Peadar Tóibín
Question:62. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who left emergency departments without being seen in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34062/25]
View answerEmergency Departments
Questions (62)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
Mental Health Services
Questions (63)
Liam Quaide
Question:63. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health her recruitment plans to address the waiting-list crisis in child and adolescent primary care psychology services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34665/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Primary Care Centres
Questions (64)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:64. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health for an update on the primary care centre in Nenagh; when it will be completed; the services that will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34754/25]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Medical Records
Questions (65)
John Clendennen
Question:65. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the status of the introduction of e-health records; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34813/25]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland needs one digital health record for every citizen that can be accessed by health professionals across the service. The path to a one digital health record that covers the full health journey of every person living in Ireland consists of three key initiatives under Digital for Care (and the Programme for Government) proceeding concurrently and in parallel to achieve this for patients and the healthcare workforce:
The HSE Health App was successfully launched in February 2025, giving patients real choice and empowering their control over their health journey with further releases planned this year. The app, that has already won a number of technology awards, represents an important step towards making personal health information available, putting each patient at the centre of their healthcare journey. It empowers people by providing a single app to manage their digital health identity, personal health information, health and social care coordination, and access to services. It continues to evolve with more services, data and features planned in regular future releases.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) completed the procurement for the National Shared Care Record (NSCR) earlier this year. The NSCR programme has now been mobilized, with the contract for building the NSCR technology platform awarded to EY, Better and Kainos. The NSCR brings together healthcare information from various sources such as hospitals, GP practices, and Community care into a single place, making them available at the point of care and self-care in read only format. By having access to key healthcare information in one place means healthcare professionals will be able to make more informed, safer decisions and to focus more time on direct patient care while patients will be better informed and empowered to manage their own healthcare.
A phased rollout of the national shared care record is due to commence in Q4 2025 in the South-East region with University Hospital Waterford. The system will then extend to other regions from 2026 with additional information being added over time.Together with the HSE Health App, investing in a NSCR means unlocking fragmented data into a powerful tool for safer, coordinated patient-centred care while laying the foundation for a modern, connected and more efficient health service as we plan for a National Electronic Health Record.
The Enterprise Electronic Health Record (EHR) is intended to support integrated care across all settings. A preliminary business case for the National EHR has been developed by the HSE, setting out the case for the most ambitious transformation programme in the history of the health service. It is currently subject to the External Assurance Process (EAP) as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. The EAP report will then be issued to the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) for advice to DPENDR and Government.A national enterprise EHR will allow healthcare staff to access a patient’s full medical history to support timely and appropriate care, with the ability to update information in real time. EHRs not only provide a complete digital health record of a patient’s health journey, recorded by healthcare professionals across all health and social care settings, they also incorporate workflow capabilities to automate the patient pathway and facilitate the implementation of standardised models of care. This means the EHR can map out the next steps in a patient’s treatment plan in the various care setting and support automatic referrals, ordering of diagnostics, lab tests, etc.To realise the benefits of an investment in EHRs, they must be underpinned by a clear roadmap, agreed up-front interoperability and data standards, appropriate governance and a robust business case. Deploying an EHR is not just about the technology. These are significant change programmes to transform and move from a paper based to a digitised care model.A PIN (Prior Information Notice) was published in June 2025 informing EHR suppliers about the health service's interest in a national enterprise-level EHR systems. This process is open to all potential vendors willing to engage through this process. The consultation seeks supplier input to inform the upcoming procurement, with a contract award expected by the end of 2026 and phased implementation through to 2032.
In another important step on our way to digitised patient records, in May 2025 the HSE published the tender for the delivery of a National Electronic Prescribing (NEP) service. The new fully integrated e-prescription service will enable the secure and efficient transmission and storage of electronic prescriptions and dispensations for patients. This provides a critical piece of information for digital health records and the data from this service (prescription and dispensing data) will be available through the HSE Health App and the NSCR in the future.
Medicinal Products
Questions (66)
William Aird
Question:66. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the current status of access to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatments for adult patients; if she will commit to ensuring equitable public reimbursement of therapies for adults living with SMA; considering the urgent need expressed by patient groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34829/25]
View answerWritten answers
I recognise the importance of providing the best care to SMA patients including access to new and innovative medicines.
