Written Answers Nos. 748-768
748. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE clinical nurse specialists in endocrinology at Beaumont Hospital in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [15306/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
749. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE sonographers, by grade, working in St. James's Hospital in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [15307/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
750. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of the addiction services in Carlow and Kilkenny, and the funding they receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15311/25]
View answerAs this refers to a service matter, I have sent this PQ to the HSE for direct response.
751. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health to address issues in regard to the national oral health policy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15312/25]
View answerThe HSE Oral Healthcare Service aims to provide an oral examination and necessary treatment for children at ages approximating to second and sixth class and, in some cases, fourth class. Emergency care is provided for children of all ages up to 16. However, the HSE does not provide the child oral health examination programme to children once they turn 16.
The HSE’s child oral health examination programme has been impacted by capacity challenges in recent years and I acknowledge that we need to do more to support access to this current service while reform proceeds through implementation of the National Oral Health Policy (NOHP). In Budget 2025, an additional €2m in funding, increasing to €4m in 2026, was provided to continue implementation of the NOHP and improve access to existing community services in our HSE dental and orthodontic clinics. This investment is providing an additional 15 HSE dental and orthodontic staff nationally to deliver oral healthcare in our community, including supporting children to access the current primary school programme of routine check-ups.
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as additional fillings, dentures, and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs and high-risk patients are available subject to the approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon. Services are not undertaken on the basis of a waiting list as they are available on demand with a DTSS contracted practitioner.
In the longer-term, the NOHP sets out the reform of services so that children can access regular, prevention-focused oral healthcare from birth. Children will be supported to access a local general dental practice from birth and will be able to continue to access regular public care at their chosen practice until they turn 16.
An implementation plan for the first phase of rollout to end-2027 is being finalised between my Department and the HSE and contains development of these new services for children as among the initial priorities.
752. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list time for counselling in the HSE national counselling service in the Louth/Meath area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15313/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly with the Deputy as soon as possible.
753. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health her plans to fund a community neurorehabilitation team for the north Dublin area as promised in 2019, in order to provide access to vital therapies for people living with neurological conditions throughout north Dublin; if she is aware that the north Dublin area, the location of the National Neuroscience Centre in Beaumont Hospital, and the Major National Trauma Centre in the Mater Hospital, does not have a neurorehabilitation team in the community for these patients when they return home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15315/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
754. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if she will meet with a person (details supplied) as per their request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15316/25]
View answerI can confirm this request was received. It was considered more relevant to the Minister for Education and the requester has been notified of this.
755. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if she will assist a group with funding for an event (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15317/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
756. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE senior grade psychologists based in community care within CHO4 in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [15352/25]
View answerThis PQ has been referred to the HSE for response as it is an operational matter.
757. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant general adult psychiatrists based at Cork University Hospital in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [15353/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
758. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of 24-7 HSE rapid response vehicles based in Cork, by location, in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [15354/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
759. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if she will urgently carry out changes to the fair deal scheme given certain anomalies in the scheme (details supplied). [15361/25]
View answerThe Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone, and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
All participants within the NHSS contribute up to 80% of their income (40% if part of a couple) and 7.5% per annum of the value of their assets (3.75% if part of a couple). The first €36,000 (€72,000 if part of a couple) is excluded from assessment. The value of a person's principal residence is only assessed for contributions for their first three years on the scheme.
It is a core principle of the scheme that those who have more, pay more, and those who have less, pay less.
Assets assessed include cash assets as well as non-cash assets such as the principal private residence, other property and land, including farmland.
The process of the determination of financial assessment of means is described in Schedule 1 of the Act and can be viewed by following this link: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2009/act/15/enacted/en/print#sched1.
As the scheme is governed by primary legislation, applicants have no leave to appeal inclusion of the Principal Private Residence in financial assessment of means calculations.
There are currently no plans to revise the legislation to change how the Principal Private Residence is assessed, Given the size, complexity and cost of the NHSS, amendments to the scheme are complex and any changes in policy direction need to be carefully assessed and kept under review.
The Department of Health recognises that each situation is different and recommends that nursing home residents and their representatives carefully consider their personal circumstances and the potential consequences of their decisions in respect of treatment of the principal residence. It is advisable to make an informed decision before making a commitment to rent or sell their property.
The Department of Health cannot comment on the assessment criteria of Revenue or any other State agency.
760. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason there are no publicly funded routes to access diagnostic services in the southeast for autistic and ADHD adults, especially as public diagnostic services are seen elsewhere in the country, and private diagnosis can cost thousands of euro; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15373/25]
View answerI am aware the Deputy may have received a response directly from the HSE on this issue. However as Minister I would like to provide more context on the work I am doing and my Department to deliver quality mental health services for adults with ADHD.
As the Deputy is aware, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can cause many issues in areas such as personal and social relations, education and occupation, managing money and organising life in general, there is also an increased risk of having other mental health difficulties with it such as anxiety and depression.
Prior to the inception of the National Clinical Programme (NCP) for Adults with ADHD which I launched in 2021, there were no specific ADHD public services available for adults in Ireland.
The National Clinical Programme for Adult ADHD is now being implemented across the country by multidisciplinary teams on a phased basis. We have five of the teams fully operational, two more in development, and I secured the funding for the remaining four teams in Budget 2025 which will complete the number required under the model of care.
In addition, last year I also secured recurring funding for the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP), a 6-week programme run by ADHD Ireland which has proven highly beneficial and effective for adults who have completed it. As Minister, I worked closely with ADHD Ireland for the past 5 years and will continue to do so.
Rollout of ADHD Services in the South East
As your query relates to a service matter, the HSE was contacted for an update. The HSE advised the following was the position.
The HSE outlined that in Budget 2025, HSE Mental Health Services received national funding approval to develop an Adult ADHD Team based in Waterford City to serve the IHA Waterford Wexford and IHA Carlow Kilkenny and South Tipperary areas. This funding will allow for the recruitment of a Consultant with administrative support, a Psychologist, an Occupational Therapist and a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Recruitment of these posts is being prioritised with a view (subject to successful recruitment) to having in place in Quarter 3 2025.
Response from HSE Services Disability Services on the Rollout of Autism Services in the South East
In relation to the aspect of your query relating to autism services, it is important to clarify as stated previously that responsibility for the provision of autism services is under the Department of Children, Equality Disability, Integration and Youth. Any issues or further queries in relation to the following information on the rollout of autism services can be followed up directly with that Department who will be able to provide further detailed information on this issue.
Accordingly the HSE Disability Services were contacted for the purpose of responding to your representation and the HSE provided the following update.
The HSE outline that the pathway for access to services and assessment of autism for children is through the National Access Policy by referral to either Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) or referral to Primary Care Therapy Assessment Team (PCCAT).
The focus for Adult Disability Services is to provide support for adults who have transitioned from Children’s Disability Services or provision of services for adults that have received a diagnosis of a disability.
The HSE state under the Disability Act 2005 any person born after 1st June 2002 may apply under Assessment of Need for an assessment of their needs.
Finally as Minister, I am committed to ensuring that mental health services continue to evolve in order to meet the needs of people served by them.
761. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the plans to ensure that neurodivergent adults can access public healthcare no matter which county they are from and live in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15374/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
762. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the plans to ensure that medical professionals receive an adequate amount of experience and training with neurodivergent persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15375/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
763. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health for an update on the standardising of the community funded scheme for post-mastectomy products and wigs-hair pieces; when consistent funding will be available across all counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15391/25]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provide an extensive range of aids and appliances to individuals living with a wide variety of different medical conditions. These support individuals to continue living within their communities and to enjoy a greater quality of life than would otherwise be the case.
The Community Funded Schemes (CFS) is the collective name for the provision of these products and services. This includes the provision of post-mastectomy products and hair loss products following cancer related treatment.
As of December 2024, the annual allowance towards the provision for post-mastectomy products and hair loss products following cancer-related treatment has been standardised nationwide.
Further information can be found at the following links:
www2.hse.ie/conditions/cancer/financial-support/#hse-allowances
www2.hse.ie/conditions/mastectomy/#getting-help-with-the-cost
I am pleased that these allowances have been standardised nationwide as progressing Women's Health is a priority for me as the Minister for Health.
764. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure that the payment due for health scans such as CT, MRI, and so on are accepted from the patients' health insurance or medical card, which is not always the case at present, (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15400/25]
View answerIreland operates a voluntary, community rated private health insurance market, meaning that individuals can choose whether or not to purchase private health insurance, and all policyholders pay the same premium for a given level of cover, regardless of their age, gender or health status.
