Written Answers Nos. 106-130
106. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to ensure the opening of all residential beds for older people in community units in Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64093/25]
View answerAs of 17th November, there are 209 long-stay and 74 short-stay beds open across the six public Community Hospitals and Community Nursing Units in Co. Kerry. There are currently 15 registered beds temporarily closed across three units.
HSE South West has been working to increase the quantity of public nursing home beds in Kerry to offer further long-term residential care capacity and choice for older people in the region.
There are unfortunately challenges in recruiting staff to some more rural locations and staff shortages can impact bed capacity at times. The number of beds open at any time is dependent on safe staffing levels and this is monitored on an on-going basis in line with recruitment of staff. To ensure the safety of both residents and staff, bed capacity is configured around adequate staffing levels and an appropriate staff skill-mix has to be in place.
HSE South West is committed to filling all vacant posts across Community Hospitals and CNUs and will continue to explore all available options to fill these posts, including running bespoke recruitment campaigns.
107. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the details of any plans to expand the list of conditions qualifying a person for the long-term illness scheme; and if she will consider including individuals who do not have a qualifying condition, but who have a combination of non-qualifying conditions whose cumulative impact on an individual’s health is equivalent to a qualifying long-term illness. [64597/25]
View answerThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions to be covered by the Scheme. Further information, including the list of conditions, can be found at:
[https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/about/].
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.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card - in particular, to take full account of difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In such circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, for example:
• Discretionary medical cards issued to patients with significant medical expenses but who do not satisfy the means test.
• Emergency medical cards are issued to patients that are terminally ill, or are seriously ill, and in urgent need of medical care that they cannot afford.
To ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of any potential broader implications for Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and legislative requirements arising.
The HSE also has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
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%
108. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if she will commit to a definite date for delivery of 24/7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford; and when the people of the South East can expect such a service to be available to them. [64344/25]
View answerI visited the University Hospital Waterford earlier this year and saw first-hand the state-of-the-art infrastructure supporting its cardiac services. Government is committed to progressing cardiac services at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) and has invested significantly in providing the resources required to support the delivery of enhanced and extended cardiac services.
Construction projects with a total cost of €64 million have been completed at University Hospital Waterford. Part of this investment has been a significant focus on developing cardiac services, particularly cardiac catheterisation laboratory services at the Hospital.
In 2018, a second cardiac catheterisation laboratory was approved for University Hospital Waterford. The second Cath Lab opened on 4th of September 2023 and operates 5 days per week Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. 24 posts were provided to support the opening of the second cath lab.
In September 2022, the opening hours for the original cath lab were extended to 8 am – 8 pm, Monday to Friday. In March 2024, the Government announced provision for 19.5 staff in total to complement existing services and to extend the opening hours of one Cardiac Cath Lab at University Hospital Waterford to a seven day, 8.00am – 8.00pm service. After a successful recruitment campaign and discussions with the clinical teams, the 7-day service went live on March 18th, 2025.
I commend the collaborative advocacy of local TDs from across the political spectrum, along with the tireless efforts of local patient groups and staff.
The final step in service expansion is the introduction of a full 24/7 out-of-hours emergency cardiac service. I am pleased to confirm that I have directed the HSE to progress this.
We are working closely with both the hospital team and the HSE to ensure the appropriate resourcing to ensure UHW is proportionally staffed, and to bring UHW in line with other centres providing emergency cardiac care. We expect this work to be completed in the coming months subject to the availability of the necessary specialist workforce.
109. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if she will consider revising plans in place to modify standards for registration as a counsellor or psychotherapist currently under consideration by CORU, in order to reflect the concerns raised by members of an organisation (details supplied). [64595/25]
View answerRegulation of counsellors and psychotherapists is being introduced to protect the public, ensuring that care provided is of a consistently high standard and always by suitably qualified individuals.
CORU have undertaken extensive research, analysis, and public consultation to introduce regulation of each profession for the first time.
This comprehensive process recognised the differences in scope and complexity of practice between the two professions and ensures that the threshold standards and qualification levels set for each accurately reflect the competencies required for safe and effective practice, while strengthening public protection.
