Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1107. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health the way in which the pause in physician associate recruitment aligns with current workforce planning needs, including pressures on emergency departments, waiting lists, and consultant and NCHD staffing shortages; the role envisaged for PAs in addressing these challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9857/26]
View answerAs committed in the 2025 National Service Plan, the HSE commissioned an independent review 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 paused the recruitment of Physician Assistants pending the outcome of the review.
The review is now complete and I have requested the HSE to submit an implementation plan by the end of February 2026.
I expect that patient safety in service delivery be prioritised in relation to any HSE workforce roles, including Physician Assistant. My officials and I continue to engage with colleagues in the HSE on the Physician Assistant role in Ireland. As committed in the 2025 National Service Plan, the HSE commissioned an independent review 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 paused the recruitment of Physician Assistants pending the outcome of the review.
The review is now complete and I have requested the HSE to submit an implementation plan by the end of February 2026.
I expect that patient safety in service delivery be prioritised in relation to any HSE workforce roles, including Physician Assistant. My officials and I continue to engage with colleagues in the HSE on the Physician Assistant role in Ireland.
