Written Answers Nos. 359-384
359. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to give favourable consideration to a request from an organisation (details supplied) to mandate for standardised breast density reporting for women who have public and private mammograms in Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21876/25]
View answerI am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular periods to have a mammogram. The Programme for Government commits to raising the age for the BreastCheck screening programme in line with updated standards from HIQA.
I am intent on advancing the cancer screening commitments outlined in the Programme for Government, which will be facilitated through established protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent 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 me as Minister for Health. The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective. This is particularly important when expert opinion is divided, and uncertainty remains about whether the potential benefits outweigh the possible harms. In the case of introducing breast density measurement into breast cancer screening, a cautious, evidence-led approach is essential to ensure that any decision serves the best interests of the population and maintains the integrity of the screening programme.
In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC is progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted a request to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), which has a section dedicated to undertaking evidence synthesises on behalf of the Committee, to assess whether there is evidence for a further expansion of the BreastCheck programme. The review will focus on two key elements: the expansion of the age range eligibility and the potential introduction of a standardised breast density measurement.
HIQA is currently focused on two Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes underway to examine the expansion of the BowelScreen programme and the potential development of a population-based screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA). The evidence review for the expansion of BreastCheck remains a key priority for NSAC and is expected to commence later this year.
HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. They are time intensive and rigorous processes. Both elements of the BreastCheck review are anticipated to be complex and will take time to ensure that any recommendations made to me by NSAC are underpinned by a robust evidence-basis.
Significant investment continues to be made in our national screening programmes. This includes allocating an additional €2.9 million in full-year costs to BreastCheck for 2025. This funding will help to future-proof the programme, allowing for increased capacity and enabling service developments to meet women's evolving needs and ensure equitable access across the entire population.
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.
360. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if she will direct HSE Dublin and Midlands to issue an urgent response in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21877/25]
View answerOfficials are following up on the issuing of a response, but as this is an operational matter relating to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive again for direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
361. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expedite the provision of a primary care centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21880/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
362. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if her Department will engage with a company (details supplied) that has completed a HTA, for the provision of treatment for adults with spinal muscular atrophy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21933/25]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
363. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update regarding the location of a primary care centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21936/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
364. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the engagement by her Department and the HSE regarding the establishment of a Jigsaw youth mental health service in Waterford; and to set out the steps being taken to progress the delivery of this much-needed service. [21937/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
365. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the minimum qualification required by health care assistants employed to work in public hospitals; the number of healthcare assistants employed in our public hospitals; the number that are directly employed by the HSE; the number who recruited through agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21943/25]
View answerThe determination of qualifications is an operational matter for the HSE, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
366. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health to seek that CORU will consider introducing regulation of the profession of healthcare assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21944/25]
View answerA number of representative bodies for unregulated professions have approached the Department seeking to be regulated. It is important in this context to point out the issues to be considered regarding the proportionate degree of regulatory force required to protect the public are complex.
In light of this, and in line with ongoing work in the Department of Health, the Health Research Board was requested to carry out research on behalf of the Department to assist in policy development in this area. The report, “National Approaches to Regulating Health and Social Care Professions”, examines the approaches to the regulation of health and social care professionals internationally and is publicly available on the Department’s website (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/national-approaches-to-regulating-health-and-social-care-professions/).
My officials are in the process of drawing from this report and other relevant sources to develop a framework to guide policy on the regulation of health and social care professionals into the future. This framework will also be informed by an evidence and risk-based approach to regulation in line with requirements set out in the EU Proportionality Test Directive, which was transposed into Irish law on 19 August 2022 (S.I. No. 413/2022). Further information on the Proportionality Test Directive can be found here: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/news/services-directive-handbookproportionality-test-directive-guidance-2022-12-22_en.
There are no plans in place to progress regulation of individual professions until appropriate risk-assessment and evaluation tools are in place in compliance with best practice, international evidence, and the Proportionality Test Directive.
It should be noted that healthcare assistants work under the supervision of registered nurses/midwives and undertake their duties through the process of delegation. Nurses and midwives as regulated professionals are bound by a Code of professional Conduct and Ethics. When delegating specific tasks or responsibilities to other unregulated staff, the registered nurse maintains overall accountability for the care provided and is accountable for the decision to delegate.
367. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the updated position on the workings of the design team progressing the development control plan for University Hospital Galway; the detailed timeline for the delivery of identified projects in the infrastructural masterplan for University Hospital Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21948/25]
View answerGalway University Hospitals is proposing a number of projects of significant scale on its University Hospital Galway (UHG) campus which when complete will provide state of the art Model 4 hospital facilities.
In late 2023, Saolta convened a Capital Programme Oversight Board to develop a clinically led, holistic master planning approach for the campus, incorporating individual proposals such as a new helipad, additional bed capacity, new emergency department, new paediatric and maternity facilities, labs and cancer centre.
This Board was tasked with developing an integrated, strategic master plan for UHG by way of a Development Control Plan (DCP) for the campus. This master planning process has been informed by population health needs and clinical demand for the region. It is critical to ensuring that the optimal solutions are being pursued to deliver a modern hospital in as efficient and timely a manner as possible. It will provide a clear plan for the sequencing and delivery of the much-needed new capacity and facilities to meet the needs of Galway and the wider HSE West and Northwest region.
Both the DCP and the programme Strategic Assessment Report—to give effect to the master planning process in line with D/PENDR’s Infrastructure Guidelines—are currently being finalised by the HSE. It is expected that this documentation will be submitted to the Department for review in late Q2 2025.
