Eoghan Kenny
Question:2438. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health for a detailed update as of January 2026 on CAMHS assessment for child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1531/26]
View answerMental Health Services
Questions (2438)
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.
Nursing Homes
Questions (2439)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:2439. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Health the amount being paid to a nursing home (details supplied) weekly, for the provision of a bed through the fair deal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1558/26]
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 (2440)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:2440. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Health the amount being paid to a nursing home (details supplied) weekly, for the provision of a bed through the fair deal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1559/26]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Nursing Homes
Questions (2441)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:2441. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Health the amount being paid to a nursing home (details supplied) weekly, for the provision of a bed through the fair deal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1560/26]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (2442)
Emer Currie
Question:2442. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health to provide a surgery date for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1562/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, 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 (2443)
Paul Murphy
Question:2443. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the complaint to the Medical Council in relation to a surgeon (details supplied). [1575/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Medical Council is an independent statutory body which regulates medical practitioners in Ireland. Its primary purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence among doctors. As Minister I do not have a role in relation to individual cases referred to the Medical Council, and I have referred your question to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Screening Programmes
Questions (2444)
Marie Sherlock
Question:2444. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if CervicalCheck informs a patient which HPV type or how many HPV types were found in a patient that tests positive for HPV viruses; and if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1576/26]
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.
Health Screening Programmes
Questions (2445)
Marie Sherlock
Question:2445. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health her plans to expand CervicalCheck screening to include genotyping to identify the specific strains of HPV; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1577/26]
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.
Health Screening Programmes
Questions (2446)
Marie Sherlock
Question:2446. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if she has confidence that CervicalCheck screening covers all high-risk HPV types; how often an evidence review takes place into testing and risk in order to inform screening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1578/26]
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.
Health Services
Questions (2447)
Jen Cummins
Question:2447. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to expand the haemoglobin genotype testing more widely accessible and affordable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1583/26]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE is currently undertaking work to develop a new Model of Care for Sickle Cell Disease and other haemoglobinopathies, which will also include advice on laboratory services for Sickle Cell Disease. Development of the new model of care will contribute significantly towards improving access to haemoglobin genotype testing, and help deliver the necessary services and coverage so that all patients will have equitable access to testing services. These activities are fully aligned with the Government and HSE's work to advance the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland.
Home Care Packages
Questions (2448)
Paul Murphy
Question:2448. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of people in County Donegal waiting for home support in December from 2020 to 2025; and the number of people receiving less than their allocated hours, in tabular form. [1610/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Policies
Questions (2449)
Marie Sherlock
Question:2449. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the actions her Department has undertaken to meet the Programme for Government objective to ensure that the administration of dermal fillers is only undertaken by trained healthcare professionals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1623/26]
View answerWritten answers
Dermal fillers are regulated under the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) as Class III medical devices (the highest risk class). In the EU, medical devices are regulated by way of an EU-wide framework which aims to ensure that all devices available for use on the EU market are safe and perform as intended. A valid medical device bears a ‘CE’ mark, which indicates that it meets the basic requirements for safety and effectiveness under European law and can be placed on the EU market.
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2346 requires all dermal fillers to be CE-marked. This regulation also requires the instructions for use to state that dermal fillers "are not to be used in persons who are less than 18 years old" and that they should only be administered by appropriately trained healthcare professionals.
I am aware of some concerns in relation to the safe administration of dermal fillers and in this regard the Government has committed in its Programme for Government 2025 to ensure the administration of dermal fillers is only undertaken by trained healthcare professionals. My Department is currently conducting research activities with respect to legislative and regulatory options regarding the administration of dermal fillers. This includes a review by the Health Research Board, commenced in 2025, the report of which is expected in the coming months. Once received, the Department will consider the most suitable option with respect to administration of dermal fillers. We plan to engage with stakeholders as part of the programme of work to progress this matter.
Departmental Policies
Questions (2450)
Marie Sherlock
Question:2450. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if regulatory inspections take place of facilities, practitioners, and/or businesses that are providing dermal fillers or botox to ensure that those who are administering such treatments are qualified and permitted to administer those treatments and to ensure that the products they are administered are licensed products with approval from the HPRA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1624/26]
View answerWritten answers
Dermal fillers and medicines containing botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox) are regulated under different regulatory frameworks. Dermal fillers are regulated as medical devices in the EU and therefore regulated by Regulation 2017/745 (Medical Device Regulation, MDR). Botulinum toxin (‘Botox’) products are prescription-only medicines, and their administration is regulated by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003, as amended. The HPRA is the competent authority for both medicines and medical devices in Ireland.
