Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
949. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether she will use the pilot Lung Health Check Programme as a basis to establish a national lung screening programme; the work which has been undertaken to date, to establish a national lung screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5649/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1045. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health the current status of the lung health check pilot lung cancer screening programme; the number of participants invited and screened to date; the locations in which the pilot is operating; the interim findings available to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6035/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1046. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health the evaluation framework for the lung health check pilot; the body responsible for carrying out the evaluation; the clinical and cost effectiveness metrics being assessed; the timeline for the completion and publication of the evaluation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6036/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1047. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health when she expects a decision to be made, following completion of the evaluation, on whether to recommend the establishment of a national lung cancer screening programme; whether any provisional timelines have been set for such a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6037/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1048. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the Health Service Executive has undertaken preparatory planning for a potential national roll out of lung cancer screening informed by the lung health check pilot, including consideration of capacity, resourcing and integration with primary care; if so, to provide details; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6038/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 949, 1045, 1046, 1047 and 1048 together.
I am committed to supporting Ireland’s 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.
The Programme for Government commits to evaluate the current lung cancer screening pilot in line with WHO criteria and develop recommendations for a way forward.
The ‘Lung Health Check’ pilot, an Irish-based prospective study involving Beaumont Hospital and the RCSI, was launched in March 2025 under the EU4Health-funded SOLACE project. It aims to assess the feasibility of instituting a community-based lung health check programme in Ireland by inviting individuals in the North Dublin and the North-East region who are identified as being of higher risk of lung problems to attend their mobile screening unit for breathing tests and a low-dose chest CT scan.
The pilot is primarily funded by the Irish Cancer Society and supported by the SOLACE consortium, with funding provided by my Department’s Women’s Health Fund. I have also been informed that the research team involved in the Lung Health Check is actively considering involvement in a successor initiative to SOLACE and I welcome this move.
It should be emphasised that any proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be considered through established, evidence-driven protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence rigorously and transparently against internationally accepted criteria before making recommendations to me as Minister for Health.
The robust processes used by NSAC are essential to ensure screening programmes are effective, quality assured, and safe and that the benefits of screening outweigh potential harms. This is determined through what are known as Health Technology Assessments (HTA), which are undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
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.
I am pleased to report that NSAC is progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted requests to HIQA in relation to the BreastCheck and BowelScreen programmes.
In December 2025, HIQA presented the final report of their HTA on the proposed BowelScreen age range extension to NSAC for consideration. I look forward to receiving a recommendation from NSAC in this regard shortly.
I am also aware that HIQA have commenced an evidence review to consider changes to the BreastCheck programme. This review will comprise of two elements; a proposed expansion of the age range eligibility to those aged 45-49 and 70-74, and the potential introduction of a standardised breast density measurement. Both elements are anticipated to be complex and will take time to ensure that any recommendations made to me by NSAC are underpinned by a robust evidence-base.
Across Europe, several major research initiatives are underway to assess the feasibility of lung cancer screening programmes, many involving Irish-based researchers. 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.
