Written Answers Nos. 2327-2346
2327. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of hours ambulances were unavailable for emergency, in each of the past 12 months due to hospital handover delays; and the measures in place to reduce ambulance turnaround times at emergency departments. [75140/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
2328. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the additional staffing, vehicles, and funding allocated to the National Ambulance Service in 2024 and 2025 to address prolonged emergency response times; and the impact of these measures on response performance to date. [75141/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
2330. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to consider implementing a reimbursement programme for patients who have been forced to undertake private healthcare for endometriosis due to a lack of public options; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75167/25]
View answerIt is recognised that endometriosis is a significant health issue for women in Ireland today and the HSE acknowledges that it is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat because of the variation of presentations which can impact the physical and mental wellbeing of patients. Endometriosis is a chronic disease with high recurrence rates, for which there is no definitive cure.
On 18 October 2025, I launched the National Framework for the management of Endometriosis. The Framework sets out for the first time in Ireland a defined clinical pathway for women with endometriosis, which spans primary to secondary care to specialist complex care in tertiary settings.
Most women experiencing signs and symptoms of endometriosis present to their local GP in the community. In line with clinical guidelines, GPs are encouraged to initiate treatment for suspected endometriosis and may refer women with suspected endometriosis to general gynaecology services in their local hospital.
Regional Specialist Centres for moderate cases have been established in the Rotunda, the Coombe, and Limerick, with clinics under further development in Galway and the National Maternity Hospital.
Two supra-regional specialist centres, in Tallaght and Cork, have been established for the management of complex endometriosis cases.
All endometriosis sites are operational and taking referrals. Treatment, including surgical intervention, is being provided across the network.
Additional funding was provided in 2025 to expand these services through the recruitment of more personnel to provide multidisciplinary care at both supra-regional and regional level.
Funding of over €5 million has already been invested in specialist endometriosis services between 2021 and 2025. In addition, endometriosis surgeries have been, and continue to be, performed in other acute gynaecology services.
The HSE has carried out an analysis of the short term and medium-term requirements to build adequate capacity, improve clinical pathways and increase expertise within our endometriosis services. The HSE’s budget for 2026 will be €27.4 billion, an increase of 6.2% on 2025. This investment will enable expansion and improvement in our health services, including endometriosis and is provided for in the National Service Plan.
The Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme commenced from the 18 October 2025 and will operate in addition to the existing treatment abroad pathways, including the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme, the EU Cross Border Directive and Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Schemes. The interim scheme will cover costs for the transport abroad and for healthcare provided, paid directly to the hospital.
Where a person has already paid for private healthcare in Ireland there is no facility for the cost of that care to be reimbursed by the public health system.
I am committed to the expansion of our specialist endometriosis services and improving support services for women with endometriosis in our health service.
2331. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to provide details of the immediate supports and timeline for implementation of the new Endometriosis Framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75168/25]
View answerOn 18 October 2025, I launched the National Framework for the management of Endometriosis. The Framework sets out for the first time in Ireland a defined clinical pathway for women with endometriosis, which spans primary to secondary care to specialist complex care in tertiary settings.
Central to the Model of Care is the principle of presumed diagnosis, proposing that a woman presenting with symptoms should be treated on the presumption that she has endometriosis.
This model acknowledges that women are the most reliable narrators of their own symptoms and pain and reduces delays in the management of symptoms as well as the overall impact of this disease.
Two supra-regional specialist centres, in Tallaght and Cork, have been established for the management of complex endometriosis cases.
Regional Specialist Centres for moderate cases have been established in the Rotunda, the Coombe, and Limerick, with clinics under further development in Galway and the National Maternity Hospital.
All endometriosis sites are operational and taking referrals. Additional funding was provided in 2025 to expand these services through the recruitment of more personnel to provide multidisciplinary care at both supra-regional and regional level. This includes clinical nurse specialists, dietitians, physiotherapists and psychologists.
Funding of over €5 million has already been invested in endometriosis services between 2021 and 2025.
The HSE has carried out an analysis of the short term and medium-term requirements to build adequate capacity, improve clinical pathways and increase expertise within our endometriosis services. The expansion of endometriosis services in 2026 will be further supported through the National Service Plan.
In addition to the implementation of the Framework, I also mandated several actions to expedite access to care for women impacted by endometriosis. Significant progress has already been made:
• The HSE carried out over 100 additional surgeries in Q4 2025 for women waiting for surgery.
• An additional colorectal surgeon is being actively recruited to increase capacity for more complex surgical treatments.
• The HSE Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme was opened on 18 October 2025.
• I have written to all GPs, consultants and other clinicians to raise awareness of endometriosis.
• A national campaign is in development around menstrual health, including endometriosis.
• An Endometriosis Advisory Group has been established, which includes patient advocates. This group held their first meeting on 30 October 2025 and is meeting on an ongoing basis.
The HSE’s budget for 2026 will be €27.4 billion, an increase of 6.2% on 2025. This investment will enable expansion and improvement in our health services, including endometriosis.
