Mark Wall
Question:774. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health if she and her officials will meet with an organisation to discuss their policy concerns (details supplied). [35621/25]
View answerDepartmental Meetings
Questions (774)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of proper, appropriate and integrated gender healthcare services is something that I and the HSE want to ensure is in place for those who are questioning their gender identity or are experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria.
A new clinical programme for gender healthcare has been initiated by the HSE, and over the next two years an updated clinical model for gender healthcare services will be developed. This work will inform an implementation plan for its delivery.
The Model of Care will be developed in a consultative way, engaging with stakeholders, healthcare professionals working in gender healthcare, those that use and receive support from the service and their families.
This engagement will enable the development of an experience base to inform the design. There will also be opportunities for stakeholders to engage in the research synthesis as well as participating in the working group.
As this is an area of healthcare where there are many public voices, all efforts will be made to hear from those who have lived experience.
The initial work will involve carrying out an evidence-based review of current research. International evidence on clinical interventions, including but not limited to hormone therapies and gender affirming surgery, will be included in this review of the evidence base.
I am happy to meet with relevant stakeholders as this process evolves. I have recently met with a number of LGBTI+ advocacy groups, to discuss a range of issues. The meeting was constructive and fostered positive engagement. I am committed to the development of a model of care which will deliver a high quality seamless and integrated service for people with gender identity issues.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (775)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:775. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of providing and staffing 1,000 additional acute beds in a public hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35667/25]
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.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (776)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:776. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of providing and staffing 100 additional level 3 ICU beds in a public hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35668/25]
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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (777)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:777. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of hiring an additional 100 speech and language therapists, 100 psychologists, 100 occupational therapists and 100 physiotherapists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35669/25]
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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (778)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:778. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to hire 100 permanent consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35670/25]
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 (779)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:779. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health how many GP visits were there in 2022, 2023 and 2024, the average cost of visiting a GP in each year, and the total revenue from GP visits in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35671/25]
View answerWritten answers
GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. As GPs are private practitioners, the HSE does not hold data regarding the number of day-time GP visitations provided on an annual basis. The annual Healthy Ireland survey may be of assistance in providing estimated visitation rates by age and eligibility status.
Under the GMS contract, GPs are reimbursed by the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) primarily on a capitation basis, rather than per visit basis. They also receive fee-per-item payments for certain services and a range of financial supports. The fees charged by GPs for services provided to patients on a private basis are a matter of private contract between the clinician and the patient. Accordingly, data is not held on the average cost of a GP visit or in relation to GP revenue from visits from patients who do not hold a medical or GP visit card. Information regarding GP expenditure under the GMS contact and other public contracts is available from the PRCS online portal.
Hospital Charges
Questions (780)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:780. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of abolishing all inpatient and emergency department charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35672/25]
View answerWritten answers
Inpatient Charges were abolished in 2023.
Emergency Department (ED) charges are recorded by the HSE as out-patient income. In 2023, the latest year for which finalised, audited figures are available, the HSE reported out-patient income of €26 million.
Primary Care Services
Questions (781)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:781. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing universal free primary care, including GP care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35673/25]
View answerWritten answers
Over the last number of years, several pieces of detailed policy analysis have been undertaken to assess various aspects of expanding eligibility for near or full universal access to primary care and other care sectors and the associated additional costs for the Exchequer. These include the Expert Group Report on Resource Allocation and Financing of the Irish Health System (2010), the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance (2014) and associated costings, and the Committee on the Future of Healthcare Sláintecare Report (2018).
The Sláintecare vision for the future of health services in Ireland is of a universal health service for all commonly referred to as Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines Universal health coverage (UHC) as meaning that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.
It may not be possible for a health system to afford to pay for all available health care benefits for everyone, even under universal coverage aspirations. However, what is key to sustainable UHC implementation is that the health services people need are available to them as needed and that access is affordable.
Over the last 3 years, there has been a significant focus on improving access to, and the affordability of, healthcare services. Significant progress has been made in expanding eligibility and reducing the cost to patients. A range of affordability measures have been introduced such as a reduction in the monthly deductible for prescribed medicines, removal of public inpatient charges, a free contraceptive scheme and an expansion of free access to GP care via the GP Visit Card.
The Department recognises that, in order to achieve the goal of universal healthcare in line with the commitments made in Sláintecare, we must first review existing eligibility arrangements and see how they align with current population needs identifying gaps in the eligibility framework.
