Written Answers Nos. 579-599
579. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the interim actions being taken by her Department and the HSE to reduce audiology waiting times ahead of the publication of the National Hearing Care Plan in Q1 2026, including any temporary staffing supports or targeted initiatives to clear the current backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64679/25]
View answer580. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE plans to expand short-term access to private or community based audiology services, including options in Northern Ireland, in order to reduce delays for hearing assessments and hearing aids while the National Hearing Care Plan is being finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64680/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 580 together.
The National Hearing Care Plan Working Group was established in August 2024. The Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Membership of the Working Group is drawn from relevant stakeholders, including HSE clinicians and management, the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (ISHAA), the Irish Academy of Audiology (IAA), and the Department of Social Protection.
The Working Group has been tasked with developing recommendations for a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland. To support this, a structured workstream has been developed, including subgroups focused on progressing priority issues. Significant progress has been made to date. There have been 16 meetings of the Working Group and associated subgroups since formation.
The scope of the work being considered by the Group has expanded beyond initial expectations, which has impacted on the timeline of the delivery of the report. The Group is examining:
• The existing level of hearing care provision in Ireland.
• Capacity constraints and opportunities within the HSE.
• Workforce planning, including improved recruitment and retention in the public system.
• The appropriate level of regulation of the audiology profession.
• Improving referral pathways and the integration between acute and community care.
• The effective linkage between public and private care to improve patient outcomes, including reductions in waiting times.
This is wide-ranging work, and it is the intention of the Group to ensure that the final report is comprehensive in its treatment of these matters.
In the meantime, €750,000 was allocated in Budget 2025 so that external providers could be utilised to assess paediatric patients waiting the longest on HSE community audiology waiting lists. External providers have been identified via a HSE procurement process and the HSE have advised that over 3,600 children will be seen under this initiative.
The HSE provides hearing aids and associated maintenance free of charge to children under the age of 18 and to adults with a medical card. Further information regarding the HSE's audiology services can be found at:
[www2.hse.ie/services/audiology/].
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. Further information can be found at:
[www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/].
The Treatment Benefit Scheme, operated by the Department of Social Protection, provides for healthcare services to qualified people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. This includes up to €1,000 for a pair of hearing aids, and up to €100 toward repairs, within a 4-year calendar period. Further information can be found at:
[www.gov.ie/en/service/1fb655-treatment-benefit-scheme/].
Individuals who do not possess a medical card or who are not eligible for the Treatment Benefit Scheme would have to purchase hearing aids privately from a commercial provider. If the individual has private health insurance, it may cover hearing aid costs. Hearing aids are exempt from VAT. People may also be entitled to claim tax relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) on the purchase of hearing aids where prescribed.
581. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the financial difference for a person currently on the special scheme for long-Covid, following the conclusion of the current special scheme on 31 December 2025, in comparison to the available schemes following the deadline of the final extension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64681/25]
View answerThe Department does not have individual data on the 159 employees who are currently on the Special Scheme for Long Covid.
When the scheme ends on the 31st of December 2025 the full provisions of the Public Sector Sick Leave Scheme will apply to anyone who remains unfit to return to work.
The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports for up to 3 years.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
582. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners operating, per capita, in Ballyhaunis. [64684/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
583. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists operating in Ballyhaunis. [64685/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
584. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the average wait time for a GP appointment in Ballyhaunis. [64686/25]
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 GP 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, and a further 634 GPs who do not hold a GMS contract hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the provision of health services.
As GPs are private practitioners, the Department of Health and the HSE have no role in relation to the scheduling of GP/practice nurse consultations and do not monitor appointment waiting times. GPs prioritise appointments based on urgency and health need, and issues regarding the scheduling of consultations should be raised directly with the practice concerned.
Several measures have been taken in recent years to increase the number of GPs practicing throughout the country and thereby improve GP access. The measures taken include significantly increasing investment in general practice to increase capacity and to improve the attractiveness of working in this sector, increasing the number of GP trainees, and recruiting GPs from abroad under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme.
585. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the average wait time for a dental appointment in Ballyhaunis. [64687/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
586. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 457 of 13 November 2025, if all valid prescriptions for HRT products, which are for the time being on the reimbursement list, are eligible for the free HRT scheme regardless of the reason they were prescribed; if not, the way in which pharmacists are expected to ascertain the reason a prescription was made when there is no requirement for healthcare providers to indicate this on prescriptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64688/25]
View answerUnder the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) measure, which came into effect on 1 June 2025, where a woman has been prescribed HRT by her healthcare provider for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products, and the pharmacy dispensing fees will be met by the State.
This measure is intended to support the management of the symptoms of menopause and, therefore, relates to the provision of treatment for the symptoms a specific medical condition/life stage i.e. menopause. HRT is the most commonly used treatment for managing symptoms of menopause and has shown to be the most effective intervention.
I am aware that HRT is used in the treatment of other medical conditions/circumstances, including gender-affirming healthcare, hypogonadism, IVF, and some cancer treatments. However, the current provision of the Free HRT Arrangement, legislated for under the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024, limits eligibility to those whose healthcare provider has prescribed HRT to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. The legislation does not make amendments to what must be included in a prescription for it to be considered valid.
