Large proportion of submissions to NSAC fell outside remit

A “significant” number of submissions to the national screening advisory committee (NSAC) have been outside its remit.

The submission process was discussed at the NSAC’s meeting in October 2025. The meeting noted that 23 submissions were received on foot of its 2025 ‘call for submissions’. However, many did not relate to the NSAC remit.

Committee members felt that additional guidance was required and a revised scoring system for applications should also be established, according to meeting minutes.

A Department of Health spokesperson told the Medical Independent (MI) a large proportion of the 2025 submissions proposed changes to primary care services as opposed to the introduction of organised screening programmes for specific conditions.

“Examples included suggestions for routine blood pressure monitoring through GP services and the development of awareness campaigns on the importance of folic acid consumption in reducing the risks of neural tube defects,” said the spokesperson. “These suggestions were considered to fall outside the remit of [the] NSAC.”

In advance of its 2025 call, the NSAC published a series of videos explaining the process, the criteria for evaluating applications, and the committee’s decision-making processes.

It is expected that additional guidance will be provided in advance of the 2026 call, which is due to take place in the second half of the year.

The Department spokesperson told MI that the number of applications received through the 2025 call was comparable to that in 2024 (22) and 2023 (20).

However, the number was “significantly less” than the first call in 2020, which saw more than 50 applications received.

Of the 23 submissions last year, five were from health professionals and 15 came from members of the public or patient organisations/advocacy groups.

Two submissions were from industry/commercial organisations and one was from a member of the Oireachtas.

“In terms of the status of submissions received through the 2025 call, all were reviewed at the October NSAC meeting,” the spokesperson said.

“Outcome letters have been issued to 21 of the applicants, with the remaining two submissions undergoing further consideration by the committee.”

The NSAC is an independent committee, which advises the Minister for Health and Department on all new proposals for population-based screening programmes and revisions to existing programmes. The committee plays a strategic role in the development and consideration of these programmes in Ireland.

Earlier this month, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced that testing for severe combined immunodeficiency and spinal muscular atrophy had commenced through the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme. This followed recommendations made by the NSAC.

In 2025, the NSAC referred 10 conditions to HIQA to undergo evidence review. The review of congenital adrenal hyperplasia has commenced. It is anticipated the NSAC will submit a recommendation to the Minister before the end of 2026.