It is in this context that the Department has commenced a long-term project to review Ireland’s current eligibility policies, with a focus on services delivered at primary and community care level.
Regarding the provision of GP care without charges for all, please note that eligibility for a GP visit card for those aged between 8 and 69 years of age is primarily based on a qualifying financial threshold. All children under 8 years of age and persons aged 70 years and older, as well as persons in receipt of Carer's Benefit or Allowance, are automatically eligible for a GP visit card.
The 2023 ESRI report Extending Eligibility for General Practitioner Care in Ireland: Cost Implications, and other previous reports, have estimated the cost of universal GP care without charges. However, these reports were able only to estimate costs based on the current model, while implementing a general practice model that provides for GP care without charges for all would require significant change to that model, as the existing model is based on the mixed delivery of GP services to both private and GMS patients.
It is not possible to definitively calculate the cost of universal free GP care given the changes that would be necessary to the current general practice system and the range variables that would have to be accounted for. Additionally, the fees payable to GPs could only be determined following agreement with general practice, represented by the IMO, on the scope and content of the service to be provided. A strategic review of General Practice is currently underway, which amongst other things, aims to identify the challenges facing general practice in ensuring the delivery of a sustainable general practice service within the community and to identify the measures necessary to address those challenges in the context of delivering on the principles of Sláintecare. The review will be finished in the coming months, and I plan to publish it after that. This is an important step in making sure general practice in Ireland is future proofed.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (782)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:782. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of reducing the drug payment scheme threshold to €10 per month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35674/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. Currently, no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines.
The additional minimum cost of reducing the DPS threshold to €10 per month is estimated to be €222.6m.
This estimation, based on data as reported by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service for May 2025, does not take account of changes in demographics, in eligibility (e.g., changes in the number of medical card holders), or in claimant behaviour arising from a reduction in the DPS threshold.
Prescriptions Charges
Questions (783)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:783. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of scraping prescription charges for medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35675/25]
View answerWritten answers
The estimated full-year cost of abolishing all prescription charges is €69m. This costing does not take account of changes in demographics, in eligibility (e.g., changes in the number of medical card holders), or how the removal of prescription charges may impact claimant behaviour.
Hospital Charges
Questions (784)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:784. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated revenue from all parking charges at public hospitals in 2023 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35676/25]
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.
Medicinal Products
Questions (785)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:785. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of introducing a fully funded universal contraception scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35677/25]
View answerWritten answers
The free contraception scheme was launched in September 2022, initially for those aged 17-25. It has been gradually expanded and has included women aged 17-35 since July 1st, 2024.
Approximately 2,400 GPs and 2,050 pharmacies have signed up to provide services and products under the scheme to date. The scheme is open to women, girls and people identifying as transgender or non-binary, who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and for whom prescription contraception is deemed suitable by their doctors.
The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, primary care, student health and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Re-Imbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme.
Women who have had coils, IUDs, IUSs or implants inserted while eligible under the scheme remain eligible for subsequent checks and free removal of any devices inserted prior to reaching the eligibility limit (currently their 36th birthday), to ensure continuity of care.
Initially, prior to launching the scheme, it was estimated that each year age cohort would cost €2.9m per year approximately, in line with the estimated cost range published in the Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception. Usage figures following scheme expansion indicate that, while this figure is broadly accurate for younger women, costs decline significantly with age.
Based on real world costs, therefore, it is estimated that expanding the scheme further would cost approximately €1m per year age-cohort, per annum, above the age of 35. The total cost of full expansion to include 36-54 year-olds, inclusive, is therefore estimated at €19m. The prescription of contraception is typically not clinically recommended from age 55 onwards.
A phased introduction of the free contraception scheme was undertaken for a number of reasons:
• A phased approach permits additional training in line with service expansion, allowing time for more medical and other relevant healthcare professionals to be trained to fit, check and remove long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). The demand for LARCs is predicted to rise with age, and the demand for short acting hormonal contraception to fall.
• The Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception noted risks regarding the number of GPs qualified to undertake these procedures in 2019, versus likely demand once cost barriers were removed.
• A training scheme was funded and is underway, managed by the ICGP, which is steadily increasing the numbers of GPs with the expertise to fit, check and remove coils and implants.
• Budgetary and financial planning guidelines recommend that demand-led schemes, such as the free contraception scheme, should be subject to pilot testing and/or phased implementation, in order to monitor the effectiveness of the scheme and real-world costs.