I am not in a position to comment on or intervene in individual cases, patient’s prescriptions, or decisions made by individual pharmacists in the exercise of their professional judgement.
Pharmacists have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that each dispensing is safe, appropriate, and in the best interests of the patient. These responsibilities are reflected in the [,] which sets out the principles of professional practice expected of all pharmacists in Ireland. In particular, Principle 2 of the Code outlines the obligation to “provide safe and effective care,” and Principle 5 emphasises the need to “exercise professional judgment in the best interests of patients.”
These principles require pharmacists to consider, at each dispensing, not only the legal validity of the prescription, but also whether the continued supply of the medicine is clinically appropriate. This includes situations where the full 12-month supply may not be dispensed if, in the pharmacist’s judgement, further assessment is needed, or where clarity from the prescriber may be required.
Where a member of the public believes that a pharmacist has not acted appropriately or has not complied with their legal or professional obligations, they are entitled to make a complaint to the PSI. All complaints received are considered in accordance with the provisions of the Pharmacy Act 2007. A decision not to progress a complaint does not suggest that the concerns were not considered seriously, but rather that the statutory threshold for further action under section 36(1) of the Act was not met.
Alternatively, outside of the statutory complaints process, anyone can raise a concern with the PSI about the behaviour, conduct or practice of a pharmacist, or the service they have received in a pharmacy. All concerns are formally reviewed by the PSI to consider whether further action is needed. In these situations, those raising the concern are not kept informed of the outcomes of the internal reviews/actions taken by PSI. Further information is available on the PSI’s [website.]
587. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health given the increasing number of older people presenting with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, if it is mandatory for all hospital staff , including those working in emergency departments, to receive dementia-specific training; the HSE or hospital protocols for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s who present with delirium and are left sitting on a chair in an emergency department for extended periods, including up to 24-hours; the measures which are in place to ensure that persons with dementia receive appropriate, safe, and dignified care when attending emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64690/25]
View answerReply not received from Department.
588. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the recent concerns raised about the new flu strain causing an increase in illness across UK; if she or her Department has updated the plans to ensure greater availability of the flu vaccine this winter for at risk and vulnerable citizens; whether she has engaged with the pharmacist and general practitioner groupings to discuss the roll out of the flu vaccine; whether a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out by the Government in relation to the type of vaccines available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64691/25]
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. As Influenza viruses are constantly evolving, the World Health Organization closely monitors which flu viruses have been circulating, and makes recommendations every year, in February, about which strains to include in that year’s seasonal flu vaccine.
H3N2 is a well-established human seasonal flu virus that has circulated for decades. However, the current circulating influenza A(H3N2) virus in the UK acquired a number of new mutations over the summer. Early UK data suggests that although the new H3N2 subclade K virus has drifted from the strain included in this year’s flu vaccine, the vaccine is still offering meaningful protection.
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.
589. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the plans to introduce a mobile blood testing service for persons who are housebound; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64703/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
590. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if she will reinstate funding for continuous glucose monitoring systems for people with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64708/25]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
591. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will review correspondence (details supplied) regarding an accident and emergency charge issued by Cavan General Hospital; her views on whether the application of this charge was correct in circumstances where the patient could not be admitted due to the unavailability of beds;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64711/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
592. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Health the current wait time at University Hospital Waterford for a mammogram following referral by a GP; the wait time for biopsy result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64722/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
593. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the date on which the Health Service Executive’s expert group completed its review of the implications of the Cass Review for Irish gender healthcare services, the date this report was submitted to the Chief Clinical Officer, the planned timeline for its publication or release, and the steps her Department is taking to ensure that the findings inform current service governance and interim clinical guidance for children and young people. [64749/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
594. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of children and young people referred by the HSE for gender-related assessment or treatment through the treatment abroad scheme in each of the past five years, the total public cost incurred, the number of cases currently awaiting referral or funding approval, and whether any changes to referral criteria or clinical pathways have been implemented following the Cass Review. [64751/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
595. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the governance and conflict-of-interest policies that apply to officials, clinicians, external advisors and members of the HSE’s Programme for Gender Healthcare when developing or advising on gender healthcare policy, including disclosure requirements relating to links with pharmaceutical companies, advocacy organisations or service providers; and the way these safeguards are monitored and enforced. [64753/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
596. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of children and young people referred by the HSE for gender-related assessment or treatment through the treatment abroad scheme in each of the past five years, the total public cost incurred, the number of cases awaiting referral or funding approval, and whether changes to referral criteria or clinical pathways have been introduced following the Cass Review. [64754/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
597. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the current average and longest waiting times for children and young people referred to CAMHS for gender-related assessment, for subsequent referral to NHS specialist services under the Treatment Abroad Scheme, and for review by Children’s Health Ireland; and the steps being taken to ensure timely evidence-based assessment pathways while the new Model of Care is being developed. [64755/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
598. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE maintains, or plans to establish, a structured data-collection system tracking long-term outcomes for children and young people presenting with gender dysphoria, including psychological outcomes, medical interventions, service use, and rates of detransition or regret; and the way such data will inform the new Model of Care. [64756/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
599. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the clinical governance structures in Children’s Health Ireland for gender-related assessment and treatment, the oversight arrangements in place, the internal audit processes used, and how CHI ensures adherence to evidence-based guidance in this area. [64757/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
