Written Answers Nos. 608-628
608. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the regional breakdown of funding allocated to the National Cancer Strategy for 2026 under the new devolved HSE regional budgeting model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67901/25]
View answerThe Regional Health Area budgets are determined by the Health Service Executive, as such I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
609. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the methodology used to determine the level of funding provided to each HSE region for the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy in 2026; the criteria applied in determining regional allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67902/25]
View answerThe Regional Health Area budgeting process is determined by the Health Service Executive, as such I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
610. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the projected expenditure by region in 2026 on rapid access clinics for breast, lung and prostate cancers; and the expected impact of this funding on waiting times and early-diagnosis capacity. [67903/25]
View answerThe Regional Health Area budgeting process is determined by the Health Service Executive, as such I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
611. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the funding specifically ring-fenced in 2026 for radiotherapy, surgical oncology and chemotherapy services in each HSE region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67904/25]
View answerThe Regional Health Area budgeting process is determined by the Health Service Executive, as such I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
614. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether any region will face a reduced allocation for cancer services under the new devolved budgeting model; and if so, the rationale for such reductions and the impact assessment undertaken. [67907/25]
View answerThe Regional Health Area budgeting process is determined by the Health Service Executive, as such I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
615. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which patient-level needs, such as demographic growth, deprivation levels, and projected cancer incidence, were factored into determining each region’s allocation for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67908/25]
View answerThe Regional Health Area budgeting process is determined by the Health Service Executive, as such I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
616. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding in 2026 specifically assigned to support the implementation of new or updated NCCP clinical guidelines and pathways; and the way in which this funding is distributed and monitored across regions. [67909/25]
View answerThe Regional Health Area budgets and budgeting process is determined by the Health Service Executive, as such I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
617. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether additional capital funding is being provided to any HSE region in 2026 for the development or expansion of cancer services infrastructure, including diagnostic, radiotherapy or surgical facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67910/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
618. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2018 of 4 November 2025, the number of counselling sessions provided by a service (details supplied), by unplanned pregnancy calls and post-abortion clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67918/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, this PQ has been referred to the HSE to respond.
619. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 7 May 2025, the criteria used to classify calls to a service (details supplied) in the previously referenced categories of "Counselling" "Information" and "Listening support"; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67919/25]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service provided by the HSE (MyOptions) it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
620. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the measures she is taking to support those with a dual diagnosis of substance use disorder and another mental illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67920/25]
View answerDual diagnosis in this context refers to a person who experiences both a substance use problem and a mental health issue such as depression, or an anxiety disorder. Treatment options must address both.
The Dual Diagnosis Model of Care describes a clear clinical pathway for all adolescents and adults suspected of having a dual diagnosis covering integration across primary care, substance misuse, community mental health and acute services.
The Model was launched in 2023 by myself as Minister and Minister Naughton and recommends the development of 12 Adult Specialist Dual Diagnosis Teams nationally, and 4 Adolescent Hub Teams.
Roll out of the teams has commenced, with mental health funding of over €5 million secured to support recruitment in this area to date. Five Dual Diagnosis teams are being recruited into and developed at present – adult teams in Limerick and Cork commenced services in 2024, and a team in Waterford is in recruitment, and two Adolescent hub teams in North Dublin (Substance Abuse Service Specific to Youth - SASSY) and South Dublin (Youth Drug and Alcohol Service - YoDA) are being developed.
Under Budget 2026, I secured funding for an additional Dual Diagnosis team, and a Dual Diagnosis Day Programme in Dublin.
In the meantime, individuals who do require treatment for dual diagnosis are being supported by the relevant HSE social inclusion addiction services in their community.
This continued investment highlights this Government’s commitment not only to mental health, but to ensuring that the mental health services that we develop and deliver are reflective of the needs of modern society.
621. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if she will address the urgent need for improved facilities and additional dedicated space for the rheumatology outpatient department at Cork University Hospital; the plans in place to provide a designated area for multidisciplinary consultations, patient education, and administrative work to ensure patient confidentiality and efficient service delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67925/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
622. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the most recent national data regarding the number of people on waiting lists for glaucoma treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67946/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
623. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the most recent national data regarding the number of people on waiting lists for cornea and refractive surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67947/25]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, adult and child waiting list information by hospital, specialty, and time band is published monthly by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) on its website: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm.
The information is now being made available through an interactive visual tool which provides users with a much-improved way of accessing and analysing waiting list information.
The NTPF has advised my Department that it is unable to provide specific reports for cornea and refractive surgery.
624. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the most recent national figures regarding the number of people on waiting lists for age-related macular degeneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67948/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
625. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the most recent figures regarding the number of people on waiting lists for diabetic retinopathy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67949/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
626. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the most recent figures regarding the number of people on waiting lists for dry eye disease, or ocular surface disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67950/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
627. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the most recent figures regarding the number of people on waiting lists for retinal detachment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67951/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
628. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67956/25]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, CORU is Ireland’s multi-profession health and social care regulator. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended).
Counsellors and psychotherapists perform a vital role, providing therapeutic care to often vulnerable people. Regulation is being introduced to these professions to protect the public, ensuring that care provided is of a consistently high standard and always by suitably qualified individuals.
The Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board (CPRB) was established in 2019 and since that time has been working to progress regulation of both professions.
The CPRB undertook extensive research, analysis, and public consultation as part of the process of introducing statutory regulation for these professions. This work has been informed by, and is in line with, requirements set out in the EU Proportionality Test Directive (transposed into Irish law on 19 August 2022 (S.I. No. 413/2022)).
The public consultation process received over 700 submissions, including from educators, professional bodies and existing practitioners. 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.
In line with the CPRB’s statutory responsibility to assess, balance and consider all perspectives before reaching a final evidence-based decision, the Board carefully considered every submission received and determined the final Standards and Criteria that will underpin entry to the registers for both counsellors and psychotherapists. This open, structured and inclusive process demonstrates CORU’s clear commitment to transparency, accountability, evidence-based decision-making, proportionality and, above all, the protection of the public.
A comprehensive consultation report has been published by CORU, setting out the process followed, the key themes raised in submissions, and the rationale for the final decisions taken by the Board and is accessible at: www.coru.ie/public-protection/publications/consultation-reports/counsellors-psychotherapists-registration-board/.
In July 2025 CORU published two key documents for each of these professions:
Standards of Proficiency• : These outline the threshold knowledge and skills required for entry to the register. They define what a counsellor or psychotherapist must be able to do at the point of entry into practice.
Criteria for Education and Training Programmes• : These set out the systems and processes education providers must implement in the design and management of education and training programmes. They provide assurance that all graduates have achieved all the Standards of Proficiency upon successful completion of an education and training programme.
The adopted Standards and Criteria reflect the threshold knowledge and skills required for safe practice at entry to the professions of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The introduction of consistent standards for the education and training of counsellors and psychotherapists marks a significant milestone, ensuring that those seeking support can have confidence in accessing appropriately trained and qualified practitioners.
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.
CORU’s criteria mandate structured, practice-integrated supervision that enables supervisors and educators to directly evaluate proficiency and ensure safe practice. This approach provides robust, verifiable safeguards while maintaining flexibility for different theoretical modalities. The standards set the threshold for safe and effective practice, without restricting innovation or allowing education providers to exceed these minimum requirements at their discretion.
Regarding professional mobility, the profession of psychotherapist falls under the general system of recognition within the European Union, whereby each Member State determines the required training standards and assesses applications for recognition of qualifications from other Member States through a comparative evaluation. Where substantial differences in qualifications exist, compensation measures may be required.
Irish trained psychotherapists who move to another Member State will be assessed under the general system of recognition in the same way that other Irish trained health professionals are assessed when moving to another Member State, for example physiotherapists and social workers. There is no standardisation of education and training for psychotherapists in the EU and each Member State which regulates the profession does so in a manner which reflects the context in that State.
In relation to movement across the Border, it is important to note that neither counselling nor psychotherapy is currently a statutorily regulated profession in the UK, including Northern Ireland. This means there are no legal restrictions preventing someone from practising as a counsellor or psychotherapist in these jurisdictions.
When the registers open in Ireland the CPRB will become the competent authority responsible for assessing international applicants who wish to practise as counsellors or psychotherapists in Ireland.
At that stage, any person, including those qualified in the UK or Northern Ireland, will be able to apply to have their qualifications assessed to demonstrate that they meet the threshold standards of proficiency, meaning the required knowledge, skills, and competence to practise safely and effectively in Ireland.
I am confident that CORU’s work will bring clear benefits for public protection. The framework has been designed to strengthen standards of practice while ensuring that training pathways and workforce supply are not adversely affected.
I am assured that CORU will continue to engage closely with education providers, professional bodies, and other stakeholders as the regulatory process advances, keeping public protection at the centre of this work.
I am eager to see this work progressed so that two very important professions are finally regulated, in the interest of public protection.
