Written Answers Nos. 2028-2047
2028. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if legislation is planned to ban the practice called vaping from public gathering places such as pubs, restaurants, shops, offices and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2318/26]
View answerWhile a legislative prohibition on vaping in indoor workplaces is not currently being pursued, the Department of Health is in the process of updating the Tobacco Free Ireland policy. As part of this process we are reviewing existing policy and legislation on smokefree and aerosol free areas to determine if these provisions require strengthening.
My Department and the HSE continue to support initiatives at local authority level, such as the 'Not Around Us' Campaigns which seek to increase the number of smoke and vape-free environments, particular in areas which may be frequented by young people. Individual businesses and organisations are also free to establish their own policy on this matter.
2029. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 828 of 25 February 2025 (details supplied), when and by whom the decision was taken to exclude medical scientists who retired before 1 January 2024 from receiving the pay parity increases recommended by the Labour Court;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2511/26]
View answer2030. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 828 of 25 February 2025 (details supplied) if she has considered whether excluding retired medical scientists from the Labour Court-recommended pay adjustments is consistent with past practice on pension parity for public servants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2512/26]
View answer2031. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 828 of 25 February 2025 (details supplied), if she will review the implementation of the Labour Court’s recommendation on pay parity for medical scientists to ensure that those who retired before 1 January 2024, including those who returned to support the health service during COVID-19 and the cyberattack, are treated fairly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2513/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2029, 2030 and 2031 together.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all Medical Scientists throughout the country, including those who have retired from the profession after years of commitment.
Following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission back in May and June of 2022, agreement was reached to conduct an independent assessment of the role, responsibilities and pay of medical laboratory scientist grades. This assessment was undertaken by an independent assessor and the final report issued in January 2023. It was confirmed that medical laboratory scientists were performing the same duties as biochemists.
This long-standing matter has now been resolved through the Labour Court, which examined all relevant issues including the review of the grades involved. The Labour Court determination was explicit that the claim relating to pay parity was effective from 1 January 2024.
The implementation of the binding determination of the Labour Court is set out in the Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026. Circular 2/2024 has instructed HSE management and HR personnel to implement the terms of the Labour Court recommendation from the effective date of 1 January 2024 to all staff in position from that date. Only relevant employees in post on 1 January 2024 or after, were eligible to receive the benefit of the recommendation. Those who retire beyond 1 January 2024, will receive the benefit of recommendation.
2032. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health her priorities for the Irish EU Presidency regarding the EU cardiovascular disease health plan to be published shortly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73852/25]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade is leading on the drafting of the Irish Presidency Programme. They are currently exploring a programme based around three “baskets”:
Values and Principles
Security, and
Competitiveness.
The development of the Health Presidency priorities is on-going, in consultation with aegis agencies and bodies, and will be aligned to and consistent with this approach.
The Health Agenda will depend on the 2026 Commission Work Programme, 2026 Commission Winter Package (published on 16/12/2025) and the inherited work portfolio of legislative/non-legislative files from the Cyprus Presidency.
2033. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health how she plans to prioritise and implement the EU cardiovascular disease health plan in Ireland and channel EU funds to support this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73853/25]
View answerCardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2023 and is estimated to cost the Irish state €1.7 billion annually, with 46% of this being direct healthcare costs.
Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. Today, CVD mortality is about half of the levels of 1995, however, CVD still accounts for 27.8% of all deaths in Ireland. However, the absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.
Irish officials, working closely with EU colleagues, contributed to the development of a new Council Conclusion on the improvement of cardiovascular health, adopted on 3rd December 2024, marking a strong political commitment to tackling cardiovascular disease across Europe. This engagement demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to cardiovascular health, ensuring that national priorities align with European efforts to reduce the burden of CVDs. On 16th December 2025, the European Commission published Safe Hearts – the EU Cardiovascular Plan, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing premature deaths by improving prevention, early detection, and treatment, while also driving innovation. Ireland’s active role in shaping these policies reflects our ambition to strengthen cardiovascular health outcomes for our population and contribute to a healthier Europe.
EU4Health and other European initiatives, such as Horizon Europe, have been important enablers of Member States’ collaboration. For example, Ireland is participating in the EU4Health JACARDI and NCDPREVENT Joint Actions, and both have contributed to and informed our approach to non-communicable diseases.
JACARDI (Joint Action for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes) is a joint action of the European Union (EU) that aims to support European States in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes (DM), at both the individual and health system level. It was awarded €53 million from the European Commission under the EU4Health initiative and will take place over the course of 4 years, from 2023 to 2027.
