To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of whether a blood test to screen for Down's syndrome, Edward's syndrome and Patau's syndrome should be offered as standard between weeks 10 and 14 of pregnancy in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines across all Health and Social Care Trusts.

In Northern Ireland, antenatal screening for Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards' Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13) is not currently offered as part of HSC care.

The UK National Screening Committee recommends screening for Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards' Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau’s Syndrome (Trisomy 13), ideally in the first trimester between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. These recommendations have been considered by the Northern Ireland Screening Committee (NISC), following which, the Department asked the Public Health Agency and the Strategic Planning and Performance Group to undertake an assessment of the actions required and potential costs of offering antenatal screening for fetal anomalies and inherited conditions in Northern Ireland, as recommended by the UK NSC.

This work is ongoing and once completed, the assessment will be considered by the Northern Ireland Screening Committee before seeking my approval for any proposed changes.