Written Answers Nos. 882-905
882. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to clarify the position in respect of a person in long-term care who urgently requires dental treatment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72346/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
883. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive conformation of, and a date for a notification of marriage interview. [71305/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
884. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the number of people on waiting lists to access dermatological services in Monaghan Hospital in each of the years 2019 to date, by length of time waiting, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71335/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
885. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the number of people on waiting lists to access dermatological services in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda in each of the years 2019 to date, by length of time waiting, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71336/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
886. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the WTE within dermatological services in Monaghan Hospital in each of the years 2019 to date, by length of time waiting and the number of which were vacant, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71337/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
887. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the WTE within dermatological services in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda in each of the years 2019 to date; and the number of which were vacant, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71338/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
888. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the waiting lists for juvenile mental health services in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71347/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
889. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the waiting lists for juvenile mental health services in Dublin compared to the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71348/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
890. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any work ongoing that is seeking to reduce waiting lists for juvenile mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71349/25]
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, year on year funding for mental health services has increased by over 5%, and funding since I took up this office has increased by over 50%.
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 €181 million annually, with a further €127 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. This action will ensure children and young people will have improved access to timely, integrated and appropriate mental health services through streamlined referrals and simplified care pathways which will reduce waiting lists.
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 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 October was 4,232, a decrease of 322 – or 7% - since April of this year. Targeted waiting list activity is focused on those waiting over 12 months. Significantly, the number of children waiting for over 12 months decreased by approximately 27% between April and October 2025 from 763 to 557.
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.
891. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the supports in place for children with severe food allergies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71351/25]
View answer892. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if her Department is considering providing families with supports to access oral immunotherapy for food allergies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71352/25]
View answer893. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if her Department is considering any proposals to formally recognise allergies as a public health issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71353/25]
View answer894. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if her Department is considering any proposals to launch public awareness and education campaigns regarding the understanding of allergies as a serious public health issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71354/25]
View answerWith regard to food allergies, food safety policy is a priority for my Department, and this is informed by scientific advice from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
It is of note that EFSA has concluded that, while food allergies affect a relatively small proportion of the population, an allergic reaction can be severe, even potentially fatal and that it is increasingly apparent that people with food allergies or intolerances experience a very significant reduction in quality of life.
However, there are a number of official controls in place in Ireland relating to allergens. In addition, there are several Regulations at EU level setting out the responsibilities of food business operators regarding allergen management and food information.
FSAI routinely publishes “Allergen alerts” on its website (www.fsai.ie) and it also facilitates the direct notification of food allergen alerts for consumers who have subscribed through the FSAI website. The FSAI website also contains extensive literature, training material and other information on food allergens for enforcement officers, food businesses and consumers.
There are currently no plans to develop a national allergy strategy or national allergen register within the Department of Health.
895. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the measures her Department is taking to increase access to emergency allergy treatment in schools, childcare, and public places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71355/25]
View answerIn October 2015, the then Minister for Health signed The Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 449/2015) into effect. The regulations increase access to specified prescription-only medicines in an emergency including adrenaline. This allows for the administration of adrenaline for known or suspected anaphylaxis, to be administered by trained members of the public in emergency situations, without the need for a prescription. Of note, there is provision for organisations such as schools and workplaces to store these medications for the administration by a trained person.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland provide guidance on the implementation of this amendment for pharmacists and the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council has established a course for the education and training of persons to safely and competently administer adrenaline in an emergency.
There is a responsibility to ensure that medications are stored and administered safely and appropriately. Those with a known risk of anaphylaxis should carefully follow their doctor’s guidance regarding carrying an adrenaline pen (‘EpiPen’) on person.
Community pharmacies are among the most accessible and trusted healthcare providers in Ireland. The State recognises the importance of pharmacies being prepared to administer these medicines safely and effectively. This is reflected in the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 which establishes an Emergency Medicine Administration Preparedness Allowance. To recognise that community pharmacists are authorised to administer emergency medicines, and that this service is provided on an ad hoc basis requiring pharmacists to be trained and ready to respond, an annual recurring allowance of €525 will be made available to community pharmacy contractors, commencing in 2026.
896. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the number of podiatry posts in counties Galway and Roscommon; if the number has increased or decreased in recent years; the number of people which are on the waiting list for podiatry services; the number currently availing of services; if this has increased in recent years; if there is a need for additional posts; if there are posts that are currently vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71357/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
897. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health given the prevalence of so-called ultra processed foods in Irish supermarkets, her plans to treat the matter as a public health issue; her powers to address the matter; her plans to ensure widespread access to whole food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71363/25]
View answerThe current Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland Framework (Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025).
OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and the overall aim is to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications, and reduce the impact of overweight and obesity on health outcomes for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. It recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. OPAP is well aligned with the World Health Organisation in terms of the breadth of policy measures that have been introduced or are being considered in order to address the obesity epidemic.
