576. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date by the national clinical trials oversight group with regard to GDPR and the facilitation of clinical trials; if agreement has been reached on a concise statement of compliance on data protection impact assessments; if agreement has been reached on one national template for clinical trial contracts; if he will give a commitment to follow through on the recommendations made by the committee and provide a timeline for the delivery on such recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39946/24]

Clinical trials are a fundamental component of high-quality care and improving patient outcomes. My Department is fully committed to expanding clinical trials in Ireland. In July of this year, I took the decision to establish the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group (NCTOG) with a view to developing recommendations that can increase the number of trials taking place in Ireland while also improving patient access to clinical trials. The group is being tasked with preparing both interim and final recommendations that will clearly identifies actions to be addressed and implemented. The group has representation across a wide range of key stakeholders and over the next 12 months will deliberate on several relevant issues affecting the clinical trials landscape in Ireland, including those identified by Deputy Naughten.