature deaths by improving prevention, early detection, and treatment, while also driving innovation. Ireland’s active role in shaping these policies reflects our ambition to strengthen cardiovascular health outcomes for our population and contribute to a healthier Europe.
On April 8th 2025, the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services was published. The comprehensive, evidence-based report provides 23 key recommendations around cardiac health policy, specifically:
• patient-centred care integrated with Sláintecare,
• increased cardiac care in community settings,
• focus on prevention,
• capital investment for non-invasive diagnostics and imaging (including e-health),
• structural reform to develop regional cardiac networks, national comprehensive cardiac centres,
• leadership and governance.
It offers both a data-driven analysis and a clear roadmap for reforming cardiac services across the country. Department officials are now working closely with the HSE to progress the implementation of these recommendations. This is a complex, multiyear reform programme that will ensure a comprehensive and deliverable approach in achieving outcomes.
Cardiovascular health was prioritised in Budget 2025, which allocated over €9 million in full-year funding to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Budget 2025 allocated €4 million full year costs, and 45 WTEs to progress cardiac services. To date, 28 of these 45 WTEs have been prioritised. This investment facilitates the initial steps in cardiac services reform and will support the development of a new cardiovascular strategy as committed to in the Programme for Government. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.
With regard to services for stoke, the National Stroke Strategy was published in 2022 and over €13m has been allocated to its implementation to date. The Stroke Strategy aims to modernise our Stroke services in line with Sláintecare and ensure the future readiness of services given our ageing demography and the predicted rise in stroke incidence in coming decades. Most recently in Budget 2025, full year costs of €5m to Stroke services were allocated which will provide 56 WTEs to strengthen Acute Stroke units and expand the Early Supported Discharge Team network from 11-15 teams nationally.
Question No. 566 answered with Question No. 565.