Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters – Seanad Éireann (27th Seanad) – Thursday, 2 Jul 2026

Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters

Local Authorities

Senator Victor Boyhan

I thank the Cathaoirleach for accepting what I think is an exceptionally important Commencement matter, namely, the need for the Taoiseach to make a statement on progress on the implementation of the Dublin city centre task force and in particular the role Dublin City Council and its elected members will have over its functions, policies and spending. To set out why this was submitted to the Taoiseach's office, this is a task force established by the previous Taoiseach, who is currently Tánaiste. It did its work and deliberations and the driving of all that was kept very much central to the Taoiseach's office, which sent a very clear message about the importance and significance of this. Dublin is of course our capital city and sometimes people forget that. There is a lot of commentary on Dublin city which is not always fair or accurate. I commend the chief executive of Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare, and the 63 democratically elected councillors who have our capital at the very heart of their work.

When we talk about a task force we need to understand how the work and the implementation is devolved. I am always conscious that our councillors, especially in Dublin city but all over the country, have a democratic mandate and any watering-down, attempted watering-down, or perceived watering-down of their powers and functions is something we must always guard against. I wish the task force well. It is important there is good collaboration on the task force and that it works. I understand the interim advisory board met in June. It is going to proceed with a special purpose vehicle to lead the Taoiseach's task force and that is important too. I understand Mr. Robert Watt has now assumed the role of head of Dublin City Council's newly-formed project management unit and CEO-designate of the council's proposed special purpose vehicle which, when constituted, will oversee and implement the Taoiseach's task force report. It is important we are ambitious. It matters that this project has, as I know it does, the full support of central government. Central government is assisting local government to prioritise the work, vision and future of our capital city. I wish the project well. It is important we fully understand the purpose of the special purpose vehicle when that is constituted. There are a number of elected members on the interim advisory board. I think in total the board has about 16. I wish them well. It is important we understand the functions, the policies and the oversight of the work of the task force, the spending and the budgetary constraints. Out of this it is important we clearly understand there is no diminution or watering-down of the power and functions of the chief executive and elected members of Dublin City Council.

I wish this project well, as I know everyone in the House does. The task force must get on with its work. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to share with us the response from the Taoiseach's office.

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (Deputy Frankie Feighan)

I thank Senator Boyhan for raising this very important matter. As he knows, in May 2024 the Government appointed the Dublin city task force, chaired by David McRedmond, to take a holistic view of the measures required to rejuvenate Dublin city centre, north and south. The aim is to make Dublin city centre a more thriving, attractive and safe cityscape and a desirable location to live, work, do business and visit.

The Dublin city task force report published in October 2024 made a series of recommendations, known as the ten big moves, to improve the city centre’s public realm, safety and experience. A roadmap for delivery of the task force report was published by Government in June 2025, following the work of an interdepartmental group, setting out a clear implementation plan. Central to delivery will be: a special purpose vehicle to drive delivery and support the specific capital developments relevant to the project, and Dublin City Council is progressing the establishment of this new legal entity; a ten-year integrated area strategy for Dublin city centre to optimise funding and investment and tackle vacancy and dereliction; accelerated delivery of landmark capital projects in the city centre through additional funding in the URDF under the NDP review; and redevelopment of the GPO complex as an ambitious and historic flagship project.

An oversight board comprised of all the relevant Departments and agencies and chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach meets regularly to oversee and provide strategic direction for delivery of the task force report through the roadmap for delivery. Ultimately, responsibility for establishment of the special purpose vehicle lies with Dublin City Council and it will need to adhere to the relevant legislative requirements. The Government recently agreed the assignment of Mr. Robert Watt as CEO-designate, as the Senator said, of the body that will become the special purpose vehicle.

The newly appointed interim advisory board to the SPV met on 15 June and 16 representatives have been appointed to the advisory board, including chairperson, David McRedmond, who previously acted as the independent chair and member of the Dublin city task force. Dublin City Council has recruited staff for an interim programme management unit, which will drive delivery while the SPV is being set up.

