THE NATIONAL SCREENING Advisory Committee (NSAC) wants to hear what new health screening services should be offered publicly.

The call for submissions is an annual process that invites contributions from members of the public and health professionals.

These submissions inform the work programme of the committee and shape public policies on screenings.

The NSAC is the independent committee which makes recommendations to the Minister for Health on the introduction of new screening programmes or changes to existing programmes.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said screenings are vital for early disease detection and better treatment outcomes, often reducing mortality.

“The Government is committed to expanding these programmes, and submissions provide essential evidence for NSAC recommendations. I encourage everyone to participate.”

Submissions will be accepted until Friday, 12 September.

The committee’s chair Dr Suzanne Crowe said the public submissions “are a vital part of ensuring Ireland’s national screening programmes remain evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the population”.

Jonathan O’Grady, on the the committee’s Public Voice representatives, said those who feel underrepresented or who have lived experience of certain diseases are strongly encouraged to make a submission.

Lora Ruth Wogu, another Public Voice representative, said screening is “one of the most powerful tools we have to change lives”.

“By making a submission, we have an opportunity as advocacy groups and patient communities to ensure that the voices of families are heard and that conditions are put forward to NSAC for consideration.”

Full details on how to make a submission are available on the NSAC website.

Any queries with regards to the call for submissions process can be emailed to NSAC_Secretariat@health.gov.ie.