James Geoghegan
Question:2305. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health if she will examine the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75034/25]
View answerDepartmental Correspondence
Questions (2305)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (2306)
Erin McGreehan
Question:2306. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the development of a business case for the purchase of the software required for scoliosis surgery at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (details supplied); if she will confirm that the HSE does not currently hold the equipment required; and if she will acknowledge that the absence of this software is resulting in the cancellation and postponement of children's surgery dates. [75038/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Services
Questions (2307)
Shane Moynihan
Question:2307. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if she will address the lack of recognition of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, FASD, as a disability within the HSE, which is resulting in a person (details supplied) being denied access to disability services; the reason HSE disability services in some areas such as Waterford, provide supports for individuals with FASD while others do not; and the steps which will be taken to ensure consistency and access to appropriate services for individuals with FASD nationwide. [75045/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Ambulance Service
Questions (2308, 2309)
Emer Currie
Question:2308. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Programme for Government commitment to advancing the full implementation of the recommendations of the HSE-Dublin City Council joint ambulance service delivery task and finish group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75048/25]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:2309. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date regarding the 15 central recommendations made in a report (details supplied), in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75051/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2308 and 2309 together.
The Deputy will be aware that Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) is the primary provider of emergency ambulance services in Dublin on behalf of Dublin City Council (DCC). The HSE's National Ambulance Service (NAS) provides some emergency ambulance support DFB in Dublin when requested and subject to availability.
There exists a high level of cooperation between DFB and the NAS on day-to-day operational matters with efforts ongoing to continue to build on this close cooperation to help strengthen further arrangements for the delivery of ambulances services in the capital.
As the Deputy has mentioned in their question, in late 2022 HSE/DCC Joint Ambulance Service Delivery Task & Finish Group was established by the then Minister for Health and the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage to identify a more effective ambulance service delivery model for Dublin. The Task and Finish Group made a number of recommendations to strengthen collaboration between the NAS and DFB to improve the delivery of emergency ambulance services in Dublin.
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to implement the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group. Work towards implementing this commitment is ongoing with a Joint NAS/DFB Emergency Ambulance Collaboration Group established in August 2024 to review existing collaborative arrangements and develop processes to implement the Task and Finish Group's recommendations. In this regard, the Collaboration Group is meeting regularly and its work is ongoing.
I welcome this engagement between the two ambulance services with the shared aim of improving ambulance service delivery for patients in Dublin.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (2310)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:2310. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to consider the Labour Court recommendation to extend special leave with pay to workers with long Covid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75062/25]
View answerWritten answers
After a hearing in the Labor Court in June, it was recommended that a final extension of the current Special Scheme to the 31st of December 2025, at which point anyone remaining on the scheme should transition to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme. Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell beyond that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support. Employees who did not qualify for the Special Scheme but are also impacted by Long-Covid may also utilise the supports of the sick leave scheme. 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 if granted.
Dental Services
Questions (2311)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2311. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the reason routine school dental check-ups have not taken place in a primary school in County Kilkenny (details supplied), resulting in a child aged ten years not having received any school dental examination to date; the length of time children in this age cohort are currently waiting for a check-up in the area; the measures being taken to address delays in the school dental service in Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75072/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disease Management
Questions (2312, 2313, 2314, 2316)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:2312. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department considered the procurement of an enhanced influenza vaccine for the 2025–2026 flu season; the advice received from the HSE and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee in this regard; the evidence base relied upon in deciding not to procure such a vaccine; and if she will publish the clinical, cost-effectiveness, and policy assessments underpinning that decision. [75075/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:2313. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost, in absolute and per-patient terms, of procuring an enhanced influenza vaccine for persons aged 65 years and over for the 2025–2026 flu season; how this cost was weighed against projected hospital admissions, bed-day usage, and emergency department demand associated with influenza; and whether a formal cost-benefit or health-impact assessment was carried out. [75076/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:2314. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department assessed the potential impact of not procuring an enhanced influenza vaccine on winter infection rates, hospital overcrowding, and emergency department capacity during the 2025 Christmas period; and if so, to outline the findings of that assessment and the mitigation measures put in place. [75077/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:2316. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether budgetary constraints influenced the decision not to procure an enhanced influenza vaccine for the current season; whether a specific budget line was sought or refused for that purpose; and how influenza vaccination policy is prioritised within overall winter-planning and hospital-capacity frameworks. [75079/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2312 to 2314, inclusive, and 2316 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
The Influenza Vaccination Programme provides a free flu vaccine to those most vulnerable to the effects of the flu. Every year the WHO reviews global surveillance data and recommends the specific influenza strains that manufacturers should include in the season's vaccines based on the flu strains that are considered most likely to circulate. Vaccine production takes several months and this allows the manufacturers sufficient time to have vaccine available in time for the start of the flu season. All licensed influenza vaccines included for the 2025/2026 season comply with WHO and NIAC recommendations.