Dermal fillers:
Dermal fillers are regulated under the MDR as Class III medical devices (i.e. the highest risk class). The MDR outlines the requirements and obligations which must be fulfilled by medical device manufacturers, importers and distributors to maintain the integrity of the supply chain for the EU market. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2346 requires that dermal fillers’ instructions for use include statements that dermal fillers "are not to be used in persons who are less than 18 years old" and that they should only be administered by appropriately trained healthcare professionals.
The HPRA does not approve or license medical devices for sale in Ireland. The HPRA’s role in regulating medical devices is primarily in the post-market phase through market surveillance and vigilance activities. The HPRA may inspect economic operators within the supply chain to evaluate the compliance of medical devices supplied to the Irish market. However, the HPRA does not regulate clinical practice relating to the use of medical devices such as dermal fillers and does not regulate the facilities or circumstances under which medical devices are used or administered. As such, the HPRA does not have a role in regulating the administration of dermal fillers.
I am aware of concerns in relation to the safe administration of dermal fillers and in this regard the Government has committed in its Programme for Government 2025 to ensure the administration of dermal fillers is only undertaken by trained healthcare professionals. My Department is currently conducting research activities with respect to legislative and regulatory options regarding the administration of dermal fillers. This includes a review by the Health Research Board, commenced in 2025, the report of which is expected in the coming months. Once received, the Department will consider the most suitable option with respect to administration of dermal fillers. We plan to engage with stakeholders as part of the programme of work to progress this matter.
In the meantime, the HPRA has published a webpage providing practical advice for consumers on dermal fillers. For those considering dermal fillers, the HPRA recommends attending a qualified healthcare professional. Further information can be found on the Dermal Fillers Information page: www.hpra.ie/safety-information/how-we-monitor-safety/medical-devices/comsumer-advice/dermal-fillers---information-for-consumers-and-clinics.
Botulinum toxin (‘Botox’) products :
Botulinum toxin (‘Botox’) products are prescription-only medicines and as such, their administration is regulated. The regulations concern, among other aspects, the use of appropriately authorised products and the individuals who can source and administer the medicine.
The authorised indications and conditions for use for each product are specified in the marketing authorisations granted by the HPRA or European Medicines Agency, as appropriate. The relevant product information for each product is available from the HPRA website.
The HPRA monitors for the illegal supply and administration, both in the physical and digital sphere, of unauthorised products and of products supplied by people who are not authorised or qualified to do so. This activity includes the inspection of facilities, practitioners, and/or businesses suspected to be in breach of the above regulations. The HPRA has taken action in a number of cases, including, in some cases, prosecutions in the District Court in relation to illegal supply/advertising of botulinum toxin containing medicines. The HPRA continues to engage in enforcement of the Regulations.
I understand that the relevant regulators, i.e. the Medical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, the Dental Council, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, have collaborated closely in the development of guidelines for regulated professionals with respect to the prescribing and administration of botulinum toxin products. Relevant guidance is available via the websites of the respective regulatory bodies.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (2451)
Colm Burke
Question:2451. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if funding for the lymphoedema and lipoedema model was provided for in Budget 2026; if not, whether consideration would be given to providing funding for same, considering that international studies show that the cost to treat patients could be reduced by 87%, if comprehensive lymphedema services were introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1652/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Working Group report Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Treatment in Ireland: A Model of Care for Ireland was endorsed by the HSE in 2019. Following this, the HSE provided approval to plan and implement this report through a Proof of Concept approach. The proof of concept approach was initially delivered in one specialist lymphoedema clinic in primary care and one early detection service.
The HSE developed two patient information documents, in conjunction with Lymphoedema Ireland, to provide advice to those living with lymphoedema or lipoedema. These documents also included links to videos in relation to exercise programmes, simple lymphatic drainage and skin care.
The patient information documents were distributed to all HSE lymphoedema services and by members of Lymphoedema Ireland. The information is also available on the websites of the HSE and Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists.
A funding allocation was provided for the delivery of the proof of concept and for the delivery of education including specialist training to healthcare professionals.
The additional funding for current expenditure in Budget 2026 for the Health Vote is €1.5 billion, bringing the total current allocation to €25.8 billion. This includes funding to maintain existing levels of service and for new service developments, including funding for the recruitment of 3,300 additional whole time equivalent staff in 2026.