In parallel to this process, the HSE has advised that initial enabling works on the UHG campus to support this programme of works have begun.
368. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health for further information on the brief project description contained in the HSE Capital Plan 2025 described as “Galway City East Purchase and fit out of building in Galway City (BMR House, Parkmore). Decant Acute Services”; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21949/25]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
370. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if she intends on mandating the HSE health protection surveillance centre to collect data on shingles or post-herpetic neuralgia, in order to provide greater data for public health decisions, particularly related to the National Immunisation Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21960/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
371. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to reports that chemotherapy procedures for children are being delayed and-or cancelled due to IT failures, specifically WiFi issues, at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin; her plans to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21962/25]
View answerThe Oncology Team in Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) is committed to delivering safe care in the most compassionate manner to children and young people with cancer.
CHI has advised that the majority of chemotherapy appointment delays or deferrals are due to patient-specific reasons and are based on clinical decisions relating to the patient’s medical condition at the time. CHI further advises that delays or deferrals due to bed or staffing capacity are rescheduled to the earliest available time which is usually the next day.
CHI has been validating inpatient chemo deferrals since September 2024. The validation reports show that there have been no chemotherapy appointments reported as delayed or cancelled due to Wi-Fi issues.
As the delay or cancellation of appointments are an operational matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
373. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health to outline the rules for the dispensing of prescriptions to medical card holders, including the number of months that can be dispensed at a time; and to confirm the way in which pharmacies are paid to dispense prescriptions under the medical card scheme. [21978/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
374. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health for a breakdown of the core funding provided by the HSE to each CHO for low vision aids or aids and appliances, and whether any changes are planned to the funding provided. [21981/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
377. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to review the policy of the roll out of the new functional neurological disorder team and expand its roll out to a wider area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22014/25]
View answerMy officials are working with the HSE and the National Clinical Programme for Neurology to develop neurology services nationally to meet the needs of our growing population and growing demand for neurology services. Budget 2025, provided for 30 new posts to support neurology services nationally, 3 of which are to support the development of Functional Neurological Disorder services at St. James Hospital in Dublin.
378. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE speech and language therapists employed; the number of approved WTE speech and language therapists positions; the number of children under 18 waiting to be seen; the length of time they are waiting to be seen, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22147/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
382. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for expanded access to Irish sign language education in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21996/25]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising the issue of Irish Sign Language (ISL) education in Further and Higher Education institutions.
The following courses are currently offered by Higher Education Institutions:
• Munster Technological University offers a Special Purpose Award (SPA) Certificate in ISL — a year-long, part-time course at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
• Dublin City University provides a Bachelor of Education in Irish Sign Language.
• Trinity College Dublin offers a Bachelor in Deaf Studies, which equips students with profession-specific competencies for careers in ISL teaching or ISL/English interpreting. In this programme, no prior knowledge of ISL is required for entry.
This is not intended as an exhaustive list. It should be noted that responsibility for ISL education at primary and secondary level, as well as the training of ISL teachers, lies with my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee T.D.
The Deputy will appreciate that, under legislation, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are academically autonomous in determining the courses they provide. Accordingly, decisions regarding the expansion of ISL education are matters for the institutions themselves.
Notwithstanding this autonomy, under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, the State recognises the right of ISL users to use ISL as their native language and places a duty on public bodies to provide free interpretation services when ISL users are accessing statutory entitlements and services. The Act sets out a range of provisions to support access to ISL interpretation.
In the context of the ISL Act’s implementation, and the broader National Disability Strategy, officials in my Department are working with colleagues in the Department of Children, Equality and Youth to examine the factors influencing the supply of ISL interpreters, including training pathways through further and higher education. As part of this work, my officials are facilitating engagement between education institutions and relevant stakeholders, with a view to increasing the availability of qualified ISL interpreters.
383. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will give further consideration to the request for capital funding due to the expansion needs of a college (details supplied), taking into account its important role across all education levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22011/25]
View answerMy Department has had considerable engagement with the National College of Ireland in the past, particularly in relation to capital funding requests for the expansion of the college's northeast inner-city Dublin campus.
The National College of Ireland is a private, not for profit, and independent institution. Its day-to-day operations, including matters related to administration and finances are the responsibility of the college's own administrators who manage these issues in line with their internal policies and governance structures.
In relation to the National College of Ireland's request for a capital grant to support the cost of its expansion plans, my Department’s capital programme is already fully committed for 2025 and beyond. As a result, funding is not available to support this request at this time.
384. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will outline any possibilities for support available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21767/25]
View answerGiven the nature of the details supplied I would, in the first instance, direct the person to their local enterprise office, which provides advice and support to people starting or growing a business. The network of offices, under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is in place to provide the type of advice sought.
My Department operates a number of schemes that provide support to community organisations, voluntary groups and social enterprises, however, with regard to the specific business query referenced, the LEADER Programme administered by my Department provides support to small businesses under a range of themes, including Economic Development and Job Creation. LEADER has for many years provided supports to projects which may be similar to that referred to by the Deputy, however they must compatible with the Operating Rules and the Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area. It should be noted that rent and other operational costs for projects are not eligible for LEADER funding. LEADER is now open for applications and prospective applicants can contact their LEADER Local Action Group (LAG), through their Implementing Partner, to discuss potential projects. Contact details are available on www.gov.ie/leader.