In 2024, HIQA carried out a Health Technology Assessment, or HTA, on enhanced flu vaccines. The HTA noted that studies on the effectiveness of enhanced flu vaccines are limited due to the small number of studies and a paucity of data over multiple seasons. Due to the variability of seasonal influenza, a single study may misrepresent the 'on average' vaccine effectiveness.
Based on the limited data available, the HTA found that switching from a standard to an enhanced flu vaccine for those aged 65 and older would likely reduce the burden of flu. Whether such a switch would represent a good use of public monies would depend on the price of these enhanced vaccines compared with the standard flu vaccine.
Overall, ECDC reported low to moderate relative vaccine effectiveness for the adjuvanted influenza vaccine against laboratory confirmed influenza and against laboratory confirmed influenza related hospitalisation. They concluded that the evidence of the relative vaccine effectiveness of enhanced influenza vaccines compared to standard vaccines is still limited and that further studies are needed to allow more substantial conclusions on the potential benefits of enhanced influenza vaccines.
It should be noted that the UK is experiencing a significant influenza A wave with medium-level impact in terms of hospitalisations up to 29 November 2025. This is in context of a programme using enhanced influenza vaccines. Australia also offered enhanced influenza vaccines and experienced a severe flu season.
In Ireland amongst both hospitalised influenza cases with severe acute respiratory infection and ICU admissions due to influenza this season, where influenza vaccination status was known, 73% had not received the current season influenza vaccine.
For those in recommended groups, the influenza vaccine currently offered as part of the Influenza Vaccination Programme reduces the risk of serious illness and death from influenza. Ensuring high vaccine coverage is a priority for the Minister as it is the key public health intervention that is required to reduce severe illness from influenza, RSV and COVID-19 over the winter period. Strong surveillance, immunisation programmes and healthcare system readiness including Infection Prevention control are key to protecting public health.
While Ireland performs well compared to other countries in Europe, achieving high vaccine coverage in older age groups, it is essential that all those in recommended groups continue to be supported and encouraged to avail of the influenza vaccine.
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 and from within their existing budget. The HSE carried out an analysis of the tenders received and on 4 February 2025, 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 standard flu vaccine.
The HIQA HTA estimates increasing costs of procurement of the enhanced influenza vaccines at between approximately €4 million and €19 million per year. Actual costs are commercially confidential and are not known until tenders are evaluated each year.
The healthcare budget is finite. Decisions regarding increased spending in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system. Therefore, cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process. The introduction of an enhanced vaccine can be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness is more favourable.
Question No. 2313 answered with Question No. 2312.
Question No. 2314 answered with Question No. 2312.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (2315)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:2315. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the influenza vaccination uptake rates to date for the 2025–2026 season, broken down by age cohort and risk group; how these figures compare with the same period in each of the previous three years; and what policy measures her Department has taken to address any identified decline in uptake. [75078/25]
View answerWritten answers
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
The Influenza Vaccination Programme provides a free flu vaccine to those most vulnerable to the effects of the flu. Ensuring high uptake of winter vaccines is a priority for the Minister for Health. The Department of Health 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 and Assistant Secretary in the Department with responsibility for Unscheduled care wrote to all Regional Executive Officers outlining their current Healthcare worker flu uptake rates and seeking to know what actions are underway to further encourage HCW flu vaccine uptake.