• As per the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception (published in 2019 and available on the Department’s website), it was decided to commence the scheme with younger age cohorts, as they are most likely to experience unplanned pregnancy and least likely to be financially independent.
It is important to note that prescription contraception, while being very effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy, does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The National Condom Distribution Scheme supports both STI prevention and accessible contraception. Free condoms can be accessed through the national network of STI clinics, participating charities and NGO partners and on participating 3rd level campuses. Since 2023, free condoms have also been supplied with orders for free home STI testing kits.
Medicinal Products
Questions (786)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:786. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of free hormone replacement therapy for anyone who needs it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35678/25]
View answerWritten answers
A precise costing for the provision of free hormone replacement therapy based on clinical need cannot be provided without the following information:
• What conditions and products would be included in such an arrangement.
• Would the State provide payments to GPs for consultations to non-GMS patients.
Therefore, it is not possible to provide a costing without further clarification on the scope and scale of the proposed provision.
In relation to the recently commenced HRT arrangement for women experiencing symptoms associated with menopause, several months of claiming patterns are required to provide an accurate projection of the full annual cost. The current projection is that the additional cost in 2026 - beyond that currently paid for HRT under the community drug schemes - is estimated to be in the region of €28m.
Dental Services
Questions (787)
Pat Buckley
Question:787. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health to confirm the number of registered dentists in the Cork East constituency. [35694/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Dental Council is responsible for the registration of dentists in Ireland, which is the regulatory body for dentists in Ireland. The Dentists Act 1985 established the Dental Council which provides for the registration and control of persons engaged in the practice of dentistry.
According to the Dental Council there are now 3,888 dentists on the register as of June 2025. This is an increase of 236 since April 2024 and is the highest number ever recorded. This reflects ongoing upward trends regarding registered dentists in the State, and compares favourably with the numbers in April 2019, when Smile agus Sláinte was published – 3,100, an increase of over 25%.
Currently, the Dental Council does not collect information on where dentists practice in Ireland. In order to address this my Department has recently conducted a scoping exercise to support a skills assessment workforce census across the oral healthcare sector. The intention of the workforce census is to collect information such as the location of dentists' practice and whether they are currently practising. This will enable more accurate and reliable data to be collected which will help inform workforce planning for the future.
Dental Services
Questions (788)
Pat Buckley
Question:788. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of dental practices that are currently accepting new medical card patients in the Cork East constituency as of now, and at this same point in 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35695/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Product Labelling
Questions (789)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:789. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health whether alcohol warning labels will be introduced in May 2026 as planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35726/25]
View answerWritten answers
The requirement for health warnings and information on the labels of alcohol products was enacted at Section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 on 17 October 2018. The Minister for Health made the Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023 and commenced Section 12 of the Act on 18 May 2023. That law will come into operation on 22 May 2026.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (790)
Joe Neville
Question:790. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Health when the GP contract for Ballymore Eustace Health Centre is next due for tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35730/25]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (791)
Robert Troy
Question:791. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if she will expedite an appointment for surgery for a person (details supplied). [35735/25]
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.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (792)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:792. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the number of children who have undergone bone marrow transplants, on an annual basis, since 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35740/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Inquiries
Questions (793)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:793. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health the redress for families in circumstances in which parents of children have been informed by CHI that their child or children have been operated on unnecessarily; the next steps in the review of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35748/25]
View answerWritten answers
It is acknowledged that some patients and parents may request retrospective review of their cases to determine the indications for surgery. In relation to this retrospective reviews of cases, the HSE is establishing a separate process, involving external experts.
Professor Deborah McNamara, President of RCSI has agreed to assist the HSE in establishing the Expert Panel and a Terms of Reference will be finalised with the panel once appointed. It is expected the convening of the panel, appointing a chair and providing the legal supports necessary will take until September. It is then expected that the assessment of each case will take until the end of the year, and into next year, due to the number concerned. This will only take place at the request and consent of patients/guardians and they will have the option to request a second opinion from another expert at no cost.
The detail of this process will be made available when the panel has been established.
It is important that we establish a clear process for dealing with the recommendations and issues arising from the report including liability. I am currently working through all these processes with the relevant stakeholders.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (794)
John Connolly
Question:794. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health if the board of the HSE has provided the final approval and sign-off for the development of the Galway city west primary care centre [35749/25]
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.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (795)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:795. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the expected start and completion dates of the St. James's Hospital annexe planned for the new children's hospital's works depot on Davitt Road, Dublin 12; to detail the various medical, administrative and residential components; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35756/25]
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.