Between 2021 and 2024 the State has allocated €128 million for new drugs. This has allowed the HSE to approve 194 new medicines for patients including 74 oncology medicines and 49 medicines for rare diseases.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The 2013 Act ensures a rigorous assessment process for new medicines, providing confidence that the right medicines are chosen at sustainable prices. Economic assessments help stretch HSE funds to provide a range of services and innovative medicines, including cancer treatments. The HSE considers clinical effect, cost-effectiveness, budget impact, opportunity cost, and unmet need when assessing applications.
I have asked the HSE to provide an update in relation to treatments for SMA patients over 18 years of age.
The HSE has advised that once a medicine is approved by the European Medicines Agency, the HSE is dependent on a pharmaceutical company making an application to Ireland for its drug or new indication to be assessed for reimbursement. All medicines are considered for pricing of reimbursement in order of application.
The HSE have also advised that in terms of the two drugs for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in patients over 18 years of age, risdiplam (Evrysdi®) and nusinersen (Spinraza®), the marketing authorisation holders, Roche and Biogen respectively, have not submitted pricing and reimbursement applications for these drugs treatments to commence in patients diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy over 18 years of age.
It is important for the Deputy to note that patients who receive these treatments before they turn 18 years of age continue to receive these treatments into adulthood.
We strongly encourage the marketing authorisation holders of these treatments to apply for reimbursement with an indication for adult patients over 18 years diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Home Help Service
Questions (67)
Brendan Smith
Question:67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures that will be introduced to ensure more home support workers will be available to provide a very important service where unacceptable delays in such provision exist at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34622/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (68)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:68. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the capital investment being made in mental health for 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34707/25]
View answerWritten answers
In April, I announced a significant €31 million capital investment for mental health in 2025, the largest ever one-year allocation for mental health infrastructure. It forms part of the government’s broader commitment to delivering modern, fit-for-purpose mental health facilities, and it will ensure the development of facilities so that patients can access high-quality services in communities across Ireland.
Ongoing investment will allow us to continue to upgrade and develop new vital infrastructure, which in turn will ensure people experiencing mental ill-health can access services in safe, therapeutic and recovery-focused environments.
A range of projects in acute mental health, community services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and specialist services such as Eating Disorders, are being progressed in 2025. Full details are available in the Health Capital Plan 2025. These include:
• major redevelopment of Adult Acute and Psychiatry of Later Life Units across the country.
• continued progress on facilities for CAMHS and community mental health services, within the provision of Primary Care Centres.
• ensuring the new Specialist Eating Disorders Hub at Mount Carmel Hospital in Dublin is commissioned and begins service.
• beginning the necessary feasibility and preparatory studies for Ireland’s first Mother & Baby Perinatal Mental Health Unit to be co-located with the new National Maternity Hospital.
The 2025 capital plan will also fund essential fire safety and ligature reduction works across inpatient units, and ongoing minor capital grants to support community mental health teams and voluntary mental health organisations. I am also engaging with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on Capital Expenditure in relation to the National Development Plan 2025-2030.
Finally, a multi-annual mental health capital plan currently in preparation by the HSE.
Health Strategies
Questions (69)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:69. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health her plans to implement commitments contained in the national maternity strategy regarding co-locating all remaining stand-alone maternity hospitals with adult acute services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34326/25]
View answerWritten answers
Co-location of remaining stand-alone maternity hospitals with adult acute services is Government policy. This aligns with international best practice, and is referenced in the National Maternity Strategy.
Co-location provides mothers access to a full range of medical and support services. Tri-location with paediatric services ensures immediate access to specialist paediatric services.
In 2023, Government gave approval for the National Maternity Hospital project to proceed to tender. The new hospital will be co-located with St Vincent’s University Hospital. The tender process, which began in September 2023, is now complete. Tender evaluation is ongoing.
Relocation projects for the remaining stand-alone maternity hospitals are at an early stage. The HSE Capital Plan 2025 includes University Maternity Hospital Limerick relocation project appraisal. Relocation project proposals are required to progress through a series of approval stages. This is in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines published in December 2023. Timelines for relocation of the Coombe and Rotunda are therefore not yet established.
Medicinal Products
Questions (70)
Conor D McGuinness
Question:70. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if she will implement a plan to support individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including the development of specialist multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring enhanced and immediate access to givinostat and similar treatments. [34818/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a suite of measures on medicines, which we aim to progress over its lifetime. Access to medicines is the focus of a number of workstreams across my Department.
