Written Answers Nos. 2347-2367
2348. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of prosecutions under section 80 of the Health Act 2007 that have been initiated against nursing homes since 2021; and the number that relate to nursing homes operated by a company (details supplied). [75292/25]
View answerThe Chief Inspector of Social Care and the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) is the national independent regulator of designated centres for older people including public community nursing units, voluntary and private nursing homes.
Department of Health officials directed this query to HIQA who have advised the following:
“The Chief Inspector has not initiated a prosecution against a nursing home under Section 80 of the Health Act 2007 since 2021.
Please note, the Chief Inspector can cancel the registration of a designated centre for older people pursuant to sections 51 and 59 of the Health Act 2007, as amended."
2349. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health whether she will request HIQA to return before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee to further examine procurement, enforcement and governance matters following its appearance on 17 July 2025. [75293/25]
View answerHIQA is always happy to assist the work of and Oireachtas Committee, and would accept any future invitation to appear before the Public Accounts Committee or any other Dáil committees should a formal invitation be made.
2350. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if information will be provided in relation to a series of matters raised in an email of 20 October 2025 from the office of the Minister of State for Older Persons to an organisation (details supplied) referring to a review by HIQA on the effectiveness of the Chief Inspector’s inspection and monitoring processes. [75294/25]
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 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 have commissioned an independent review of the effectiveness of the Chief Inspector’s inspection and monitoring processes. Any queries relating to this external review are best directed to the Board of HIQA for their attention and response.
2351. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of private health insurance policyholders due to renew their policies between December 2025 and February 2026; the number and proportion of those policies subject to a premium increase at renewal; and the average and median level of increase applied, based on data available to her Department and the Health Insurance Authority. [75295/25]
View answer2352. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the Health Insurance Authority has carried out any assessment of the consumer impact of private health insurance premium increases being implemented during peak annual renewal periods; and if so, the findings of that assessment. [75296/25]
View answer2353. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the current market share of each registered private health insurer; whether the Health Insurance Authority has advised her Department of any concerns regarding market concentration or reduced competition; and the steps taken or planned to protect consumers in a highly concentrated health insurance market. [75297/25]
View answer2354. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the extent to which changes in risk equalisation credits, stamp duty, or other statutory charges over the past three years have contributed to increases in private health insurance premiums; and whether any analysis has been conducted on the cumulative impact of these measures on affordability for policyholders. [75298/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2351, 2352, 2353 and 2354 together.
As Minister for Health, I am responsible for the legal framework governing the health insurance market in Ireland. This is a voluntary market operating under the principles of community rating, open enrolment, lifetime cover and minimum benefit.
Community rating ensures that everyone can buy the same policy at the same price, regardless of age, gender or health status. This is enabled through the Risk Equalisation Scheme. Under the Scheme, funds are distributed in the form of credits to compensate insurers for the additional cost of insuring older and sicker members. The credits are funded by a stamp duty levy paid into the Scheme by health insurance providers for each policy issued. Risk Equalisation credits and associated stamp duty levies are adjusted annually and carefully calibrated to maintain community rating.
The private health insurance market operates on a competitive, commercial basis. Insurers set their premiums in line with their own commercial decisions and strategies, within the framework of the Health Insurance Act, as amended.
Insurers typically set their prices based on expected claims for the coming 12 months. Premium increases are driven by a range of factors including medical inflation (which includes the introduction of new high-tech treatments), staffing costs within the private healthcare sector and professional and hospital fees. These fees are negotiated between insurers and providers. Other factors considered include claims experience, benefit changes, and operating costs.
While increases to stamp duties may affect insurance premium costs, stamp duty is a ring-fenced contribution to the Risk Equalisation Fund and supports the credits needed to enable community rating, fairness and sustainability in the voluntary private health insurance market.
How any individual insurer adjusts premiums following changes in market conditions or the Risk Equalisation credits or stamp duty levies remains a commercial matter for that insurer. As Minister for Health, I have no role in the commercial decision-making of private health insurers, including decisions on premium prices.
The Health Insurance Authority maintains regulatory oversight of insurers and ensures compliance with community rating, open enrolment, and lifetime cover requirements, which helps to keep the health insurance market fair, accessible and sustainable for all consumers. The Authority’s functions include monitoring the health insurance market and developments in health insurance generally, and advising me in relation to these matters. The Authority publishes regular market reports and bulletins on premium levels, market share and consumer trends.
The data published by the Authority is not renewal-specific and supports an ongoing assessment of premium trends and consumer impacts at a market-wide level. It is not possible to isolate the exact impact of the Risk Equalisation Scheme from other commercial changes on private health insurance premiums.
