Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
554. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the appointment of a new chairperson for the National Screening Advisory Committee, given the former chair (details supplied) stood down in May 2023; what impact the lack of a chair is having on the NSAC’s work programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50982/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is an independent committee which advises myself, as Minister for Health and my Department on all new proposals for population-based screening programmes and on changes to existing programmes. NSAC considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. As Minister, I believe that it is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
Professor Niall O’Higgins chaired the Committee since its establishment in 2019 up to the conclusion of his term in June 2023. I am grateful for the commitment Professor O’Higgins invested in the Committee and the successes achieved under his leadership.
Following an open competition, I was pleased to appoint Dr Suzanne Crowe as the new Chair of NSAC in July 2023. A press release officially announcing Dr Crowe as the new Chair of NSAC was published on my Department’s website on 20 October 2023. This press release was issued on the same day as Dr Crowe’s first meeting as Chair of NSAC, ensuring continuity for the Committee and its important work.
I would highlight to the Deputy that Professor O’Higgins and Dr Crowe had an opportunity to meet following Dr Crowe’s appointment and in advance of her first meeting as NSAC Chair. The meeting, which took place in the Department of Health, facilitated a robust handover process between the outgoing and incoming Chairs. This ensured that the process of appointing a new Chair for NSAC had no impact on NSAC’s work programme.
Dr Crowe is a Consultant at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Senior Clinical Lecturer in Paediatrics at Trinity College Dublin and is an Associate Professor in the division of Women and Children's Health, School of Medicine, University College Dublin. As the current President of the Medical Council, Dr Crowe brings over 30 years of experience in the public health service and leadership of senior multidisciplinary groups. Dr Crowe’s dedication to improving health outcomes for the population offers considerable synergy with the work of the NSAC.
I look forward to NSAC continuing their important work and wish Dr Crowe the best of luck in this regard.
