Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2025
552. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the precise process following the publication of a HIQA health technology assessment report that makes specific findings and advice to the HSE and her Department, relating to the consideration and implementation or otherwise, of those findings and advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67502/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn HTA systematically gathers evidence to assist a decision-maker, generally the Department of Health, or a body such as the HSE, in informing policy choices on adopting, funding, or disinvesting in a health technology. The report provides evidence-based recommendations on the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and budget impact of the assessed technology. In general, once HIQA completes and publishes an HTA report, it is formally submitted to the Department of Health or the relevant commissioning body, for example, the HSE, as decision maker.
The process following the publication of a HIQA health technology assessment (HTA) report will be dependent on the specific technology being assessed. The conclusions and information in an HTA are advisory and form just one element informing the decision making. An HTA cannot, for example, determine if there is adequate budget available to fund a new technology. However, by including the budget impact and cost effectiveness in the HTA, the decision-maker can then assess funding options.
When the Department receives an HTA report, the advice it provides is considered in the context of a range of metrics including budget, clinical need, outcomes for patients, alternative technologies and impact of displacement of funding for existing technologies, amongst others. Decisions on policies relating to specific technologies are only made after all relevant advice and information is fully considered, including that provided by HIQA in an HTA.