The market share of the main private health insurance companies as at the end of September 2025 was published by the Authority in its Quarter 3 Market Report, as follows:
• Level Health: 0.8%.
• Irish Life Health 20.4%.
• Laya 28.1%.
• Vhi 48%.
The Health Insurance Authority is obliged to consider fair and open competition in the health insurance market when preparing its annual report to me evaluating and analysing returns from the health insurers. The Health Insurance Authority also provides a free online comparison tool that allows individuals to compare active plans in the market and prioritise coverage categories based on their needs. The comparison tool and the Authority’s reports, including copies of its quarterly market reports, are available on its website, www.hia.ie. Responsibility for competition enforcement in the private health insurance market rests with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
As of Quarter 3 2025, 2.54 million people hold private health insurance in Ireland, representing an increase of 13,166 from Quarter 2 and the insured population continues to grow. The entry of a new company into the Irish health insurance market at the end of 2024 has the potential to strengthen competition in the sector and benefit consumers.
2355. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to list all primary schools and secondary schools who offered the opportunity for take up of the flu vaccine in school in each of the years, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. [1011/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2356. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to list the community health networks that coordinate the offering of the flu vaccine through the primary and secondary school system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1012/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2357. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the communication she has had with an organisation (details supplied) on the distribution of the flu vaccine by community pharmacists through the primary and secondary school system. [1013/26]
View answerThe Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 was agreed between the Department of Health (DoH), the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) on 12 September 2025, and published on 18 September 2025.
The Agreement is designed to support the delivery of safe, equitable, and efficient healthcare, and to ensure that community pharmacists are better equipped to contribute to national health priorities through structured engagement, sustainable funding, and integrated service delivery.
It sets out a comprehensive and ongoing pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Ireland’s healthcare system. It will be implemented on a phased basis and will be supported by regular structured engagements between the Department, HSE and the IPU.
The continuation of a high-level, enduring strategic relationship is designed to support the shaping and implementation of pharmacy’s role in a more integrated, efficient, and patient-centred health system.
Under the Agreement, a Strategic Collaboration Group will be established which will provide a structured forum for dialogue and joint consideration of strategic issues shaping the future of community pharmacy in Ireland. This will include engagement regarding the inclusion of pharmacists in the provision of vaccinations through the School Health Programme.
2358. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Health the details of the companies involved in HSE overseas nurse recruitment; the amount spent for recruitment per employee and the amount paid to such recruitment companies over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1014/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2359. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the new Killarney Community Hospital building will be handed over to the HSE (details supplied); if an application to register the new community hospital been submitted to HIQA; when residents will be able to move into their new home; when they, their families and/or advocates will be informed of this date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1034/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have requested the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
2360. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of older people awaiting a home help package in Kerry, by area and by length of time, in each quarter in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1040/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
2361. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to immediately publish the North Kerry and South Kerry CAMHS Lookback reviews, respectively; if agreement has been reached with all north and south Kerry victims respectively, in regard to compensation, counselling, and all other entitlements; the number of cases that have been settled in north and south Kerry, respectively; the number who have received their payments; the number of outstanding claims; the length of time victims will have to wait before they receive their entitlements; if she will request the Taoiseach to give a public apology for the manner in which the professionals and the system let down children and destroyed their lives and the lives of their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1101/26]
View answerThe Maskey Report, which was published in 2022, examined deficits in relation to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in South Kerry. The Government acknowledged these deficits at the time and introduced a Compensation Scheme which has subsequently been administered by the State Claims Agency (SCA).
As of September last, the SCA had received 231 applications to the South Kerry CAHMS Compensation Scheme. Payments on account had been made to 225 applicants following an application verification process. Mediations were also ongoing and 106 of these had taken place up to that date.
Both I, and the Department of Health, await submission by the HSE of the Final Report by Dr. Halpin in relation to the North Kerry Lookback Review.
I am closely monitoring developments in relation to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in North Kerry, including the timeline for the completion of the Lookback Review and any evolving issues in relation to the Compensation Scheme. The HSE has indicated that the Review will be made available as soon as possible, acknowledging that necessary due diligence and related processes must be adhered to in the finalisation of the Review.
All case reviews are now complete, with families informed of outcomes. Where deficits were identified, the Health Service Executive (HSE) held open disclosure meetings and continues to provide support through the Clinical Liaison Support Team. My main concern throughout this process has been to ensure that children, young people and their families are communicated with directly in advance of the publication of the Lookback Review. The timing of the submission of the final report to the Department is not a matter for myself or the Department. However, all stakeholders are aware that I am keen to receive the report as soon as possible.
