Written Answers Nos. 835-855
835. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the process that has been put in place by her Department and the HSE to help identify the names of the people who are buried in these burial grounds under their management or under their control, and the institutions from which they resided in prior to their death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14087/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
836. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if her Department and the HSE have entered into arrangements with local authorities for the management and maintenance of these burial grounds and if any process is in place to transfer the control of same to the local authorities in the respective areas where these burial grounds are situated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14088/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
837. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if there has been any engagement between her Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in respect of adopting a joint approach about the management and maintenance of burial grounds under their management or under their control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14089/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
838. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review correspondence attached (details supplied) and provide an update from the HSE on this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14092/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
839. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health for an update on the introduction of a certificate (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14105/25]
View answerI appreciate and acknowledge the devastating impact that pregnancy loss can have on families. The Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024 has expanded access to the stillbirth register for those who can request a certificate. Changes were made, through the Act, to the criteria for the registration of stillbirths with a reduction of the weight and gestational age thresholds. These changes mean that more babies will now be included on the official register of stillbirths.
The Civil Registration Act is the responsibility of the Minister for Social Protection.
As part of the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy, Bereavement Specialist Teams have been established in all 19 maternity hospitals/units across the country, to assist and support parents, families and professionals dealing with pregnancy loss. We are currently assessing the implementation of a number of maternity service reforms to which we have committed within the Programme for Government, including the development of a successor to the National Maternity Strategy.
840. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health to address the lack of supports for single working parents of children with autism (details supplied) during school holidays, as they rely on term-time-only afterschool services, and need further assistance when schools and afterschool are closed for holidays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14108/25]
View answerThis is not a matter for Department of Health. This question should be redirected to the Department of Social Protection.
841. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health her plans for increased GP services in the Dublin 5 area. [14110/25]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently, there are 2,553 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP.
A number of measures have been taken in recent years to increase the number of GPs practicing in the State and thereby improve access to GP services for all patients across the country.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice was increased by €211.6m. This provided for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees for additional services and increased practice supports. The GP Agreement 2023 further increased GP capitation fees, increased the existing subsidy rates for practice staff, and introduced a grant support for additional staff capacity as well a practice staff maternity leave support. These measures make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors.
Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available from 2024. 346 new entrants commenced training last year, a 21% increase on the previous year’s intake of 286.
Furthermore, recruitment of GPs from abroad commenced in 2023 under the joint HSE and ICGP International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. 114 IMG GPs were in practice as of October last and funding has been provided to recruit up to 250 more GPs from outside Ireland to the country this year. Placement of these GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas.
Lastly, a Strategic Review of General Practice is underway. The review, with input from key stakeholders, is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity and will consider possible mechanisms to attract GPs to rural and urban deprived areas. Following its completion, a final report will be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.
842. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE psychologists, per county, in the Midwest, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14112/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
843. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE dieticians, per county, in the Midwest, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14113/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
844. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health the way in which medical devices are regulated in Ireland; if medical devices are reimbursed by the State in a manner that is similar to pharmaceutical products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14117/25]
View answerIn the EU, medical devices are regulated by way of an EU wide framework. A valid medical device bears a ‘CE’ mark, which indicates that it meets the basic requirements for safety and effectiveness under European law. In 2017, two EU Regulations on medical and in vitro diagnostic devices (known as the ‘MDR’ and ‘IVDR’ respectively) came into force.
The MDR became applicable in May 2021 (following a one-year delay as a result of the impact of COVID-19) and the IVDR became applicable in May 2022, also subject to some of its provisions being delayed. The objectives of the regulations are to significantly strengthen the regulatory system for medical devices and provide a framework that is robust and consistent and serves to enhance public health across the EU by ensuring that medical devices are safe, perform as intended and afford benefits to patients and healthcare systems whilst also supporting innovation
The Health Products Regulatory Authority is the agency in Ireland with responsibility of regulating medical devices for the benefit of people and the Department of Health engages closely with the HPRA on their remit.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of aids and appliances free of charge to eligible people following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community. A national list, including prescribing criteria, can be found at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/community-funded-schemes/aids-and-appliances/aids-and-appliances.html
Products classified as non-drug (medical devices) can be submitted for addition to the Reimbursement List for the certain categories found at this link: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cpu/non-drug-reimbursement-applications/. Additions to the Reimbursement List will be considered by the HSE in accordance with the Health (Supply and Pricing of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
845. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health when the new Obesity Policy Action Plan will be published; whether there will be an opportunity for industry and patient advocacy groups to submit observations on a new iteration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14118/25]
View answerA Healthy Weight for Ireland, the current Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland Framework (Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025).
OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and the overall aim is to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications, and reduce the impact of overweight and obesity on health outcomes for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. It recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. OPAP is well aligned with the World Health Organisation in terms of the breadth of policy measures that have been introduced or are being considered in order to address the obesity epidemic.
Under OPAP, Ireland put in place a comprehensive, cross-Government strategy to address obesity and overweight. Since 2016 significant progress has been made in delivering on the Ten Step Programme of OPAP and to drive policy initiatives and actions, ranging from health promotion and education initiatives and obesity prevention measures through to establishing services to treat and manage obesity within the health care system.
The current OPAP runs through to the end of 2025 and a successor Obesity Policy and Action Plan will be due at the beginning of 2026. The Department is at an early stage of preparing the next OPAP. In January the Department held a workshop with Government departments, agencies, public health bodies, advocacy groups and academics to identify some of the key themes to consider as part of the development of the next OPAP.
Following a recent tender, consultants experienced in strategy development, stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, and obesity-related healthcare policy have now been appointed to assist in developing the new Obesity Policy and Action Plan.
As part of this work, the consultants will facilitate focus groups with key stakeholder groups once the vision and strategic goals for a new policy have been identified by policy makers, informed by evidence. We also anticipate conducting a public stakeholder consultation.
It is expected that a new obesity policy will be published in early 2026. The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, includes a commitment to develop a new Obesity Policy and Action Plan.
846. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health to provide detailed information on the current waiting lists for psychology care within HSE primary care psychology services; the length of time children aged 0-17 years-old are typically waiting to access these services; and the measures being taken to reduce these waiting times. [14132/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
847. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health to clarify the expertise available within each primary care centre under HSE primary care psychology services; to confirm, given it is stated that each centre usually has a team of occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers, whether these teams are adequately equipped to address a broad range of psychological issues for children aged up to 17 years of age. [14133/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
848. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the number of individuals allocated treatment under the National Counselling Services from 2022 to 2024 in the Louth-Meath area, in tabular form; and for an update on the current waiting list, including the number of individuals waiting, the demographics of those receiving counselling services, the referral process, and the typical waiting time for referred individuals. [14135/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
849. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the Covid-19 inquiry. [14136/25]
View answerThe COVID-19 Evaluation, led by Professor Anne Scott, is completely independent in its functions. It decides on all matters relating to its operation, including its procedures and its programme of work, guided by its publicly available Terms of Reference. Information on its planned phased programme of work and future opportunities for consultation is available on www.covid19evaluation.ie. Secretariat support for the Evaluation is being provided by a dedicated team of seconded civil servants.
850. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if, in relation to the ongoing Covid-19 inquiry, there is a method for the general public and healthcare workers to make disclosures to the Chair of the Covid-19 inquiry (details supplied); and how they can contact the Chair to provide information on what occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. [14137/25]
View answerThe COVID-19 Evaluation, led by Professor Anne Scott, is completely independent in its functions. It decides on all matters relating to its operation, including its procedures and its programme of work, guided by its publicly available Terms of Reference. Information on its planned phased programme of work and future opportunities for consultation is available on www.covid19evaluation.ie. Secretariat support for the Evaluation is being provided by a dedicated team of seconded civil servants.
851. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if guidance will be issued to civil and public servants explaining how they should interact with Covid-19 inquiries. [14138/25]
View answerThe COVID-19 Evaluation, led by Professor Anne Scott, is completely independent in its functions. It decides on all matters relating to its operation, including its procedures and its programme of work, guided by its publicly available Terms of Reference. Information on its planned phased programme of work and future opportunities for consultation is available on www.covid19evaluation.ie. Secretariat support for the Evaluation is being provided by a dedicated team of seconded civil servants.
852. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider including Crohn’s and Colitis in the long-term illness scheme. [14139/25]
View answerThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions covered by the Scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
853. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health to outline the drug rehabilitation and addiction services available in Louth, including the number of centres in the country, a detailed list of services provided, the number of patients served, and the current waiting lists; and to provide a breakdown of waiting lists per CHO area, in each of the years 2020 to 2024, in tabular form. [14140/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
854. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health for an update on when construction will be completed on Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Ardee, County Louth. [14145/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
855. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the cost of a 20% increase in clinical training places for medical interns, initial specialist training, higher specialist training and clinical psychology; the number of extra places this would result in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14157/25]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