The recently adopted Standards and Criteria reflect the threshold knowledge and skills required for safe practice at entry to the professions of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
On issues such as personal therapy and clinical supervision CORU’s competency-based framework ensures that essential attributes such as self-awareness, reflexivity, and ethical judgment are achieved through validated educational methods, including clinical supervision, reflective practice, and experiential learning.
The framework has been designed to strengthen standards of practice while ensuring that training pathways and workforce supply are not adversely affected.
I am confident that CORU’s work will bring clear benefits for public protection.
CORU will continue to engage closely with stakeholders, including professional bodies as the regulatory process advances, keeping public protection at the centre of this work.
110. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on the elective hospital in Cork city. [63075/25]
View answerI have asked the HSE, as sponsoring agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the new elective treatment centres to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
111. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Health the plans to ensure that children in Offaly and Laois can access local primary care occupational therapy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64084/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
112. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the current status of the new emergency department at Beaumont Hospital. [64413/25]
View answerThere are a number of significant proposals for capital investment at Beaumont Hospital, and all are progressing through the requisite design and planning stages. All of these proposals are being managed through the HSE capital development process in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
As a live hospital campus there is an added complexity in terms of planning, sequencing and enabling each of these projects. Our Model 4 acute hospitals also require a significant amount of enabling works to prepare for larger projects. These key enabling pieces are ongoing at Beaumont.
In May 2025, the proposed new Emergency Department received a final grant of planning. The project is now at detailed design stage.
As 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.
113. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if she will provide details of plans for vaccination roll-out for the forthcoming influenza season; the additional measures, compared to previous years, that will be in place to help keep members of the over-65 population safe; if HIQA and NIAC advice supporting enhanced vaccines for the over-65 population has been considered and will be acted upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64240/25]
View answerThe National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to the flu vaccine, free of charge.
By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require admission to hospital should they contract influenza, the programme aims to prevent, as far as possible, the need for influenza-related hospital admissions. It also aims to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community.
The HSE is responsible for the operation of the Influenza vaccination programme. This role includes procurement of the vaccine in line with EU and National Procurements rules.
For the 2025/2026 flu season, the flu vaccine will be available free of charge to adults over 60 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 17 years. The flu vaccine is available from local GPs or pharmacies throughout the flu season. A decision was made last year to also include those aged 60 to 64 in the older age group making the vaccine available free of charge to more people.
Ensuring high uptake of winter vaccines is a priority and my Department has put in place a robust media and communications campaigns. This campaign, which includes the use of social media platforms, commenced in early October and will continue throughout the season.
In addition, the Chief Medical Officer recently wrote to each of the Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies in Ireland to request support in the promotion of flu vaccinations amongst their medical trainees, members, fellows and staff, with a view to optimising preparedness for the circulation of this winter’s respiratory viruses.
The HSE’s National Immunisation Office focus on:
• Developing accurate information for parents/guardian and the public as a source of trusted information on vaccines which is available on the HSE website;
• The use of trusted communication channels to reach parents and guardians, including those from vulnerable communities; for example, a widespread public media communications campaign including social media during the winter season to encourage eligible groups to come forward for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines;
• Working with HSE partners to inform, share information and train them on immunisation and vaccine communication; for example, engagement with GPs and pharmacists in relation to their important role in promoting vaccine uptake
• Training healthcare professionals in interpersonal communication techniques to communicate effectively about vaccines; for example, peer vaccinators for healthcare workers to address under coverage by providing onsite influenza vaccines
• Engaging with the ESRI on the subject of the behavioural and social drivers of vaccination. Results of a study carried out by ESRI are expected to be available by the end of 2025.
The HSE National Immunisation Office has launched its Strategic Plan 2024-2027 which sets out a clear road map to work with partners to increase vaccine uptake in line with national and WHO targets. The HSE also works to strengthen vaccine delivery in clinical and community settings, particularly in areas or in communities where uptake is lowest.
In addition, the HSE has established a national immunisation oversight committee co-chaired by the Chief Clinical Officer and a Regional Executive Officer to focus on areas with particularly low uptake to identify causes of low uptake and to determine what actions can be taken. HSE Regional Health Areas have established Regional Immunisation Committees who report to the oversight committee to understand any issues locally, for example, if there may be issues in collecting or recording uptake data. The National Immunisation Office and the National Social Inclusion Office are working with partners and stakeholders from vulnerable communities to understand barriers to vaccination and to build confidence in immunisation.
