About the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC)
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 29 October 2019
- Last updated on: 15 April 2025
- Introduction
- Membership
- Terms of reference
- NSAC criteria
- Standing orders
- Contact the National Screening Advisory Committee
- Secretariat
Introduction
The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is an independent advisory committee that advises the Minister and Department of Health on all new proposals for population based screening programmes and revisions to existing programmes.
The Committee plays a significant strategic role in the development and consideration of population-based screening programmes in Ireland.
The National Screening Advisory Committee does not have any operational role in the day to day running of any screening programmes. That remains the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Membership
Dr Suzanne Crowe was appointed by the Minister for Health as Chair of the Committee in July 2023, expressions of interest for membership of the Committee were sought by way of public advertisement.
The Chair and members are appointed as individuals to fulfil the Terms of Referenceof the Committee, based on knowledge, experience and skills and not on institutional affiliation.
Chair of the National Screening Advisory Committee
Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC)
National Screening Advisory Committee Members
| Area of expertise | Member |
| Cancer | Prof. Deirdre Murray |
| Diagnostic Imaging | Dr Alissa Connors |
| Epidemiology | Dr David Kelly |
| Ethics | Dr. Fionnuala Gough |
| General Practice | Dr Nóirín O'Herlihy |
| Genetics | Prof Andrew Green |
| Genetics | Ms Deborah Lambert |
| Health Economics | Dr. Jonathan Briody |
| Health Economics | Dr. Ronan Mahon |
| Journalism/Communications | Ms Hilary McGouran |
| Laboratory Services | Dr Caroline Joyce |
| Medico- Legal | Ms Dolores Keane |
| Nursing and Midwifery | Ms Mary Brosnan |
| Obstetrics | Prof. Maeve Eogan |
| Paediatrics and Child Health | Dr Louise Kyne |
| Pathology | Dr Mohamed Elsammak |
| Psychology | Dr Jenny Mc Sharry |
| Public Health | Dr Fionnuala Cooney |
| Public Voice | Mr Jonathan O'Grady |
| Public Voice | Ms Lora Ruth Wogu |
| Social Scientist | Dr Mark Roe |
Terms of reference
NSAC criteria
Standing orders
Contact the National Screening Advisory Committee
The National Screening Advisory Committee can offer guidance on queries regarding any new proposals for population-based screening programmes and revision to existing programmes.
Please note that the National Screening Advisory Committee does not have any operational role in the day to day running of any screening programmes. Any queries or complaints should be directed to the relevant screening programme in the Health Service Executive (HSE).
You can contact us by email: NSAC_Secretariat@health.gov.ie
Secretariat
The NSAC Secretariat, which is provided by the Department of Health, supports the administration and operational business of the Committee, which generally meets three to four times a year.
The Secretariat can be contacted on NSAC_Secretariat@health.gov.ie