The Joint Action includes 76 partners from 21 European countries creating 142 tailor-made pilot projects, taking place in both clinical and non-clinical settings, building on international best practice. JACARDI aims to increase healthy life years, improve health equity and decrease premature deaths through empowering health systems with tools, data and strategies to deliver patient-centred, sustainable care. Two Irish work packages were selected for inclusion in an EU for Health Joint Action. “STOP-CVD” (HSE) and ‘Croí Heart Health Club’ (Croí Heart and Stroke Charity).
Cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant portion of the disease burden in Europe, much of which is preventable. The NCDPREVENT project is designed to address this challenge by supporting strategies and policies that aim to reduce the burden of cancer and NCDs, focusing on both personal and societal risk factors.
CVD and its management are prioritised through national policy, strategies, and clinical programmes, which include models of care for stroke, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure and chronic disease management. The Programme for Government (PfG) 2025 commits to “Building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy, we will develop a new and more ambitious plan enhancing patient care and timely access across all regions.”
On April 8th, the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services was published. This comprehensive, evidence-based report provides 23 key recommendations to inform future cardiac health policy. It offers both a data-driven analysis and a clear roadmap for reforming cardiac services across the country. DoH officials are now working closely with the HSE to progress the implementation of these recommendations. This is a complex, multiyear reform programme that will ensure a comprehensive and deliverable approach in achieving outcomes.
Cardiovascular health has been prioritised in Budget 2025, which allocates over €9 million in full-year funding to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Budget 2025 allocated €4 million full year costs, and 45 WTEs to progress cardiac services. To date, 28 of these 45 WTEs have been prioritised and 5.1 WTE posts have been accepted. This investment facilitates the initial steps in cardiac services reform and will support the development of a new cardiovascular strategy in the longer term. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.
With regard to services for stoke, the National Stroke Strategy was published in 2022 and over €13m has been allocated to its implementation to date. The Stroke Strategy aims to modernise our Stroke services in line with Sláintecare and ensure the future readiness of services given our ageing demography and the predicted rise in stroke incidence in coming decades. Most recently in Budget 2025, of the €9m invested in Cardiovascular Health, full year costs of €5m were allocated which will provide 56 WTEs to strengthen Acute Stroke units and expand the Early Supported Discharge Team network from 11-15 teams nationally.
2034. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the extent to which hospitals in the mid-west have in-hospital counselling services available to patients who may be enduring mental health problems; the associated staffing levels in each hospital in the mid-west region; the days and hours the service is available in each hospital in the mid-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73854/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2035. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health when the HSE expects to begin receiving new patients at the new surgical hub that will be based in Swords; and the types of procedures that will be performed at this hub. [73855/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2036. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health the locations within CHO9 where HSE employed orthoptists are based, in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [73856/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2037. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health the amount of revenue generated via restaurant/coffee shops sales at Beaumont Hospital in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [73857/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2038. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE paediatric psychologists posts that were filled at Portmarnock Primary Care Centre in each of the years of 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [73858/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
2039. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on the waiting list to see a dentist at Swords Health Centre; and the average waiting time for same. [73859/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
2040. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the rationale for removing funding for monitored dosage systems (blister packs); the assessment carried out on the impact this will have on vulnerable patients, including those with dementia and complex medication regimes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73860/25]
View answer2041. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will consider introducing a sustainable funding model for blister packs, given that the service costs approximately €70 per patient, per cycle, and is essential for medication safety and independent living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73861/25]
View answer2042. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if her Department has engaged with the Irish Pharmacy Union regarding the removal of blister pack supports and the financial impact on community pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73862/25]
View answer2043. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the guidance which has been issued to GPs and pharmacists regarding applications for blister packs following the policy change; the alternative supports which will be available for vulnerable patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73863/25]
View answer2044. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently receiving blister packs and the projected impact of introducing charges of €20–€50 per month on these households; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73864/25]
View answer2045. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if her Department has considered the risk of medication errors and hospital admissions resulting from the removal of blister pack supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73865/25]
View answer2046. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health her plans to review the phased dispensing scheme, which currently covers only nine core drug families;and whether this will be expanded to include blister packs for vulnerable patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73866/25]
View answer2047. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients currently receiving monitored dosage systems (blister packs) through community pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73867/25]
View answer2048. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a breakdown of blister pack users by category, including the number of patients with dementia; the number with severe or complex illnesses; the number requiring multiple medications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73868/25]
View answer2049. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the clinical or risk assessments which have been carried out by her Department or the HSE on the impact of removing funding for blister packs, particularly in relation to medication adherence and hospital admissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73869/25]
View answer2050. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if any cost-benefit analysis has been undertaken comparing the cost of funding blister packs versus the potential cost of increased hospital admissions and adverse medication events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73870/25]
View answer2051. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will provide details of any consultation with patient advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, or the Irish Pharmacy Union before deciding to remove support for blister packs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73871/25]
View answer2052. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the alternative measures which will be put in place to protect vulnerable patients who currently rely on blister packs for safe medication management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73872/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051 and 2052 together.
Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS), known as “blister packs” or compliance aids, are systems that enable the individual medicine doses for any medication to be organised according to the prescribed dose schedule. These are ordinarily provided once a month and packaged to indicate when medication should be taken.
The State has never agreed to fund this and there has never been a fee associated with monitored dosage systems under the Pharmacy contract. This has always been the case and has been repeated in several Health Service Executive (HSE) circulars to pharmacists. For example:
Circular No. 013/17 (available at:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/phased%20dispensing.pdf)
Circular 016/17 (available at:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/phased%20dispensing%20for%20pharmacists.pdf)
Circular 26/19 (available at:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/026-2019-pharmacy-circular-phased-dispending.pdf)
The community pharmacy contract has supported phased dispensing since 1996 for patient safety reasons and will continue to do so. Phased dispensing requires the patient to present to the pharmacy on multiple occasions in the month (e.g., each week) when it would be unsafe for the patient to receive the totality of their medication in one supply occasion, or if the shelf life of the medicine requires it. Community pharmacies receive additional fees for this service – which has only ever been in place for medical card holders.
I do recognise that for certain patients, or their carers, the use of blister packs to simplify adherence with their dosage schedule can be helpful and they rely heavily on the provision of these products.
However, it is important to recognise that phased dispensing and blister packing are not the same thing. The State funds phased dispensing for medical card holders. It does not, however, fund MDS (blister packs).
Therefore, the HSE does not have data on the number of patients currently availing of blister packing services, as this has not been a reimbursable service.
The changes agreed under the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025, negotiated between the Department, the HSE, and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) – now paused until later in quarter 1 2026 – will introduce improved controls to align phased dispensing to specified high risk drugs, where a patient safety concern may exist. This will ensure that patients on high-risk medicines, such as anti-psychotics or opioids, are appropriately targeted with support.
Psychotropic medications represent a class of medication that are high risk, have a high dependency potential, and carry a significant risk of misuse. They are often prescribed in the management of conditions where cognitive or functional impairments justify closer monitoring through phased supply.
It is imperative to recognise that the State has not imposed a new charge on the use of MDS or “blister packs”. This remains a private service provided by pharmacies.
It is also understood that different approaches have been taken by community pharmacies in respect of funding the use of MDS for medical card holders:
• Some have been blister packing their patient’s medicines for free,
• Some have been charging the patient privately for providing that service, and,
• Some have submitted claims for phased dispensing to the HSE when in reality they were using MDS. The State has never agreed to this last practice, and it is inappropriate claiming to do so.
It remains open to pharmacies to charge patients or not for the use of MDS as a private service, as many currently do. It is important where a pharmacy charges a fee for any professional service, that they provide updated information to patients in line with the new Pricing Transparency Guidelines, which came into effect on 1 December 2025.
In addition to the provision of MDS, community pharmacies can, and do, use a variety of means to assist their patients including:
• counselling,
• reminder charts,
• the “Know Check Ask system” with the HSE, and
• tools like picture or large-print labels and alarms.
All of these are aimed at improving understanding and adherence to medication. This remains a key part of the service and support that pharmacies provide to patients. There is no change in that regard.
The HSE Health App ‘My medicines list’ provides a secure place for patients to record a list of their medicines, which can be useful for pharmacy or hospital visits. It also allows people to see a list of their medicines received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or General Medical Services (medical card) Scheme. Keeping a list can help patients know their medicines. It can also help when patients are discussing their medicines with a healthcare professional.
These measures can assist older people, people with disabilities, and people with multiple conditions, to ensure that they manage their medicines safely. Patients should talk to their pharmacist directly about the best way to manage their medicines.
The new Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 clearly reiterated the long-standing position of the State that MDS (“blister packs”) were not reimbursable under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, or any other State scheme.
Phased dispensing is available – under certain criteria – to those with medical card eligibility and this will remain the case.
Under the landmark Agreement, a new Strategic Collaboration Group will be established in 2026 to provide a structured forum for joint consideration of strategic issues shaping the future of community pharmacy in Ireland.
A key pillar of this is a dedicated fund allocated to progressing opportunities to improve or expand community pharmacy services in relation to medicines optimisation. This new structured collaborative process will help to design and deliver evidence-informed high impact medicines optimisation services to patients and support future opportunities for service investment.