A key feature of this system is minimum benefit, whereby insurers are required, under the Health Insurance Act 1994 (Minimum Benefit) Regulations 1996, to offer a minimum level of cover in every insurance policy. However, private health insurers have discretion over the specific treatments and procedures they choose to cover, provided they meet these minimum requirements.
I have no role in the commercial decisions of private health insurers, including decisions regarding the coverage of specific diagnostics such as CT, MRI, and so on.
If an individual is dissatisfied with their insurer’s decision regarding coverage, they can avail of their insurer’s internal complaints process. If they remain dissatisfied with the outcome, they may escalate their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO), which provides an independent dispute resolution service for consumers and financial service providers, including private health insurers.
Additional Information – Eligibility
Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended) the Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical cards) and limited eligibility. Full eligibility is determined primarily by reference to income limits and determination of an individual's eligibility status is the responsibility of the HSE. Individuals with full eligibility can access a range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all public hospital in-patient services including consultant services, all public hospital out-patient services including consultant services, dental, ophthalmic, and aural services and appliances, a termination of pregnancy service and a maternity and infant care service. Individuals with limited eligibility are eligible for in-patient and outpatient public hospital services including consultant services, subject to certain charges. Other services such as allied healthcare professional services may also be made available to persons with limited eligibility.
Separately, patients may opt for inpatient care in public hospitals under section 55 of the Health Act 1970 (as amended) which, provides that the HSE may make available in-patient services to persons who do not have or have waived their eligibility to public in-patient services. Statutory inpatient hospital charges apply for such an episode of care (as set out in the tables of charges specified in the Fourth Schedule to the 1970 Act) depending on the category of hospital and whether the accommodation was provided in a single or multi-occupancy room (as set out in the Fifth Schedule and the Sixth Schedule).
765. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health whether a publicly available progress summary covering some or all of the 49 recommendations made in the independent review of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services since it was published in July 2023 exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15403/25]
View answerThe Government and I remain fully committed to the development of all aspects of Mental Health services nationally, including those for children and young people. This is being progressed under implementation of our mental health policy Sharing the Vision and our suicide reduction policy Connecting for Life and has been underpinned by significant new development funding provided by Government over recent years, including under Budget 2025.
The new Child and Youth Mental Health Office that I established in the HSE provides an additional focus to improve leadership, operational oversight, and management of all Youth Mental Health care. The HSE has taken account of the various recent reports and audits on CAMHS and has developed a new Child and Youth Mental Health Action Plan, which was published on 17 February 2025. This includes progressing, as appropriate, relevant recommendations of the Maskey Report, and the Mental Health Commission Report, to improve CAMHS care nationally.
This ambitious new Action Plan, which has been published on the HSE website, will deliver services which are safer, effective, easier to access and which offers appropriate support at all levels when needed. The three-year Plan sets out a clear roadmap to ensure children and families have equitable and timely access to high-quality mental health care, including better links with Primary Care and Disability Services, and greater use of e-mental health responses.
As is the case with the thematic reports regularly produced by the Mental Health Commission over recent years, including that relating to CAMHS in 2023, no specific mechanisms of the type raised by the Deputy are subsequently or routinely put in place. However, the recommendations arising from all such reports are given full and proper consideration by the Department of Health, and the HSE, with a view to developing the best possible services for Mental Health. Both I and officials in my Department are assured that the recommendations raised by the Commission in their report are receiving appropriate attention by the HSE, and have been used to inform the current Action Plan.
It is the role of the Department of Health to ensure that key performance metrics for HSE services are met, that investment is prioritised and used for agreed service developments, and that policy recommendations are reviewed and enacted as appropriate. The functions of the Commission, as set out in Section 33 of the Mental Health Act, do not include a function to oversee or monitor the performance of the HSE outside of services registered as approved centres, nor do they grant an implementation function on the Commission.
The Deputy can rest assured that I will continue to work closely with the HSE, the Mental Health Commission and all other relevant agencies to improve our Youth Mental Health services nationally.
766. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if Ennis Hospital will no longer accept card or cheque payments from patients; if patients will need to pay via a centralised office on the east coast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15407/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
767. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she or any of her Departmental staff were made aware of payroll overpayments within the HSE prior to release of an internal audit on 25 March 2025; and if so, if she will provide details of any relevant correspondence related to the matter. [15408/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
768. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses employed in the Lucan area every five years from 1981 to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15415/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