2332. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to develop a primary care centre in Midleton, County Cork. [75181/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2333. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to assist in making all hospitals in Ireland autism friendly (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75187/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2334. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the salary scale that applies to the Secretary General in her Department and to the head of each agency for which they are responsible; whether this scale has changed in the past two years or whether there are proposals to change this scale in the coming period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75198/25]
View answerThe salary scale that applies to the Secretary General in the Department of Health is, Secretary General Health – PPC. The salary scales is adjusted in line with Public Sector Pay Agreement 2024 – 2026 which applies to all civil servants, including secretaries general.
Please see attached a list of grades agreed with Department of Public Expenditure, infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for each CEO in our Non Commercial State Agencies.
No Scale has changed in Past 2 years and there are no proposals to change any of the agreed scales. The Salary scales are adjusted in line with Public Sector Pay agreements.
2335. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the amount expended on advertising and promotion in her Department, and within each agency for which she is responsible, for 2022 to 2024, by year and budgeted for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75216/25]
View answerThe amounts outlined in the following table show advertising spend including VAT for 2022–2024 . Department of Health advertising covered campaigns including the first national menopause awareness initiative, winter virus prevention, expansion of the Free Contraception and GP Visit Card schemes, and support for public consultations and notices.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2022 |
€1,016,148 |
|
2023 |
€2,071,168 |
|
2024 |
€573,196 |
Budgets for proactive campaigns in 2026 are being developed and campaign details will be announced during the year.
Details for agencies under the aegis of the Department of Health are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
2336. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of press, media or communications staff currently employed in her Department and within each agency for which she is responsible; the cost of these staff for 2025 and the expected cost for 2026; whether there are proposals to increase the number of such staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75234/25]
View answerPlease find below the current staffing breakdown for the Press and Communications Unit in the Department of Health:
|
AO |
1 |
|
AP |
2 |
|
EO |
4 |
|
HEO |
5 |
|
PO |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
13 |
The costings for the above for 2025 was €856,425.29.
There is an AP vacancy to be filled in 2026 which will bring the total staff working in the Press Office to 14. This is the only foreseen increase to be made in 2026.
The expected cost for 2026 will be similar to 2025 including this one extra staff member, in line with the Public Sector Pay Agreement 2024-2026. Any changes to the salary scales will be in line with this agreement which applies to all civil servants.
Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy on the part of the question referring to the number of press, media or communications staff currently employed within their agency.
2337. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to her Department and to each agency for which they are responsible arising from Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise and the estimated cost for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75252/25]
View answerIreland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026 will be an important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union.
The Government committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency. Major planning has taken place to date to ensure that costs are managed across all expenditure headings and prudent financial planning will continue throughout to ensure value for money.
The funding being allocated for the Presidency is supporting substantial additional temporary staffing needs in Brussels and in Ireland to deliver on the Council’s legislative and policy agenda. It is also supporting delivery of the Presidency’s extensive meeting programme in Ireland and opportunities to showcase the best of Ireland to our partners from all across Europe.
The breakdown of EU Presidency-specific allocations to Departments and Agencies was published in Appendix 9 of the Revised Estimates for 2026, available at: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/653f8c26/Revised_Estimates_for_Public_Services_2026.pdf.
The 2026 Budget Estimates and agencies' own estimates include allocations for EU Presidency of:
• €2.062m for D/Health;
• €800,000 for HPRA;
• €228,000 for FSAI; and
• €50,000-€100,000 for HRB.
These allocations cover the costs of additional staff in Dublin and in Brussels, as well as the hosting of Health-related high-level events to support the delivery of Ireland's Presidency. A detailed breakdown is currently not available as the programme for the Presidency is still being developped.
The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade has the responsibility for central co-ordination of operational planning for the EU Presidency across Government.
A co-ordinated approach, supported by the Office of Government Procurement, is being taken to procurement of key services such as accreditation, transport, interpretation, catering, and accommodation, to support consistency of standards and cost-control.
2338. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the priorities of her Department and each agency for which they are responsible for, in respect of Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75270/25]
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.
2339. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of staff currently employed, by grade (assistant, staff grade, senior grade, principal grade) per head of population in each health region for the disciplines of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, ophthalmology, psychology, dietetics, speech and language therapy across primary care child and adolescent and adult services, in tabular form. [75283/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2340. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of approved posts, by grade (assistant, staff grade, senior grade, principal grade) and per head of population in each health region for the disciplines of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, ophthalmology, psychology, dietetics, speech and language therapy across primary care child and adolescent and adult services, in tabular form. [75284/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2341. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of 0-18-year-olds waiting in excess of one, two, three, four, five, six years and so on, for an initial assessment appointment with primary care services for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, ophthalmology, psychology, dietetics, speech and language therapy; and for the same figures, where applicable, for 0-18s awaiting treatment with those primary care disciplines following an initial assessment, in each health region, in tabular form. [75285/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2342. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of adults waiting in excess of one, two, three, four, five, six years and so on for an initial assessment appointment with primary care services for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, ophthalmology, psychology, dietetics, speech and language therapy; and for the same figures, where applicable, for adults awaiting treatment with those primary care disciplines following an initial assessment, in each health region, in tabular form. [75286/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2343. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health whether the statutory power to prosecute under section 80 of the Health Act 2007 has been formally and lawfully delegated to the Designated Chief Inspector of Social Services during the Chief Inspector’s absence from duties; and if so, to provide the date and form of that delegation. [75287/25]
View answer2347. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health whether she has sought or received legal advice regarding the validity of inspections, enforcement actions or prosecutions undertaken by HIQA during the chief inspector’s absence; and if so, if she will make this advice publicly available. [75291/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2343 and 2347 together.