I have increased funding for CAMHS by 32% since 2022 to over €180 million annually. In 2023, a National Office for Child and Youth Mental Health was established, publishing a three-year Youth Mental Health Action Plan in 2025. Other recent improvements include national audits of prescribing and guideline adherence, a clinical review of open cases, the introduction of staff and family surveys, and the publication of new clinical operational guidelines for CAMHS.
I will continue to work closely with the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health National Office to drive reform of CAMHS nationally to ensure that this key specialist service which benefits so many young people and their families each year is safe, accessible, child-centered, and delivered to the highest of standards.
2362. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently address the needs of a person (details supplied) and their family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1102/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2363. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the number of properties involved in the fair deal scheme that are currently rented out in the private rental market. [1103/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2364. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if she plans to put a system in place, whereby any incremental rise in the old age pension, is matched by a similar rise in the qualifying income criteria for the medical card to ensure no recipient is disadvantaged by the rise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1107/26]
View answerMedical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Detailed guidelines are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/applying/assessment/.
Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. However, it should be noted that those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high medical costs. Details are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/over-70s/.
In response to the Deputy’s query regarding State pension payment increases, it is important to note that where a person's sole income is derived from a social protection payment, he/she will be awarded a medical card.
In addition, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In such circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, for example:
• Discretionary medical cards issued to patients with significant medical expenses but who do not satisfy the means test.
• Emergency medical cards are issued to patients that are terminally ill, or are seriously ill, and in urgent need of medical care that they cannot afford.
I can assure the Deputy that, in order to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any proposals are considered in the context of any potential broader implications for Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and legislative requirements arising.
2365. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health if she will consider measures to address the additional cost people using incontinence products face due to increased waste disposal costs, beyond the existing entitlement to free incontinence pads; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1115/26]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) oversees the provision and supply of incontinence wear products for eligible persons across Ireland. Provision is based on an appropriate clinical assessment and a determination of the most appropriate products that will meet the individual’s needs. The HSE does not provide an allowance toward the cost for the disposal of waste arising from the use of such products.
However, private waste disposal companies may provide a lower tariff for disposal of waste for persons who may have a larger amount of waste disposal due to a medical condition or disability. If so, they would require medical certification to verify this.
In addition, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has been exploring the possibility of introducing supports to persons in respect of the disposal of medical incontinence wear products. Queries regarding this should be directed to that Department.
2366. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the date on which the National Children’s Hospital is scheduled for completion; the expected opening date, given that the HSE National Service Plan 2026 outlined completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1146/26]
View answerOpening the National Children’s Hospital Ireland (NCHI) is a top priority for Government. Everything possible is being done to achieve this. Construction completion of the building is near, but a realistic date of substantial completion is within the gift of BAM to both commit to and deliver on.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), BAM and the Employer’s Representative (the independent third party responsible for administering the contract) are engaging on ensuring a compliant final programme is in place. This will detail how and when BAM will complete the building to the expected standards and hand it over in totality to the NPHDB.
I welcome the fact that the NPHDB and Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) have secured partial additional early access to the building. On 19 December, access confined to the Level 6 Ward Block area of the building, the Emergency Department surface level car park, and two lifts and a stair core for access was provided by BAM. This has enabled CHI to begin the deep cleaning of the area and will enable CHI to begin bringing certain clinical equipment into the building in advance of the full operational commissioning programme. This full operational commissioning programme will begin when the building is handed over in totality by BAM upon substantial completion.
In terms of the remainder of additional early access areas, the NPHDB and CHI remain clear that they will only accept areas of the hospital that are completed to the contractual standard and are presented in a clear, methodical and consistent manner.
The NPHDB has welcomed the deployment of experienced professionals from BAM UK & Ireland in recent months to support the work at the NCHI. This additional expertise is something the NPHDB has identified as a requirement for some time to expedite the completion of the NCHI.
While these are positive steps, BAM must continue to put in place additional oversight and resources to substantially complete the building as soon as possible to allow CHI to begin the full operational commissioning programme.
All stakeholders remain focused on ensuring that this much-needed facility is opened and available to children, young people, families, and staff as soon as possible. NPHDB and CHI stand ready to accept the substantially completed building in order to do that. We need BAM to step up and complete the building to the standards necessary to allow them to get the hospital open.
2367. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the expected timeframe for the delivery of 428 community beds and 177 acute beds as referenced in the HSE National Service Plan 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1147/26]
View answerThe National Service Plan sets out the number of beds to become operational (i.e bringing the capacity into service). Appendix 2 of the NSP provides additional detail on the anticipated service delivery of beds under the NSP.
about.hse.ie/publications/hse-national-service-plan-2026/.