The Department will work with all relevant parties through the oversight board to oversee delivery of the roadmap for the Dublin city task force report. For this to be successful, there needs to be a cross-departmental approach. The Government agreed the process to redevelop Dublin’s iconic General Post Office complex last month. Its ownership will transfer to the Office of Public Works, OPW, from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. The OPW will prepare design proposals, which will be subject to Government approval. Before that happens, a wide-ranging public consultation process will gather the views of all stakeholders. As part of the process, a temporary meanwhile use proposal will be developed.

Implementation of the Dublin city task force report recommendations is being underpinned by national development plan, NDP, investment funding. The towns and cities regeneration investment fund is supporting a number of projects within the core area. Changes to the living city initiative, announced as part of budget 2026, will also support regeneration and efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction. The roadmap creates an enabling environment designed to build confidence with business, landholders and investors to get involved in achieving a new vision for Dublin city centre and to drive private sector investment. There will be regular reports to Government on developments in delivery for the roadmap for the Dublin city task force report.

I was at the launch of the design proposals for the GPO. It is very significant. It is not just a building. It is actually a huge complex that is being put to many uses. I look forward to the process with all stakeholders and their views will be taken into consideration.

Senator Victor Boyhan

I thank the Minister of State very much. First, I want to thank the Taoiseach's office for preparing this speaking note. It is very comprehensive and deals with many of the issues. I thank the Minister of State for delivering it on behalf the Taoiseach's office. I acknowledge and thank the 63 elected members of Dublin City Council and its chief executive, Mr. Richard Shakespeare. This is an exciting time for the capital city of Ireland, Dublin city. I wish the project well. What is really interesting is the synergy and the importance of central government supporting local government, in this case for Dublin city, but there will be other similar possibilities for other parts of the country. It is a good model. It is clear now where the roadmap is. I wish Mr. Robert Watt well with the implementation of this task force. What is more important than anything the Minister of State said is that there is now a mechanism, which has been clearly stated today, whereby there will be regular reporting back to the Taoiseach's office in relation to progress. I wish all stakeholders and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as it is called now, all the very best with this really exciting project. It is important that we are ambitious for our cities and towns. I believe this is the beginning of something great for Dublin city.

Deputy Frankie Feighan

I thank Senator Boyhan for his measured and informed approach and observations and his support and desire to work together on the rejuvenation of Dublin city. This is where at all matters. The approach of the Dublin city task force on the roadmap for delivery provides a good example of how State agencies and key stakeholders can work together to try to plot a course for a major city's rejuvenation. We look forward to seeing progress and the establishment of a special purpose vehicle by Dublin City Council in the coming months. I can assure the House that there will be further intensive discussions on advancing work on the roadmap for the Dublin city task force report.

Senator Victor Boyhan

I thank the Minister of State.

Fire Service

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

Anois, an Seanadóir Kennelly. Before he begins, we are having a little trouble with the timer on the wall. We are watching the time on the desk, however, so I will give the Senator a little leeway on his time.

Senator Mike Kennelly

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I welcome the Minister of State this morning. I thank the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad for accepting this serious Commencement matter.

My ask this morning is for an extension of the retirement age for retained firefighters. I ask that we urgently amend the regulations governing the retirement age for retained firefighters across Ireland, allowing those who remain medically and physically fit to continue serving until the State pension age of 66. There are approximately 3,300 firefighters serving across Ireland, with more than 2,000 serving as retained firefighters. They staff the vast majority of our 217 fire stations and are the backbone of the fire service in rural and regional Ireland. They respond to fires, road traffic collisions, flooding and other emergencies, while balancing their roles with work and family commitments. They provide an invaluable front-line service to communities across the country.

Under the current regulations, retained firefighters can remain in service beyond the age of 55 if they pass annual medical and fitness assessments, but they must retire at 62. That means many are forced to leave up to four years before they qualify for the State pension. The Government acknowledged recently that there were challenges with recruitment and retention when it increased the retirement age from 60 to 62 in 2024. However, those challenges remain. Fire services, in particular in rural Ireland, continue to struggle to recruit and retain personnel. Requiring experienced firefighters to retire at 62 only makes that situation a lot worse. This proposal is not about lowering standards. Those wishing to remain in service already undergo annual medical and fitness assessments and can only continue with the approval of their employing fire authority and local authority, for example, Kerry County Council and so forth. The safeguards are already there. The proposal simply extends the existing fitness-based approach to the State pension age of 66. There is also a clear issue of fairness. Retained firefighters can be required to retire up to four years before they qualify for the State pension despite being fit, capable and willing to continue serving. This gap has to be addressed. There is a real urgency here. Firefighters are approaching their 62nd birthdays in the coming weeks and months and face compulsory retirement under the current regulations. If the Government intends to make this change, it must act now.