In advance of any change in policy, my Department can request that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carry out an evaluation of the impacts of potential policy changes. HIQA has a statutory remit, under the Health Act 2007, to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of health technologies, providing advice to the Minister for Health and to the Health Service Executive (HSE) on budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues.
These evaluations take the form of Health Technology Assessments (HTAs). A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner. The use of the HTA facility assists decision makers in assessing the merits and potential shortcomings of a new health technology, policy or service based on accurate and reliable evidence.
HIQA has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) which notes that while studies on enhanced flu vaccines are limited, based on the available data, offering an aQIV or a high dose flu vaccine to those aged 65 and over would likely reduce the burden of flu. It further notes that whether this change would be a good use of public funding depends on the price of the vaccine.
On that basis the HSE was asked to commence a tender process to determine if the enhanced vaccines could be purchased at a price that was cost effective. The HSE advised my Department that neither of the enhanced vaccines for older people met the criteria set out in the HTA for net monetary benefit compared to the standard flu vaccine.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department has considered the position and has determined that the introduction of an enhanced vaccine for the older age groups can be reconsidered when cost effectiveness is more favourable.
114. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health the progress made on the provision of additional GPs around Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64153/25]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients, and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,587 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. A further 634 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the delivery of health services. Detailed information on the number of GP contractors is available online from the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) Reporting and Open Data Area, which shows the number of HSE contracted GPs has increased by more than 8 percent since the beginning of 2020.
Work is ongoing to increase the number of GPs practicing in the State and thereby improve access to GP services for all patients across the country.
Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The Agreements provide for increased GP capitation fees, increased and new supports for practices, as well as new fees for additional services. The 2023 Agreement also provided for the expansion of GP visit card eligibility in 2023 to all children under 8 years of age and all those who earn up to the median household income.
The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. The number of new entrant training places is to increase again next year by 50 places to 400. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years.
In addition, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. As of end of Q3, there are 115 IMG GPs within the programme currently placed in general practice and a further 39 have completed the 2-year programme. The placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas.
115. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position on the MCAP review; the way in which and when the membership was constituted; the frequency with which they have met; and when they are due to report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64361/25]
View answerThe review of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme is in scoping stages. My Departmental officials are working to identify appropriate membership of a clinical review group, including the appointment of a chairperson, to determine whether evidence exists to expand the range of conditions currently covered by the programme.
The review will commence once the chairperson and membership of the group are firmly in place.
116. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health if she will consider including restrictions on nicotine pouch products in the public health (nicotine inhaling products) Bill when presented; the current regulations in place to ensure harmful and unregulated ingredients are not used in these pouches; and if she will consider proposing legislation which will prevent the free distribution of all nicotine products, pouches and otherwise, for marketing purposes. [64097/25]
View answerOn the 18th of November 2025 the Government approved the addition of measures to my draft (Public Heath Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill. These measures will introduce a minimum legal age of sale, restrictions on point of sale display and a prohibition on advertising in retail outlets for all non-medicinal nicotine containing products. This additional law will be developed in early 2026.
Nicotine pouches are not currently subject to regulation under European Union tobacco control legislation. A harmonised EU-wide framework for regulating novel nicotine products would be more effective than individual Member State action, as it prevents regulatory circumvention through cross-border purchases.
On behalf of Ireland and other Member States, I have also urged the European Commission to introduce new tobacco control legislation at EU level at the earliest opportunity to include all novel nicotine products. I have also called for a prohibition on cross-border distance sales to ensure the integrity of national regulatory measures.
Nicotine pouch use remains very low within the adult population, while 17% are current tobacco smokers. Preventing smoking initiation and encouraging its cessation remain the primary focus in relation to nicotine use. Half of all smokers will eventually die from a tobacco-related illness and each week in Ireland tobacco smoking kills over 100 people and causes over 1000 hospitalisations.
117. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health if she will report on the provision of breast cancer services in County Monaghan. [64519/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
118. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health for an update on the approval status of the drug givinostat; if officials from her Department have been in contact with their counterparts in the North of Ireland to examine the possibility of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy accessing treatment in the North as an interim measure; if not, to outline the barriers to them doing so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62690/25]
View answerI recognise the importance of providing the best care possible to patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). My Department is closely following the developments in relation to the pricing and reimbursement application for givinostat (Duvyzat®).