The HSE has now published its National Service Plan for 2026, setting out how the HSE will operationalise the Department’s priorities funded in Budget 2026, including the key priorities of improved access, quality and safety for those who use our services and value for money for the public more broadly.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Questions (2452)
Sorca Clarke
Question:2452. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have availed of supports from the international recruitment and relocation package since 2023 and who have taken up employment within CAMHS; the grades and disciplines involved; the countries from which these staff were recruited; the total costs of these supports to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1668/26]
View answerWritten answers
We have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Questions (2453)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:2453. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health to engage with a hospital (details supplied) in relation to patient and the lack of treatment for their illness. [1669/26]
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.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (2454)
Shay Brennan
Question:2454. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Health if she will review the long-term illness scheme; if she will examine the case for including hypothyroidism as a qualifying condition, given its lifelong nature, the ongoing medical monitoring required and significant cumulative healthcare costs involved; and if she will outline any plans her Department has to modernise the scheme. [1690/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions to be covered by the Scheme. Further information, including the list of conditions, can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/about/.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment.
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the DPS threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
Hospital Services
Questions (2455)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2455. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if it is the case that a service is no longer operational in Cork University Hospital (details supplied); if so, the reason; if there are plans to reinstate the service; the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1692/26]
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.
Hospital Services
Questions (2456)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2456. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if it is the case that a service is no longer provided in Cork University Hospital (details supplied); if so, the reason; if there are plans to reinstate this clinic; the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1693/26]
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 Screening Programmes
Questions (2457)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2457. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her plans to introduce an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme for men; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1697/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Health, I am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
I would note that any proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes are facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister.
At the request of NSAC, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), who conduct evidence reviews on behalf of the Committee, was asked to carry out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on proposals for the introduction of a population-based screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) in men aged 65 years.
HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology.
HIQA completed its review and presented the findings to NSAC at its meeting in October 2025. Based on the available evidence, NSAC recommended against the introduction of population-based screening for AAA.
The HIQA report found that certain factors, including the typically asymptomatic nature of the condition, the associated high mortality rate following the rupture of an aneurysm and the availability of a simple and accurate test, presented a positive case for screening for the condition.
However, the report also found that the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of population-based screening for the condition appears to be diminishing over time due to declining prevalence (primarily from decreasing cigarette smoking rates), improved cardiac risk factor management, and the increasing use of imaging as part of usual care.
HIQA highlighted that these factors could result in a population-based screening programme for AAA no longer being cost effective within a five to ten-year period. This was deemed particularly important, considering that a screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm was estimated by HIQA to require up to five years to develop the necessary expertise, facilities, quality assurance and treatment pathways. As Minister, the longevity of screening programmes is a crucial consideration in the context of finite healthcare budgets.
Additional barriers noted in the HIQA review related to gaps in the consistent collection of AAA vascular service data nationally and limitations in radiology and vascular service capacity. The complexities associated with addressing these gaps were estimated by HIQA to have a corresponding impact on implementation timelines.
After careful consideration of the available evidence, I have decided to accept NSAC’s recommendation against introducing an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme. Nevertheless, NSAC have informed me that should significant new evidence on screening for AAA emerge, then the Committee would be open to receiving revised proposals through one of its future Call for Submissions processes.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (2458)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2458. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of the audit into governance and equity in patient access and waiting list management at Children's Health Ireland (CHI), which she previously told the Oireachtas Committee on Health that she expected audit be published in December 2025; the reason for the delay; the revised timeline for publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1698/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive CEO has commissioned an audit to assess governance and equity in access to care within Children's Health Ireland, especially regarding the balance between public and private patient management. The audit is looking at processes for patient referral pathways, waiting list administration, NTPF participation, waiting list action plan participation, consultant clinic scheduling, and patient billing.
The audit is being augmented with a qualitative element, capturing patients and staff experiences. This qualitative element will inform overall observations and improvement plans.
The audit commenced on 10 June and the HSE has advised that audit fieldwork is currently ongoing.
I can assure the Deputy, and children and their families, that I remain committed to improving services for children and young people.
Health Services
Questions (2459)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2459. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the reason no hospital patient safety indicators reports for the South/South West Hospital Group have been published since June 2025; the timeline for publication of the remaining monthly reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1699/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE), the HSE has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (2460)
Pádraig Rice
Question:2460. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if she is considering progressing the two specific actions outlined in correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1700/26]
View answerWritten answers
It is open to a clinician to apply for a Ministerial Licence pursuant to Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and prescribe Tilray 10/10. As a Schedule 1 controlled drug the import and supply of that product may be subject to further licensing requirements relating to sale and supply that do not apply to Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) products within that scheme. Patients treated under the Ministerial Licence obtain their prescribed products from a pharmacy in the Netherlands. The importation and distribution of these products to patients is undertaken by the HSE on a monthly basis to simplify matters for patients.
It is intended that a review of the policy and procedures underpinning the MCAP in 2026 will consider the appropriateness of the inclusion of other conditions to the existing three covered by that programme. This will be based on scientific evidence. A review into the operation of the Ministerial Licence scheme will also form part of the 2026 Review.