Under OPAP, Ireland put in place a comprehensive, cross-Government strategy to address obesity and overweight. Since 2016 significant progress has been made in delivering on the Ten Step Programme of OPAP and to drive policy initiatives and actions, ranging from health promotion and education initiatives and obesity prevention measures through to establishing services to treat and manage obesity within the health care system.
Under OPAP, funding has been provided for numerous initiatives and programmes aimed at implementing the actions set out in OPAP, which include actions aimed at tackling the prevalence of high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods, which are a type of ultra processed food.
In 2016, the Department of Health indicated its intention to introduce a food reformulation strategy for Ireland. The strategy was published in 2021 and is outlined in A Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland. To implement the Roadmap, The Food Reformulation Task Force, a strategic partnership between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and Healthy Ireland, was established in 2022, with funding provided by the Department on an annual basis in order to carry out implementation of the roadmap. Funding was extended to 2027 for the FSAI to continue working with the Food industry to reduce nutrients of concern, such as fat, salt and sugar in commonly consumed food in Ireland.
In 2021, Sláintecare Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health, working with the HSE and local authorities and community agencies, launched the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme to provide increased health and wellbeing services in 24 community areas across Ireland. This Programme employs a Community Food & Nutrition worker in each of the communities that have been identified as disadvantaged, who work to improve community health and wellbeing in the community areas by addressing the issues of poor diet and food poverty.
In 2024, the Safefood ‘Building a Healthier Environment’ public health campaign was launched by the then Minister of State for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy Colm Burke. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the unhealthy food environment, how this is harmful to children’s health and why it needs to change, particularly by highlighting the current prevalence and accessibility of unhealthy foods within the food environment and highlighting how much unhealthy foods in supermarkets are placed at children’s eye level. To this end, the Department of Health has engaged regularly with Coimisiún na Meán regarding the issue of restricting the advertisement of HFSS foods to children and will continue to engage with An Coimisiún on an ongoing basis as work in this area continues.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as Ireland’s independent regulator is the central competent authority for the enforcement of food safety legislation. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides independent scientific advice to support European policies and legislation related to food. Advice from EFSA and FSAI informs European laws, rules and policymaking, which helps protect consumers from risks in the food chain. Regulation EC 178/2002 (General Food Law) provides the legal framework for ensuring food safety and consumer protection within the European Union (EU).
In the EU, food additives are identified by an E number, and their safety is evaluated before they can be permitted for use in food. Food additives are substances which are intentionally added to food to perform a technological function during manufacturing, processing, or storage. Only approved food additives, which are included in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, can be used in foods on the EU market. EFSA evaluates the safety of regulated products like food additives before they can be authorised for the EU market. Scientific assessments are carried out to ensure that additives are safe for human consumption before and after authorisation. This involves evaluating both new additives and re-evaluating existing ones. Based on these evaluations, EFSA makes recommendations to the European Commission.
Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, sets out the general principles and obligations regarding the provision of food information, including the declaration of ingredients. This Regulation requires that food additives are identified by the name of the category they belong to, followed by their specific name or E number in the list of ingredients.
As there is no legal definition of Ultra Processed Food (UPF) the WHO are in the process of convening an expert advisory group to develop a guideline to assist member states to promote healthier, safer and more sustainable diets as a priority through a variety of actions.
The current OPAP runs through to the end of 2025, and a successor Obesity Policy and Action Plan will be drafted by the Department in 2026. 2026. As part of this process of preparing the next OPAP, the department will consider the learning from the existing OPAP, examine the data from the extensive consultation process conducted over the last nine months and reflect on all emerging evidence to inform how the new Obesity Policy and Action plan will be designed.
898. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health for an update on the new Community Nursing Unit in Roscrea; if the review of potential sites that was taking place in October 2025 has been completed; if a site has been selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71367/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
899. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the provision being made for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71383/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
900. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the up to date position on a medication (details supplied) being made available on the drugs payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71385/25]
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.
901. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the number of personnel employed across all State agencies who support special education in post-primary schools (details supplied); the total annual expenditure associated with these roles, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71388/25]
View answerThis question should be directed to the Department of Education and Youth.
902. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when the proposed tribunal to deal with cases of people who have been injured as a result of taking the Covid vaccines will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71390/25]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, significant work has been completed by my Department to develop a model for a vaccine damage scheme. It is my intention to bring the model to Cabinet for discussion and consideration in due course. Until the model has been considered and approved by Government, it is not possible to provide any further information in relation to the scheme's implementation.
903. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE sonographers by grade posts that were filled at Limerick Maternity Hospital in 2024 and to-date in 2025; if this number will be further increased during Q1 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71394/25]
View answerAs this PQ refers to an operational issue, it has been forwarded to the HSE for response.
904. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE physiotherapists that were based at Ennis Hospital in each of the years of 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71395/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
905. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will urgently intervene to ensure that a child (details supplied) receives an appointment with CAMHS and receives immediate access to appropriate mental-health and behavioural supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71408/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