The Chief Medical Officer also 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 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.
As the HSE has responsibility for operational matters such as uptake rates, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the uptake rate analysis sought.
Question No. 2316 answered with Question No. 2312.
Health Services
Questions (2317)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2317. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the measures currently in place for those seeking delayed reconstruction surgery in a timely manner after a mastectomy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75087/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (2318)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2318. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if there is a designated pathway in place to access delayed breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy in a timely manner within the public system (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75088/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes
Questions (2319)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2319. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a new unit (details supplied) in Cork City; the timeline for hand over of this unit; if an application to register the service has been submitted to HIQA; the expected move in date for residents; if information will be issued to families and advocates with respect to the move in date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75089/25]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Hospital Complaints Procedures
Questions (2320)
Paul Lawless
Question:2320. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health whether she has examined the potential for perceived or actual conflicts of interest in cases where a person who has exhausted a hospital’s internal complaints process is directed to the Ombudsman, and may subsequently require an FOI appeal to the Information Commissioner relating to the same matter, given that both decisions are made by the same office holder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75099/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Public Spending Code
Questions (2321)
James O'Connor
Question:2321. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of projects in her Department that were delayed in 2023 and 2024 due to the change of document from the public spending code to the infrastructure guidelines, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75112/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (2322)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:2322. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health her plans to streamline the procedure for the drugs payment scheme, to digitalise it, or to make less cumbersome for those using it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75120/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) ensures that expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical appliances does not exceed a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.
Currently, the DPS threshold is €80, so no individual or family pays more than that a month on approved prescribed medicines or medical appliances. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for people with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has electronic claiming processes in place which enable pharmacies to submit claims in relation to services provided to patients whose family monthly medicines requirements exceed the DPS monthly threshold (currently €80).
In such circumstances the family pays the first €80 of the claim and the pharmacy submits the entire DPS record to the HSE at month end and the HSE pays the balance of the claim to the pharmacy based on the prices approved for medicines on the list of reimbursable items and the fees set out in legislation. DPS refund applications do not arise in such circumstances.
Patients registered under the DPS can apply for a refund where they opted to use more than one pharmacy to supply their family medicines needs or where they received items from their community pharmacy and other approved services provided by a supplier other than a community pharmacy (e.g. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or Oxygen treatment), and have paid in excess of the DPS threshold.
The HSE is committed to continuously improving its services and recognises that the provision of digital services offers significant advantages both for patients and the HSE.
The HSE is developing an easy-to-use online refund application with upload capabilities to support the delivery of refunds by electronic fund transfer. This is one of several ICT initiatives that the HSE is working on developing during 2026.
Health Services Staff
Questions (2323)
Michael Cahill
Question:2323. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently review the position in respect of staff in the health services that are unable to attend for work on account of having long Covid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75136/25]
View answerWritten answers
After a hearing in the Labour Court in June, it was recommended that a final extension of the current Special Scheme to the 31st of December 2025, at which point anyone remaining on the scheme should transition to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell beyond that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support. Employees who did not qualify for the Special Scheme but are also impacted by Long-Covid may also utilise the supports of the sick leave scheme. 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 if granted.
There will be no further extension to the Special Scheme for Long Covid.
Ambulance Service
Questions (2324, 2325, 2329)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:2324. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency calls classified as purple and red in each of the past 12 months where the National Ambulance Service response time exceeded 60 minutes, broken down by month and by community healthcare organisation area. [75137/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:2325. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the average and median response times for purple and red emergency calls in each of the past 12 months; and the percentage of such calls meeting the national response time targets set by the Health Service Executive. [75138/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:2329. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has conducted or commissioned any risk assessment on patient harm associated with emergency ambulance response times exceeding 60 minutes; and if so, to provide the findings. [75142/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2324, 2325 and 2329 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 2325 answered with Question No. 2324.
Ambulance Service
Questions (2326)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:2326. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the primary factors identified by her Department and the Health Service Executive as contributing to emergency ambulance response times exceeding 60 minutes, including staffing levels, vehicle availability, hospital handover delays, and rostering constraints. [75139/25]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.