214. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health her plans for the implementation of a DEXA screening programme for women over 50, with a view to helping guide treatment to reduce fracture risk and protect mobility and independence of a vulnerable demographic. [74827/26]

215. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health whether consideration is being given to the introduction of a publicly funded DEXA screening programme for women aged over 50; and the measures currently in place to support the early detection of osteoporosis. [74740/26]

225. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health to fund a funded DEXA screening programme for women over 50 years (details supplied). [74861/26]

231. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health whether her attention has been drawn to research (details supplied) on bone density loss; and whether she would consider funding the provision of a DEXA screening programme for women over 50. [74714/26]

232. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Health If she will provide funding for and implement a fully funded DEXA screening programme for women over 50 to support the early detection of osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk; whether her Department has assessed the costs and potential savings associated with such a programme; and the proposed timeframe for its introduction. [74775/26]

233. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to improve access to DEXA scanning services and whether consideration is being given to the introduction of a publicly funded osteoporosis screening programme for women over 50. [74765/26]

239. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department or the HSE has assessed the case for a national osteoporosis screening programme, including DEXA scanning for women over 50 years-of-age; if the matter has been referred to the National Screening Advisory Committee for consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74790/26]

245. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she has considered introducing a fully funded national DEXA screening programme for women over 50 to improve early detection of osteoporosis; and if an assessment has been carried out of the potential health benefits and savings from preventing fractures. [74923/26]

250. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to introduce a fully-funded DEXA screening programme for women over 50; her views on whether a DEXA screening programme would help identify low bone density early and thus help guide treatment to reduce fracture risk, and protect mobility and independence in women over 50; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74877/26]

251. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if she will consider a fully funded DEXA screening programme for women over 50 (details supplied). [74812/26]

260. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if she has given consideration to fully fund and implement a DEXA screening programme for women over 50. [74884/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 215, 225, 231 to 233, inclusive, 239, 245, 250, 251 and 260 together.

As Minister for Health, I am dedicated to enhancing Ireland’s population screening programmes, which are a vital component of our health services. They enable early treatment and care for many people, thereby enhancing the overall health of our community.

I would note that consideration of any proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols.

The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister.

It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured, validated and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.

NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to propose changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. As part of its 2025 Call for Submissions, NSAC received a proposal related to bone health screening, referencing the increased risk of osteoporosis amongst post-menopausal women.

After careful consideration of the evidence provided, NSAC concluded that the ongoing monitoring of risk factors, diagnosis and treatment for bone health issues, including Osteoporosis, should be facilitated through existing primary care services, which are delivered by professionals like GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

The GP Access to Community Diagnostics (GPACD) Scheme is available for referrals by GPs to the full adult population, aged 16 years and over, delivering community-based radiology scans through contracted private providers, who deliver clinically appropriate diagnostic services in approved locations.

The scheme provides GPs with access to a defined list or scope of examinations, with the clinical examination scope reviewed and updated to ensure and maintain the delivery of an effective service, aligned with community needs and with growing demand.

The suite of scans provided through the GPACD scheme are those which target suspected diagnoses which are appropriate for case management within General Practice. Patients requiring access to scans not provided through the scheme continue to be referred to public hospitals, or via other referral pathways to access appropriate radiology diagnostics.

In 2025, almost 250,000 community-based radiology diagnostic scans (MRI, CT, DEXA and X Rays) were provided through the GPACD scheme, whilst this year, to end July, over 146,000 scans have been provided.

Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.