I recognise the importance of providing the best care possible to patients with Duchenne. In terms of givinostat (Duvyzat®) my Department is closely following the developments in relation to the medicine which was authorised by the European Commission for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy on the 6th of June 2025.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. This arises from the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act provides a rigorous process for the assessment of new medicines for reimbursement. The Act specifies nine criteria which must be considered. These include the health needs of the public and the clinical need for the medicine. All these factors, taken together, allow the HSE to make an informed decision on new medicines.
As of the 23rd of June 2025, the HSE has advised that it has not yet received a pricing and reimbursement application for givinostat (Duvyzat®) from Italfarmaco S.p.A., the Marketing Authorisation Holder. The national assessment and decision process for the medicine cannot commence in the absence of this application.
I encourage the company to submit a pricing and reimbursement application to the HSE, in early course, to allow the national assessment and decision process to commence.
Mental Health Services
Questions (71)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:71. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the measures she is taking to increase in-patient bed capacity in Louth Meath mental health services in view of the fact that the area has the lowest number of beds per head of population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33557/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes
Questions (72)
Michael Collins
Question:72. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to end the disparity in funding between private and public nursing homes and thus protect the viability of all private and voluntary nursing homes (details supplied). [35007/25]
View answerWritten answers
Introduced in 2009, The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as ‘Fair Deal’, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. It is unique in Europe in that it is a fair, single, unified system for funding and making long-term residential care more accessible.
Fair Deal was designed to protect and support vulnerable older people to ensure equal access to nursing home care based on what they could afford.
The NHSS supports approximately 24,000 long term residents.
Around 80% of those are supported in private and voluntary nursing homes, with the remainder in public HSE-run facilities (both systems are funded through the NHSS). Regardless of whether a person resides in a public CNU or a private/voluntary nursing home, their contribution to the cost of their own care is calculated under the same criteria, therefore the cost to the resident remains the same.
The Department of Health acknowledges that there are variations in the cost of care across public centres as well as across private nursing homes with HSE operated Community Nursing Units (CNUs) generally having a higher cost of care.
In December 2021, the Department published the independently chaired Value for Money (VFM) review on nursing home costs. The review found that the cost differential is largely driven by HSE pay rates, variances in staff-to-resident ratios and the skill mix in public and private nursing homes.
The Productivity and Savings Taskforce was established in January 2024. The Minister for Health requested the Secretary General of the Department of Health and the CEO of the Health Services Executive to co-chair a programme to drive savings and productivity improvements across the HSE.
A key action is to secure a reduction in the cost of care in HSE Long Term Residential Care Facilities for Older People. The Taskforce will provide monthly updates to the Minister for Health. Updates can be found by following this link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/collections/productivity-and-savings-taskforce-and-medicines-taskforce/#productivity-and-savings-action-plan
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 sets out the basis for determining the cost of care in public centres under section 33 of the Act, which is managed by the HSE.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is the body designated, under Section 40 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, to negotiate with persons carrying on the business of a nursing home, for the purposes of reaching an agreement on the maximum prices to be charged for nursing home care, and are based on the NTPF’s cost criteria. These criteria include costs reasonably incurred by the nursing home, local market prices, historic prices and overall budgetary capacity. This is the only mechanism for funding from the public purse for nursing home residents.
Nevertheless, the Government is conscious of the challenges and risks faced by the nursing home sector and the residents that call long term residential care settings their homes.
The Department of Health has regular interaction with all stakeholders including HSE, HIQA, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and Nursing Home representatives to discuss ways to support the sector.
The Government has secured year-on-year funding increases for Fair Deal, that has seen the budget increase from €968 million in 2019 to €1.223 billion for 2025.
Between 2020 and 2023, €236m in additional funding was provided to the Nursing Home Sector to cover costs related to Covid-19 and the energy crises.
In a 30-month period from March 2022 to July 2024, the average increase in the maximum rates a Nursing Home can charge for Fair Deal has increased approx. 12% or €122 per resident per week.
Every nursing home in the country has a minimum price of at least €1,098 per resident, per week.
€10 million of additional support for private and voluntary nursing homes has been allocated in 2025. The new Nursing Home Residential Premises Upgrade (RPU) Scheme will support nursing homes to upgrade their premises, and to improve compliance with standards published by HIQA under Regulation 17 (Premises).