I met with the families of children with DMD and their representative body, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, in July to discuss their plight.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines.
Givinostat, marketed under the brand name Duvyzat®, is a medication used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in ambulant patients aged 6 years and older. Conditional marketing authorisation was granted for this indication on the 6th June by the European Commission.
I met with my Italian counterpart at the EPSCO Council meeting in June in Luxembourg to ask him to encourage Italfarmaco, the marketing authorisation holder for givinostat, to submit a pricing and reimbursement application to Ireland.
On the 6th August 2025 a pricing and reimbursement application was received by the HSE.
The HSE and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) have proactively engaged with the company in relation to the application, to ensure it is processed as expeditiously as possible. Following the conclusion of a Rapid Review by the NCPE on the 14th August 2025, a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was commissioned by the HSE on the 26th August 2025.
The NCPE met with Italfarmaco on the 30th September 2025 to assist the HTA process.
Following enquiries from the Department, NCPE has advised that as of the 18th November 2025 a full HTA dossier is still awaited from the company.
In terms of any cross-border initiatives, a drug or treatment must be approved for reimbursement in the State by the HSE in order for it to be funded outside the State.
119. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if she will consider the introduction of a free vaccination for shingles; and if she will consider adding coverage for shingles vaccination to the medical card, discretionary medical card, GP visit card or drug payment scheme card. [64594/25]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.
The current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered in those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. HIQA’s HTA examined the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of shingles vaccines. The cost effectiveness and budget impact were also reviewed, along with the ethical, social and organisational implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
While the vaccine is considered safe and effective, its protective effect diminishes over time. HIQA also noted the substantial budget impact associated with vaccination. If made available to everyone aged 65 and older, vaccination would cost €218 million over five years.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department considered the findings of this HTA and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable.
120. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if a permanent psychologist position at Athenry primary care centre will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63328/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
121. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to improve staff morale at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire. [64598/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
122. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health for an update on additional inpatient capacity she intends to create for people with severe eating disorders who require hospital admission; the number of additional beds she intends to create; the location and a time-frame for their delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64549/25]
View answerThe National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed really well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded. Most teams are fully operational and seeing people with ED every day; other teams are at different stages of recruitment and preparation for being operational. The most effective treatment setting for eating disorders is in the community, and the roll out of community teams under the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders continues apace; by the end of this year 14 teams out of the 16 envisaged in the Model of Care will be in place.
While a small number of people benefit from inpatient treatment, research shows the most effective treatment setting for eating disorders is in the community. The HSE works hard to meet the needs of people with eating disorders in the setting most appropriate to their needs.
Access to services is increasing, with 25% as many assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 v 449). Approximately 100 dedicated Eating Disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are working on teams across the country. Enhancement for specialist mental health services such as eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the HSE.
Adults who have an eating disorder diagnosis and require inpatient care can be referred to any of the HSE’s acute inpatient mental health approved centres around the country. The HSE funds beds within private hospitals with dedicated eating disorder programmes for adults where recommended by an adult psychiatrist. One Adult Eating Disorder Team also provides care to its catchment area with 3 specialist eating disorder beds in St Vincents University Hospital.
The HSE have now completed a report on inpatient eating bed disorder bed capacity required for the future. This report has been received by my Department for further consideration for alignment with the HSE National Capital Plan.
Enhancing Eating Disorder services is a priority for me as Minister, and I recently secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new additional eating disorder teams. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services.
123. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health for an update on the rollout of Regional Health Authority in Dublin north-east; the date on which issues with referral pathways between primary care and CDNTs will be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63332/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
124. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Health the way in which her Department plans to keep Irish residents safe and healthy in the face of other large, populous countries which have recently backed away from science-based medicine and disease/virus prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56731/25]
View answer125. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health to report on the progress of the development of the community nursing unit, Midleton Community Hospital, Midleton, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64356/25]
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.
126. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children who were scheduled for scoliosis treatment or surgery in UK, the US and in private facilities in Ireland for the period January 2025 to October 2025; and the number who are scheduled for such treatment or surgery in the UK, US and in private facilities here for the next six months. [64373/25]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
127. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the capital investment promised for Belmullet Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64581/25]
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.
128. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address ongoing shortages in dental services in Cork northwest, including long waiting times for dental treatment under the dental treatment services scheme, and difficulties in accessing HSE dentists in towns such as Macroom, Millstreet, Mallow and Kanturk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64082/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
129. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list figures for a first assessment in child and adolescent mental health services; the number of children waiting longer than 12-months; and the accountability measures that have been introduced for the senior HSE management responsible for the ongoing service failures and spiralling waiting lists. [64448/25]
View answerIt is a priority for me, and for Government, to ensure that children who need services can access them and access them on time. This is in line with our national mental health policy Sharing the Vision, our suicide reduction strategy Connecting for Life, and the HSE Annual Service Plan 2025.
Year-on-year funding for mental health services increased from €1.3 billion announced in Budget 2024 to €1.5 billion in 2025 to nearly €1.6 billion in 2026. For context, this is an annual increase in funding of over 5%, and funding since I took up this office has increased by over 51%.
Specifically in relation to youth mental health, this year’s budget provided funding for new early intervention youth mental health services, funding to support a digital single point of access for youth mental health services, an additional specialist CAMHS eating disorders team, two new Mental Health of Intellectual Disabilities teams for children, and five new mental health Discovery Colleges for young people.
CAMHS nationally receives approximately €170 million annually, with a further €110 million provided to NGOs, many of which focus on youth mental health. Under Budget 2025, an additional €2.9 million has supported CAMHS to increase core staffing, develop a new CAMHS Emergency Liaison Service and expand CAMHS Hubs to improve crisis cover for services.
CAMHS nationally has also initiated a targeted campaign to reduce waiting lists across all of its CAMHS teams following the receipt of €3 million waiting list initiative funding from the National Child and Youth Mental Health Office for 2025.
CAMHS is a secondary care specialist service for those aged up to 18 years, who have a moderate to severe mental health difficulty. Access to CAMHS is on the basis of prioritised clinical assessment, in line with the CAMHS Operational Guidelines which are available on the HSE website. All referrals to CAMHS are assessed by a multidisciplinary team. Approximately 2% of the population require support from this specialist service with over 90% of mental health needs requiring treatment in a primary care setting.
I established the National Office for Child and Youth Mental Health in the HSE to improve leadership and all aspects of care across youth mental health. The Office published its new Youth Mental Health Action Plan in February last. This ambitious plan for comprehensive reform across all youth mental health services, including the specialist CAMHS service, 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 for the Department and HSE 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. My aim is that services will be better connected and easier to navigate, with increased focus on the rights of young people and their families. The development of a Single Point of Access for all child and youth mental health referrals in partnership with disabilities, primary care, and voluntary and statutory agencies is a key priority within the new Action Plan.
I recently commenced a series of visits to all HSE Regional Health Areas to meet with the Regional Executive Officers and their staff to focus on improvements to all aspects of Youth Mental Health care, to identify areas where increased activity is needed, and also areas of innovative and positive service delivery. This includes improving access and reducing CAMHS waiting lists particularly for those waiting over 12 months. I have stressed also, the importance of filling all approved posts for each CAMHS team to ensure the effective delivery of services.
There is a long standing and well established reporting and monitoring system between the Department and HSE Mental Health in relation to improving access to CAMHS and to reducing CAMHS waiting lists. This involves regular meetings, and detailed data returns which will be enhanced in the future.
There continues to be growing demand for CAMHS with the number of referrals to Community CAMHS increasing from 17,436 in 2020 to 25,721 in 2024. This is an increase of 8,285 or 48% in referrals. Despite this increasing demand, the total number on the waiting list at the end of September was 4,047. This represents a decrease of 97 children from 4,144 at the end of August. Significantly, the Community CAMHS waiting list has reduced in each of the five months since the end of April. Between the end of April and the end of September, the waiting list has reduced by 507 children.
I will continue to work closely with the HSE to ensure that all aspects of youth mental health care are improved over this year and beyond.
130. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the policy measures in place to ensure timely assignment of case managers or social workers for adults with complex needs who are identified as high clinical risk; if she will review current waiting list management for disability services to prevent prolonged delays; the safeguarding protocols which apply in cases where individuals live in non-sheltered settings without support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64354/25]
View answerThis is a matter for the Department of Disabilities, Children and Equality and should be redirected to that Department.
