Medical Qualifications

Thursday, 19 February 2026

Questions (652, 676)

David Cullinane

Question:

652. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when she will consider and publish the review of the physician assistant or associate role in the health service; if she will sanction the grade and role; the steps she is taking to ensure robust governance; the steps she is taking to ensure that other professions which could or do perform some of the roles proposed for physician associates are supported to practice at the top of their licence in order to provide a clear niche for this role, if it is deemed necessary; the steps she is taking to engage with professional groups on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13804/26]

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Pádraig Rice

Question:

676. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 359 of 11 February 2026, to confirm that she has received the HSE’s report into the physician associate grade; if she will publish this report; the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13939/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 652 and 676 together.

Physician Assistants are dependent practitioners with generalist training through a medical model. They can support physicians and surgeons in the management of patients, with supervision and appropriate delegation.

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 report is now complete and I have received it. On the basis of the report, I have requested the HSE to prepare an implementation plan for the end of February 2026. The HSE expects to be in a position to publish the report following submission of the implementation plan to the Department of Health. 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.