I am asking for the Government to introduce an immediate pause or freeze on compulsory retirements at age 62 while the necessary regulatory changes are progressed. It would be deeply unfair if experienced firefighters were forced to retire only for the rules to change shortly afterwards. This is a very sensible and very practical reform. It would help retain experienced firefighters, strengthen emergency response, support rural fire services and align retirement with the State pension age, while maintaining the highest standards of safety through annual medical and fitness assessments, which are ongoing. I am asking the Minister of State today to commit to amending the regulations to allow retained firefighters to serve until the age of 66 where they continue to meet the required medical and fitness standards and to introduce an immediate freeze so that no firefighter is disadvantaged while this change is being considered. These men and women have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities and if they remain fit to serve, we should allow them to continue serving.

Deputy Frankie Feighan

I thank Senator Kennelly for instigating this discussion on the subject of the retirement age for retained firefighters. Many Members are dedicated advocates for the terms and conditions of retained firefighters and that advocacy and support is greatly appreciated.

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to address the House and update Members on progress to date on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Senator Kennelly raised the question of the retirement age of the retained firefighters. I want to address the specific changes the Government has introduced in that regard. Before I do, however, I want to first acknowledge the vital contribution these dedicated men and women make every day to public safety, community resilience and the protection of life and property.

In recent years, the Government has undertaken a comprehensive programme of reform aimed at strengthening the retained fire service. The focus has been on making the role more attractive and sustainable, supporting better work-life balance, increasing financial security and career opportunities and raising awareness and driving recruitment nationally.

Local authorities are now implementing the terms of a September 2023 Workplace Relations Commission agreement with retained firefighters, in conjunction with an accepted Labour Court recommendation of February 2025, on an uplift to the retainer payment made to retained firefighters, which now provides guaranteed fixed minimum earnings of approximately €25,000 for new recruits as of 1 June 2026.

That guaranteed payment is in addition to any operational activity-based earnings. Retained firefighters have secured improved work-life balance through a new model of service provision of structured time off with a 24-week-on, 24-week-flexible roster with four weeks’ annual leave per annum. This model provides for the option, while placing no obligation on retained firefighters, to attend incidents during their flexible weeks. This is equivalent to a 50% reduction in incident attendance obligations from the pre-WRC agreement position. A national standard level of 12 crew per retained fire station has been established. This rise in crewing numbers equates to an approximate increase of 20% in retained firefighter numbers from the pre-WRC agreement position.

The recruitment of additional retained firefighters is helping to build capacity and resilience in our retained fire service. These measures strengthen response capability and fire safety across the communities served by a network of 201 retained fire stations. In the period from the WRC agreement of September 2023 to May 2026, 716 new recruits successfully entered local authority fire services, showing the success of the revised terms and conditions in addressing retained fire service recruitment concerns.

Returning to the question of the retirement age of retained firefighters, in 2024 the Government extended the mandatory retirement age to 62 to further strengthen fire services. This was done through the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024. This Act amended, among other matters, the law in relation to the age at which certain public servants are required to retire. The former Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage made regulations in August 2024, with the consent of the then Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, raising the mandatory retirement age to 62. The move to 62 for retained firefighters aligns them with this broader approach and promotes standardisation. In practice, this means firefighters may retire at 55, but if they remain fit and pass the medical tests, they may remain in service until their 62nd birthday, at which point they must retire. This extension of the mandatory retirement age to 62 strengthens fire services through retention of long-serving personnel.

This is not answering the Deputy’s question, I do not think, but he might get something in the conclusion.

Senator Mike Kennelly

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The good news is since 2024 the retirement age is up to 62, as he clearly stated. My ask is for the retirement age of 62 to be increased to the pension age of 66. I do not see an answer to my Commencement matter, as such. I ask the Minister of State to take back my seriousness on this matter. He outlined that many personnel have gone into the fire service since the introduction of the new work conditions, contracts and so forth, but my ask is to extend that 62 to 66, especially for people approaching 62, which is the age they are asked to finish at. Will the Minister of State take that back to the Department to see if that ask can be considered? It has to be considered.

