Minister for Health publishes 2023 Annual Report of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC)

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly has today published the 2023 Annual Report of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert committee advises the Minister for Health on proposals for new national population screening programmes, or changes to existing programmes, in line with international best practice.

The Committee’s fourth Annual Report details the activities and significant progress achieved in 2023 and some priorities for 2024, including:

The approval by Minister Donnelly of two NSAC recommendations on the addition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme (NNBSP) The process for rolling out these additional tests is at an advanced stage, with recruitment due to be completed by the end of 2024.
The establishment of two subgroups (cancer and newborn screening) to assist in the development of an evidence-based prioritisation approach towards its work programme.
The commencement by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) of two additional Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) on the expansion of BowelScreen and the establishment of a new screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA).

Minister Donnelly said:

“The 2023 Annual Report highlights the significant progress achieved by NSAC, and I commend the Committee members on their work to date. Their efforts will have a very real impact in terms of improving people’s lives through screening programmes. In the past year, I approved two recommendations for the expansion of newborn bloodspot screening, and I know these will ultimately make a big difference to the lives and health outcomes of children whose conditions are detected through this screening.

“The expert opinion of this Committee is invaluable in shaping screening policy in Ireland. Screening saves lives and I look forward to the Committee continuing to provide advice to myself and my Department.”

Chair of the National Screening Advisory Committee, Dr Suzanne Crowe said:

"I am delighted to publish the 2023 NSAC Annual Report, which highlights the many accomplishments in 2023 and also sets the tone for our future endeavours. NSAC continues to build on the foundations laid in previous years and I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my predecessor, Professor Niall O’Higgins for his leadership in setting up the structures and standards that have underpinned the Committee’s success to date. As Chairperson, I am excited to guide the Committee to further successes in the years to come.”

Additional funding in 2025 is supporting the further development of screening services in Ireland. This includes €1.9 million to enable the expansion of the BowelScreen programme to an increased age range of 58-70, and €2.85 million to enhance the BreastCheck programme. A further €300,000 has been provided to HIQA to support the faster expansion of the NNBSP.

The 2023 Annual Report is available for download on the NSAC website.

Notes to Editor:

NSAC plays a significant strategic role in the formulation of recommendations and consideration of evidence relating to proposed screening programmes in Ireland.

NSAC 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).

NSAC has made six recommendations to the Minister for Health to date. Further information on these recommendations can be found on the NSAC website. The Committee’s work programme is available on nsacommittee.gov.ie .

The Committee, which has been chaired by Dr Suzanne Crowe since October 2023, meets three to four times per year. The Committee receives administrative support from the NSAC Secretariat, in the Department of Health and can be contacted at NSAC_Secretariat@health.gov.ie .