Section 41(2) of the Health Act 2007 (as amended) provides that if the Chief Inspector of Social Services (the Chief Inspector) is absent, or the position of Chief Inspector is vacant, the functions of the Chief Inspector under that section may be performed by an Inspector of Social Services designated by HIQA for the purpose of this subsection.
The Chief Inspector Designate was lawfully designated by the Board of HIQA on 27 November 2024 to carry out the functions of the Chief Inspector while the Chief Inspector is on extended leave. HIQA has advised that this was also set out clearly in correspondence circulated to service providers and on the HIQA website at the start of 2025.
2344. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health whether she is satisfied that HIQA and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services have applied regulatory enforcement powers consistently and proportionately across the nursing home sector, particularly in light of the apparent absence of prosecutions or registration cancellations involving large corporate providers. [75288/25]
View answerThe Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) was established under the Health Act 2007 to promote safety and quality in the provision of health and personal social services for the benefit of the health and welfare of the public.
HIQA is the national independent regulator of designated centres for older people including public community nursing units, voluntary and private nursing homes. The Chief Inspector of Social Services is legally responsible for the monitoring, inspection and registration of nursing homes. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.
HIQA’s role is to ensure that the systems, structures, and processes that have been put in place by a nursing home provider mitigate risk, and to work to promote safe and effective care and support for residents in residential care.
Where a provider of a nursing home fails to recognise or address issues that are impacting the care of residents, inspectors will commence a process of escalating regulatory engagement, including cautionary and warning meetings. In circumstances where the required levels of improvement are not achieved, Part 8 of the Act sets out the tools of enforcement which are available to the Chief Inspector, such as:
• attaching or varying a condition of registration pursuant to section 51 of the Act,
• cancelling the registration of a designated centre pursuant to section 51 of the Act,
• applying to the District Court seeking an order for the cancellation of a designated centre’s registration pursuant to section 59 of the Act, and
• prosecution.
The legal framework sets out a two-step process of issuing a notice of proposed decision before a notice of decision for 1 and 2 of the above regulatory enforcement actions. The Health Act 2007 (as amended) was recently amended to ensure that any required regulatory enforcement can be effected in a shorter time frame.
HIQA’s ultimate priority is the wellbeing of residents. The tools of enforcement as set out above are used to drive improvements for the safety and welfare of residents or achieve regulatory compliance.
2345. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the total expenditure by HIQA and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services on legal services since 2020; the name of the legal firms retained; and whether the Office of the Chief State Solicitor was considered or used in those cases. [75289/25]
View answerHIQA have advised my Department that the total expenditure by HIQA and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services on legal services since 2020 is as follows:
2020 - €207,425.
2021 - €255,314.
2022 - €133,142.
2023 - €120,919.
2024 - €495,218.
The 2025 figures have not yet been finalised.
The names of the legal firms retained by HIQA are:
• Beauchamps.
• Byrne Wallace.
• Mason Hayes and Curran.
The Office of the Attorney General acts as the State’s principal solicitor. Its core function is to provide legal services to:
• The Attorney General,
• Government Departments and Offices,
• Certain State Agencies,
• Tribunals and Commissions of Inquiry,
• European Union Courts.
As HIQA is an independent public body, it does not come within the scope of services which are provided by the CSSO and for that reason the CSSO is not considered or used in litigation involving HIQA. External legal services for HIQA are contracted following a competitive procurement process managed by the Office of Government Procurement through a national framework for the provision of Legal Services to Public Sector Bodies.
2346. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health whether she or her Department were aware that a former member of the HIQA board (details supplied) left that board in July 2020 and subsequently took up a role with an organisation which later received ICT service contracts from HIQA in 2021; and if she will request a review of this matter by the Comptroller and Auditor General. [75290/25]
View answerI am assured that HIQA has robust policies and processes in place for managing conflicts of interest in procurement competitions. All staff involved in decision making in procurement competitions in HIQA are required to sign declarations acknowledging their responsibilities and disclosing any potential conflicts. If any potential conflict is identified, through this or any other process, then steps are taken to eliminate or mitigate the conflict. HIQA has advised me that normally any individual with any potential conflict will be removed from any decision-making role in relation to the selection.