Deputy Frankie Feighan

I thank Senator Kennelly for raising this important issue. It affects us in all our constituencies, towns, villages and cities. The focus has been on making the role more attractive and sustainable. We have done a lot for better work-life balance, have increased financial security and career opportunities and have raised awareness.

I thank the members for all their work. Retention and recruitment of personnel in the fire service remains a key priority. Supporting retained firefighters through appropriate policies, employer engagement and public awareness is essential to maintaining a strong and sustainable service. There will be constructive dialogue. We need to continue to work together to ensure a safe, resilient and well-supported fire service for communities across the country.

I have heard what the Senator said and will bring it back to the Minister that there is a gap of four years and that it probably needs to be narrowed as much as possible. All stakeholders need to work together on coming up with a reasonable solution.

Control of Firearms

Senator P. J. Murphy

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Ardagh, to the House and take this opportunity to congratulate her on her recent appointment. I wish her all the best in her new role.

I raise an issue of significant concern to many law-abiding firearm licenceholders throughout rural Ireland. Ireland has approximately 150,000 firearm licenceholders, accounting for more than 210,000 licensed firearms. Firearms ownership is tightly regulated and Ireland's licensing regime is widely regarded as one of the most stringent in Europe. While many firearms certificates are processed efficiently, concerns continue to be reported across the country regarding inconsistencies in interpretation and implementation of the licensing system. These concerns include lost or misplaced applications; delays in processing; additional documentation requirements that go way beyond the published guidelines; applicants being told they own too many firearms, despite meeting the legal requirements; and the failure to provide formal refusal letters outlining the reasons for decisions. These inconsistencies undermine confidence in the system and create unnecessary uncertainty for responsible licenceholders who are simply seeking to comply with the law.

There are also concerns regarding the stakeholder engagement process established by the Department. At a recent meeting in Kilmainham, concerns relating to inconsistencies in firearms licensing were reportedly ruled out of order. If issues regarding the day-to-day operation of licensing systems cannot be discussed at the appropriate forum, it is difficult to know where they can be discussed, other than on the floor of this House. I understand a further phase of stakeholder engagement is planned for the coming months. Will the Minister of State confirm that concerns relating to inconsistencies in the interpretation and implementation of firearms licensing, which stakeholders report were ruled out of order during the first phase of engagement, will specifically be included in the next phase? I also ask her to review the structure of the forum. There remains uncertainty regarding its remit, membership and representation, and it appears many participants attend in an individual capacity rather than as representatives of recognised national organisations.

These concerns were reinforced at a recent briefing in the audiovisual room in Leinster House, hosted by the National Association of Regional Game Councils, NARGC, and the Firearms Users Representative Group, FURG, which was well attended by Members from across the political divide and from all parties. It provided an opportunity to hear directly from firearms users affected by these issues.

As the holder of a number of licensed firearms, a lover of rural pursuits and chairman of my local gun club, in Ardrahan, County Galway, I acknowledge the work of the NARGC, which is the umbrella body for all the small gun clubs right around the country, and FURG, both of which have consistently highlighted the concerns of licensed firearm users across Ireland.

I ask the Minister of State, as a matter of urgency, to meet representatives of FURG and the NARGC, the largest rural pursuits membership organisation in the country and the second-largest sports organisation in Ireland in terms of membership after the GAA, to hear directly from them regarding the challenges facing licensed firearms holders and to ensure their concerns are reflected in future policy decisions. The 150,000 licensed firearms holders in this country deserve a fair, consistent and transparent licensing system, meaningful engagement with the Government and a voice in decisions that may significantly affect their activities.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (Deputy Catherine Ardagh)

I thank the Senator for his kind remarks at the outset. I thank him for raising the issue today. Firearms are now one of my delegated responsibilities. While the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is the competent authority for the importation and exportation of firearms and the licensing of firearms dealers, An Garda Síochána, as the Senator knows, has a range of functions with regard to the operation of firearms legislation, including the issuing of firearm certificates and authorisations, and is the competent authority for the licensing of firearms within the State.