Each qualifying nursing home can claim up to €25,000 for eligible works carried out under the Scheme between 1 January 2024 and 14 November 2025 (Scheme closing date).
This follows a successful scheme in 2024. The Residential Safety Improvement Scheme allocated €10 million to support structural improvements in nursing homes to assist their meeting HIQA compliance plans in respect of protection against infection and fire precautions.
The Department of Health is consistently seeking to identify improvements and introduce enhancements to the scheme, where feasible, which aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is sustainable, accessible and affordable for everyone and that people continue to be cared for in the most appropriate settings.
Ambulance Service
Questions (73)
James O'Connor
Question:73. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of a project (details supplied). [34992/25]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (74)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:74. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if she will acknowledge that the exclusion of inflammatory bowel disease IBD from the long-term illness scheme is a policy decision rather than a legal requirement, given that section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 does not list specific qualifying conditions but permits the provision of supports to those with a permanent or long-term illness; if she will commit to initiating a formal review of the outdated list of 16 conditions established over 50 years ago, with a view to including IBD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33946/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 to be 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.
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. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment. 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.
The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
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.
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 DPS 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.
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%.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (75)
Pádraig Rice
Question:75. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she will commit to introducing salaried GPs, employed directly by the HSE; the status of the Programme for Government commitment to ‘explore the recruitment of HSE employed GPs’; the timeline she is working towards in progressing this commitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34814/25]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (76)
Brendan Smith
Question:76. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date with the major building project for Cavan General Hospital, including a new emergency department, endoscopy unit, and additional beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34621/25]
View answerWritten answers
A revised planning permission application was made to Cavan County Council for the new extension at Cavan General Hospital, to increase the inpatient bed numbers from 18 to 54, this planning was granted in early Q1 2025.
Detailed Design (Stage 2C) has now concluded and the tender packages are prepared to be issued for pricing once internal HSE approval has been granted for the same.
The Enabling Works package number 2 (LV Diversion Works), is currently on site and is expected to be complete by Q4 2025.
If permission is granted to proceed to tender, and the subsequent tender returns are within the increased capital budget allocations, etc., the current programme indicates that the project could break ground by the end of Q4 this year.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (77)
Michael Collins
Question:77. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if plans are in place for a designated respite hospital in County Cork (details supplied); and if not, the reason. [35008/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (78)
Brian Stanley
Question:78. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of practising GPs currently in Laois; the prescribed ratio per head of population; the number taking contracts under the general medical scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34863/25]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Emergency Departments
Questions (79)
Cathal Crowe
Question:79. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the HIQA review into access to emergency care in the midwest region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34749/25]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (80)
Joe Neville
Question:80. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres currently operating; the number in construction; the number planned in north Kildare; the way in which the centres are helping to achieve the aims of Sláintecare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34969/25]
View answerWritten answers
Primary Care Centres are essential to expanding healthcare provision in our communities and represent a very real and substantial commitment to the objectives of both the Programme for Government and Sláintecare - to shift care away from acute hospitals and build the necessary infrastructure and capacity to provide care where we want it to be provided – as close to our own homes as possible.
Primary Care Centres are modern, purpose-designed buildings that provide a single location for a primary care team to work from and thereby, improve access to primary care health services. The provision of primary care services together, under one roof, supports patients in a significant way. It means people no longer have to travel to different places for different health services. Moreover, PCCs can support the delivery of integrated care by facilitating closer coordination and cooperation between health professionals from across different disciplines.
In this way Primary Care Centres support us to achieve the aims of Slaintecare, by putting people at the centre of the health system and developing primary and community health services to allow people to stay healthy in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Nationally, we have made real progress in developing primary care infrastructure. At the end of Q1 2025 there were a total of 180 Primary Care Centres operational across the country, with a strong pipeline in the construction and planning stages.
Regarding the matter raised on the planned PCCs in Co. Kildare, the HSE holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of PCCs. Therefore, I have forwarded your correspondence to the HSE and requested that they reply directly to you in relation to this matter, as soon as possible.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (81)
Mattie McGrath
Question:81. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health for an update on the new 60-bed community nursing unit for Cashel, County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33912/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of the public health infrastructure, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.