Written Answers Nos. 2484-2507
2484. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the number of physician associate graduates affected by the current recruitment pause; whether the HSE intends to honour its undertaking to employ graduates whose training was fully funded by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2143/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2485. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health how the role of physician associates fits within current and future healthcare workforce planning, particularly in acute hospitals experiencing staff shortages and long waiting lists. [2144/26]
View answerThe HSE committed in the 2025 National Service Plan to undertake an independent assessment of the Physician Assistant role. The HSE commissioned an assessment of the Physician Assistant role with the aim of making recommendations regarding the governance of the role, scope of practice, and appropriate and safe deployment in Ireland. The HSE will consider the recommendations of the review.
I expect that patient safety in service delivery will continue to be prioritised by the HSE in relation to any workforce roles, including Physician Assistant. My officials and I continue to engage with colleagues in the HSE on the Physician Assistant role in Ireland.
2487. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the total number of acute inpatient hospital beds across all voluntary and public hospitals as of 31 December 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2196/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2488. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals to CAMHS in 2025; the number of children waiting longer than recommended timeframes for assessment and treatments; the average waiting time by CHO, the number of posts vacant at year-end. [2201/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
2489. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if she has engaged with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the potential impact of proposed tenancy reforms (particularly the six-year tenancy requirement) on families participating in the fair deal nursing home loan scheme; if she accepts that the proposed legislation may create unintended financial hardship for such families; the steps being taken to ensure alignment between health and housing policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2206/26]
View answer2490. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to roll out the RSV vaccine to people over 70 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2229/26]
View answerThe 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.
In Ireland, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carries out Health Technology Assessments (HTAs), as requested by the Minister for Health, which are used to help decide what health technologies (such as drugs, medical tests, medical devices, surgeries, healthcare re-organisation) should be used and funded in our public healthcare system.
A HTA looks at the clinical effectiveness, safety and cost of different health technologies. An economic evaluation is often undertaken as part of a HTA and it compares the costs and benefits of different choices to see which one is the best use of resources.
A Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on RSV immunisation for infants and adults is currently being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
The primary objective of this HTA is to provide advice to my Department to inform a policy decision on the most appropriate RSV immunisation strategy for infants and adults aged 65 and older. HIQA’s assessment will assess the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and budget impact of alternative strategies for the immunisation of infants and adults aged 65 years and older against RSV. This HTA will also consider the organisational, resource, ethical, patient and social implications associated with these alternative strategies.
The outcome of the HTA will inform the development of any longer-term programme and future decision making on the matter of RSV immunisation in Ireland.
2491. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to make the shingles vaccine free for over 70 year-olds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2230/26]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.
The current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered for those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. HIQA’s HTA examined the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of shingles vaccines. The cost effectiveness and budget impact were also reviewed, along with the ethical, social and organisational implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
While the vaccine is considered safe and effective, its protective effect diminishes over time. HIQA also noted the substantial budget impact associated with vaccination. If made available to everyone aged 65 and older, vaccination would cost €218 million over five years.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department considered the findings of this HTA and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable.
2492. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to expand BreastCheck to those over 70 years old; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2231/26]
View answer2495. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to reduce the age of BreastCheck; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2236/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2492 and 2495 together.
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.
The Programme for Government commits to extending the ages for the BreastCheck Screening Programme, in line with updated standards from HIQA.
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular intervals to have a screening mammogram. In Budget 2025, an additional €2.9 million was allocated to the BreastCheck programme to support the recruitment of 37 Whole Time Equivalent posts. This will assist in expanding and future-proofing the programme to meet increased demand.
I would note that any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes, will be 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.
NSAC continues to progress work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted several requests to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
HIQA has commenced a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to consider proposals for the expansion of the BreastCheck programme. This review will comprise two elements; the proposed extension of the age range eligibility to those aged 45-49 and 70-74, and also the potential introduction of a standardised breast density notification.
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.
HTAs are time intensive and rigorous processes that must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. This is particularly relevant in the context of the BreastCheck HTA, which is considering three distinct areas, the potential to increase the age eligibility, to decrease the age eligibility and potential reporting of breast density.
Finally, I would emphasise that screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional immediately.
2493. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to expand CervicalCheck to over 70 year-olds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2232/26]
View answer2494. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to reduce the age for cervical check below 25 years-of-age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2233/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2493 and 2494 together.
As Minister for Health, I am committed to supporting our cancer 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.
CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme, offers free cervical screening tests to all women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 65.
I would note that any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes will be 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.
NSAC continues to progress work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted several requests to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). At the request of NSAC, HIQA is currently working on a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to consider proposed expansions to the BreastCheck programme.
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. They are time intensive and rigorous processes.
In relation to the age range eligibility for CervicalCheck, it is important to note that Ireland fully aligns with the European Commission Recommendation on cancer screening, which suggests offering screening tests to women aged 30 to 65. Additionally, the European Commission Initiative on Cervical Cancer advises against expanding screening beyond those aged 25 to 65. It is crucial that any changes to our screening programmes are evidence-based and that the estimated benefits of a proposed change outweigh the potential harms.
Finally, I would emphasise that screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional immediately.
2496. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a more urgent appointment can be offered to a person (details supplied). [2237/26]
View answerUnder 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.
2497. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if her Department is using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers; and, if so, to outline which projects or units of the Department are affected. [2249/26]
View answerI can confirm that the Department of Health does not employ Artificial Intelligence tools for graphic design or related tasks.
2498. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health whether any agencies or other bodies under her remit are using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers; and, if so, to outline which projects or units of the organisation are affected. [2267/26]
View answerDetails for bodies 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.
2499. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health her views on giving special status to the Castletownbere ambulance due to its geographical location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2281/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2501. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting and the length of time currently waiting for home help care, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2288/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2502. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health whether she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2296/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2503. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for audiology assessment and hearing aid fitting in County Kerry; the average and longest waiting times; how these compare with national figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2297/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2504. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of people currently waiting for hearing aid fitting in County Kerry; the number aged 65 years and over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2298/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2505. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant audiologist posts within HSE South West, including County Kerry; the length of time these posts have been vacant; the impact this has had on service delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2299/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2506. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to recruit audiology staff in HSE South West; the timeframe for filling vacant posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2300/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
2507. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the measures, including temporary or outsourced capacity, being considered to address audiology backlogs in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2301/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