The Firearms Acts 1925 to 2023 and the Firearms (Firearm Certificates for Non-Residents) Act 2000 both give the authority for granting licences to superintendents and chief superintendents of An Garda Síochána. Licensing officers, when considering firearms licence applications, are considered personae designatae and cannot have their decision-making fettered in any way. Neither the Department nor I have a role in the issuing, or otherwise, of firearms licences.

I note the Senator’s comments on inconsistencies in the implementation and administration of firearms licensing. He mentioned a stakeholder engagement meeting where certain comments were out of order. I cannot confirm or deny that because I was not present at the meetings. Nevertheless, I am advised that reform of the firearms licensing system has been under consideration for a number of years, as the Senator well knows and has highlighted. Extensive consultation has been undertaken and is continuing, and there is regular and structured engagement between the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and firearms users.

I am informed that the most recent engagement took place on 28 April 2026, and more than 20 representatives of the firearms community and firearms stakeholder organisations attended a meeting with officials. This was the fourth in a series of meetings that have taken place since 18 September 2025. I understand there will be further engagement with me personally and the Department. The stakeholders attending these meetings include several from representative organisations, experts in technical areas of firearms and members of An Garda Síochána’s firearms policy unit. I am informed that reform of the current licensing system is one of the issues being discussed at the meetings.

The administration surrounding firearms licensing is very complex, as the Senator is probably very well aware. It is governed by both national and European legislation to which each member state must adhere. Diligent consideration must be given to the potential ramifications of any contemplated change. Accordingly, this process is incremental.

It is intended to continue the proactive and open engagement that has taken place thus far. A consultation phase is due to commence in the coming months with official firearms representative organisations to discuss the findings of recent engagements. I thank the Senator again and look forward to working with him on this matter going forward.

Senator P. J. Murphy

I thank the Minister of State very much for her answer. Although I take on board what the Minister of State has said, there is no doubt but that there are glaring inconsistencies right across the country, even from division to division and from station to station, in the implementation of the existing rules on the granting of firearms licences, particularly for young people who want to enter the sport. We have to tighten up regarding the inconsistencies. People need to know where they stand.

At the current talks in Kilmainham between the various stakeholders, the NARGC, the second-largest sports body in Ireland, does not have an official representative. What we have is the equivalent of a task force to discuss the future use of hurleys without an invitation to the GAA to attend. It is crazy. We need attendance in an official capacity by the second-largest sports body in Ireland, the NARGC. Although it has over 80,000 members, it does not have an official representative on the task force. It is bizarre to even comprehend the make-up of the task force. I urge the Minister of State to take this on board, and I look forward to working with her on this.

Deputy Catherine Ardagh

I am listening and the Senator’s point is very well made. Officials from my Department intend to continue with the ongoing stakeholder engagement meetings and the proactive and open engagement that has taken place. I will pass on the point the Senator has made.

The objective of the meetings is to provide a mechanism for ongoing engagement with firearms stakeholders across a broad range of areas within the firearms community, ensuring their valuable insights in specific areas of firearms can be considered in any future policy or legislative changes that may and, it is safe to say, need to arise. Stakeholder organisations are encouraged to make submissions to the meetings, engage with other stakeholders and contribute. Any stakeholder organisation that would like to contribute is also welcome to engage with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on the matter.

I am sure the NARGC has contacted the Department.

Senator P. J. Murphy

Not in my jurisdiction.

Deputy Catherine Ardagh

Yes. Various stakeholders have expressed their appreciation and satisfaction as to how the series of meetings have progressed thus far. I am informed that they thanked the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for its willingness to initiate a programme for change and look forward to working positively with the Department in the future.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Senator Maria Byrne

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, for coming here to discuss this all-important issue. Over 300,000 people in the State currently live with diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, and many of them are on continuous glucose monitoring, CGM. It has been absolutely life-changing for people. People can lead a very healthy lifestyle with it. They are able to monitor their glucose levels and can tell if they are high or low, and they are able to administer whatever is needed, be it insulin or another medication, to themselves depending on the results. Also, healthcare professionals can monitor patients’ glucose levels and outcomes, which is important, especially when patients are accessing their clinics. There are about 500 to 700 people who are not included in the CGM cohort. It is just that they may not have been insulin-dependent at the time of their diagnosis. That they do not have the machine is an oversight. I do not believe it was intentional; it was just that the patients were not insulin-dependent. Could the Minister for Health re-examine this and determine whether the 500 to 700 people who need to be included in the scheme can be included? If they can be, it will be life-changing. So many people are so dependent on monitoring their sugar levels. I look forward to the Minister of State’s answer.

