Written Answers Nos. 917-936
917. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide a summary of the key provisions of each of the contracts under which consultants are employed in the HSE (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3495/26]
View answerAs this relates to current WTEs, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
918. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health for an update on the provision of adult ADHD services within County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3528/26]
View answerADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
This National Clinical Programme is based on multi-disciplinary community teams to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults. As Minister, I'm proud to have launched the Model of Care for Adult ADHD and to have resourced the establishment of the teams envisioned by the Model of Care. The ADHD Programme is funded with total funding of over €5 million on a recurring annual basis. As a result, there are 11 teams funded, with 7 teams are currently operational with 4 teams in recruitment. Funding was secured by myself as Minister in Budget 2025 to facilitate the rolling out of the total number of ADHD teams envisaged in the Model of Care.
In relation to the additional specific information requested regarding the operation of the ADHD National Clinical Programme, as this is an operational matter , I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
919. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health for an update on the development of the elective hospital at Merlin Park, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3529/26]
View answerI have asked the HSE, as sponsoring agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the new elective treatment centres to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
920. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the annual share of emergency department admissions that do not have a GP referral, per each emergency department nationwide. [3541/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
921. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if the long-term illness scheme will be revised to include patients with Charcot-Marie-tooth disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3558/26]
View answerThe 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.
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 dependents 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 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.
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%.
922. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health to review correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3568/26]
View answerThank you to Deputy Geoghegan for raising this matter.
My Department raised this matter with the NMBI who advise that a Certificate of Good Standing (CCPS), also called the Certificate of Current Professional Status, confirms that a nurse or midwife is registered, fit to practise, and not subject to sanctions. It is required for overseas-qualified applicants to register in Ireland under S.I. No. 221/2018 (Nurses and Midwives Registration Rules), as follows:
if the candidate has engaged in the practice of nursing or midwifery outside the State, particulars regarding his or her nursing or midwifery practice outside the State, as appropriate, and a certificate of good standing or current professional status or equivalent from the regulatory body in the country where he or she was engaged in such practice, as appropriate.
The requirement for a CCPS applies across recognition, registration, adaptation, and restoration processes. NMBI requests a CCPS from an applicant at the start of the recognition and registration process to make sure the applicant is in good standing before moving forward.
Applicants must provide CCPS evidence for all jurisdictions where they have been registered, disclosing disciplinary history and confirming there are no ongoing fitness-to-practise proceedings. A CCPS is a record from the professional body, and there is no equivalent verification of the applicants good standing from other sources.
NMBI advised they are aware that the Kuwait Ministry of Health paused the issuance of CCPS documents in 2025. As a result, NMBI have taken several steps to support applicants at the different stages of the process, these include:
• Outward communication, advising potential applicants that they will need a CCPS early in the process.
• The Board has provided an exemption pathway for applicants who have provided a previous CCPS.
• Maintained regular communication with the Kuwait Ministry of Health.
In December 2025, the Kuwait Ministry for Health confirmed to the NMBI that they have recommenced issuing of documents to registrants that meet their policy.
All applications received are assessed individually and treated equally; decisions are based on each applicant’s situation.
NMBI continues to advise applicants that a CCPS is essential to their application. The NMBI has advised the Department that they will also arrange a call with the individual concerned to assist them in the application process.
923. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if a ward in a facility (details supplied) has closed; if so, the reason; to provide details of the ward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3592/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
924. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health her plans to extend community eating disorder services such as a facility (details supplied), particularly in areas with minimal services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3593/26]
View answerThe National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 16 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded. The HSE spends over €10 million on eating disorders services annually. As a result, access to eating disorder services is increasing, with 25% more assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 vs 449).
Approximately 110 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day. Enhancement for specialist mental health services including eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Our current focus is on completing and implementing the existing Model of Care and supporting the rollout of additional teams. Once this is complete, an evaluation will be undertaken, after which the Model of Care will be reviewed by the HSE.
More recently, the HSE report on inpatient bed capacity required for eating disorders was forwarded to the Department for consideration in July 2025.
In addition, as Minister I secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new eating disorder teams. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services.
With reference to the specific information requested on the National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders, as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
925. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health to provide details of appointments deemed urgent and non-urgent for children in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital given the current waiting list for children’s non-urgent appointments in SIVUH is 16 to 18 months (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3598/26]
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 queries raised, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
926. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health to list the roles within public or semi-State organisations under her Department that are excluded from the single public service pension scheme; the number of people employed in those roles, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3620/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
927. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health to consider implementing a post-Christmas period of an increase in mental health supports, due to the increase of acute mental health cases that present to the healthcare system at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3659/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
928. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant neurologists, neurology registrars and senior house officers in neurology that were on duty between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. at Beaumont Hospital on 14,15 and 16 December 2025, in tabular form. [3665/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
929. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of adults within CHO9 on a waiting list to receive respite services for the first time as of 12 January 2026; and the average waiting time to receive this service upon request. [3666/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
930. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has identified any constraints in laboratory throughput, reagent supply, staffing availability or logistic that would limit surge testing capacity during a public health emergency; and the actions approved to address such constraints. [3667/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
931. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of funding provided to D-Doc out-of-hours GP services in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [3668/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
932. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will consider offering the carpark, or a portion of the car park, at St. Vincent’s hospital, Athlone to the local municipal district on the ceasing of services at St. Vincent's. [3679/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
933. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health whether she supports the full decriminalisation of abortion by the repeal of section 23 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; and the reasons for her position. [3701/26]
View answerThe Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 is consistent with commitments given to the Irish people prior to the repeal of the 8th amendment. Government is committed to ensuring that there is safe and equitable access to termination of pregnancy services. All maternity hospitals in Ireland are now providing termination services in accordance with the legislation. There has also been a sustained increase in community providers which now stands at 487. The cumulative effect of these measures is substantially reducing barriers and increasing access to services for those who need it. The issue of any legislative change would need very careful consideration.
934. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health to provide details of discharge data downloads (details supplied) from January 2024 to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3707/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
935. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Health the HSE’s plans for the Weir Home for Nurses in Dublin 8; and whether it can be converted into a museum for Irish nurses and midwives and a community cultural space, as nursing trade unions are interested in a partnership to preserve and develop it. [3723/26]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
936. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE registrars in colorectal surgery and senior house officers in colorectal surgery based at St. Vincent's University Hospital as of 13 January 2026, in tabular form. [3735/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