Deputy Frankie Feighan

I thank Senator Byrne for raising this important issue. I will be answering on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

The State acknowledges the importance of access to new and innovative medicines for patients and is acutely aware of the plight of patients diagnosed with diabetes. By way of background, CGM systems provide an alternative approach for self-monitoring of blood glucose. These CGM systems comprise sensors, transmitters and a mechanism to display results.

Under the Health Act 2007, HIQA has a statutory remit to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of health technologies and provide advice to the Minister for Health. HIQA conducts health technology assessments, HTAs, for programmes and services at the specific request of the HSE or the Department of Health, which may include medical devices.

The HSE has advised that HIQA’s rapid HTA of CGM in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus was published on 29 September 2023. The HTA recommended the establishment of a single managed access programme for all CGM systems for all individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, noting that such a system would need clearly defined criteria for access.

Following on from the recommendations in this HTA, the HSE medicines management programme, in conjunction with the HSE primary care reimbursement system and with the support of the HSE chief clinical officer, introduced an online reimbursement application system for all CGM sensors on 1 December 2023. At this point in time, reimbursement support for CGM sensors is based on the HIQA HTA. By the end of 2025, over 27,000 patients in Ireland were approved for reimbursement support for CGM sensors. To date, a HTA of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus or other types of diabetes has not been undertaken in Ireland. Therefore, there is limited information to support the extension of reimbursement to these patient groups. Such information would include a cost-effectiveness assessment and the budget impact of the measure. The HSE has identified preferred CGM products based on cost effectiveness to manage this expenditure. A second review of CGM sensors is taking place, which will include an update of the preferred CGM sensors evaluation.

On 21 May, the Minister for Health launched Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A Strategy for Better Care. This is Ireland’s first national strategy for diabetes. It sets out recommendations for action in relation to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy and paediatric diabetes. The strategy marks a major milestone in diabetes care in Ireland, representing the development of a unified approach to the delivery of diabetes care.

I again thank Senator Byrne for raising this very important issue today. I will bring her views, concerns and ideas back to the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill.

Senator Maria Byrne

I thank the Minister of State very much. It is wonderful that 27,000 people have been reimbursed. In the context of that 27,000, the figure of just over 500 who have fallen through the cracks is quite a small number. I request that the Minister carry out a review because these people, who are now insulin-dependent, should be included in the reimbursement programme. We have come a long way from the time when people had to prick their finger and test their blood to see what their levels were. It certainly has been life-changing. It is better for both those who have type 1 diabetes and those who have type 2. I certainly hope that review will lead to those who have type 2 diabetes, especially those at the higher end, being included.

Deputy Frankie Feighan

I will bring the Senator's views to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I assure her that the Minister for Health really appreciates the importance of ensuring that patients with diabetes in Ireland have access to the latest treatments. The Minister for Health met Diabetes Ireland in April of this year and attended its conference in May. She has been made aware of the group's perspectives on access to CGM sensor technology. As the Senator has outlined, there has been a significant shift in the quality and delivery of diabetes care in recent years. More patients are provided with care in the community at an earlier age. Research into the chronic disease management programme has shown that over 90% of patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes, are now successfully managing their conditions in community settings. As I stated earlier, building on the national framework for integrated prevention, the Minister launched Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A Strategy for Better Care in May of this year. This policy-associated report was developed in collaboration between the Department of Health, the HSE and Diabetes Ireland. It is Ireland's first national strategy for diabetes. It marks a major milestone in diabetes care in Ireland, representing the development of a unified approach to the delivery of diabetes care.

Cuireadh an Seanad ar fionraí ar 10.14 a.m. agus cuireadh tús leis arís ar 10.32 a.m.

Sitting suspended at 10.14 a.m. and resumed at 10.32 a.m.

Seanad Éireann debate - Thursday, 2 Jul 2026