Pat Buckley
Question:239. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of all drug task forces in the Cork East constituency. [15227/26]
View answerDepartmental Data
Questions (239)
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.
Health Services
Questions (240)
Paul Murphy
Question:240. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1018 and 1019 of 20 January 2026, if she will clarify the way in which the State's public-protection obligations are met where CORU has confirmed it regulates individual fitness to practise only and has no statutory remit to examine systemic or organisational ethical failures affecting professional practice; whether she accepts that reliance on internal organisational processes and the Protected Disclosures Act places the burden of regulatory escalation on individual workers rather than an independent regulator; the independent mechanism, if any, which currently exists to assess patterns of ethical concern arising across multiple practitioners or services; whether consideration has been given to introducing a statutory function within CORU, or an alternative regulatory body, to examine organisational ethical environments where professional judgement may be compromised; and if she will provide the policy rationale and legal advice underpinning her decision that no amendment to the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 is required despite the acknowledged absence of a systemic-ethics regulatory pathway. [15230/26]
View answerWritten answers
In my previous replies to the Deputy, I outlined the existing and planned legal protections and obligations underpinning professional practice and service delivery in various areas of health and social care. These are already extensive and due to be further strengthened.
They include the new National Policy Framework for Adult Safeguarding in the Health and Social Care Sector, the Protected Disclosure Act 2014 provisions, the Children’s First Act 2015 obligations, and professional regulation measures under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended).
There are currently no plans for further mechanisms at this point in time.
Health Service Executive
Questions (241)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:241. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a HSE property (details supplied) is being considered for sale or lease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15233/26]
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.
Climate Change Policy
Questions (242)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:242. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health to provide details of all occasions in which she or her predecessors exercised the power conferred on them under Section 15(3) of the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Act (2015), which states that ‘the relevant Minister may, from time to time, give a direction to a relevant body requiring it to adopt such measures as are specified in the direction for the purposes of compliance by the relevant body with subsection (1)’; to provide the details of the direction given in all cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15245/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has adopted a number of legislative mechanisms to enable the State to achieve our climate objectives. These include emission-reduction targets for a range of sectors, along with broader whole-of-Government actions under the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate to lead by example.
While the health sector does not have a sectoral emission reduction target, my Department and the bodies under its aegis have a range of commitments under the Climate Action Mandate in respect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency.
In addition, the HSE has undertaken a range of additional adaptation and mitigation commitments under its Climate Action Strategy 2023-2050.
As my Department and the bodies under its aegis have been proceeding in line with these obligations, I have not had cause to exercise the power referred to by the Deputy.
Ambulance Service
Questions (243)
Brian Stanley
Question:243. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health to clarify if an ambulance service is available for women in County Laois who make the decision to have a home birth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15315/26]
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 Services
Questions (244)
David Cullinane
Question:244. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason the non-clinical qualifier 'from the outset' is applied to reimbursement applications for continuous glucose monitoring systems; if she will remove this requirement as it is not indicated in the HIQA HTA; if she will extend reimbursement for CGM systems to all patients with diabetes who require such devices; if she recognises the direct health cost benefits and wider economic and social benefits of CGM systems in terms of employment and health system avoidance; and if not, the basis on which she refutes this and the analysis which has been conducted which says that the opportunity cost and downstream cost to the health service of not extending access to less than cost of extending reimbursement; the reason CGM reimbursement is not available on the basis of clinical need on foot of a consultant prescription, in the absence of any research which states that this should not be the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15323/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Strategies
Questions (245, 246)
Emer Currie
Question:245. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation of the National Major Trauma Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15328/26]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:246. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health to clarify a matter relating to the National Major Trauma Strategy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15329/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
The Trauma Strategy, 'A Trauma System for Ireland: The Report of the Trauma Steering Group' was approved by Government in February 2018. The Strategy recommended two regional hub-and-spoke trauma networks. Each Network has one designated Major Trauma Centre (MTC) for the treatment of major trauma and Trauma Units for the treatment of injuries of a lesser severity.
Significant progress is being made to develop an inclusive trauma system to co-ordinate and standardise trauma care, in line with the recommendations of the Strategy. Since 2018, a total of €16.65 million has been provided for the implementation of the Trauma Strategy.
The first phase of the implementation saw the establishment of two MTCs for the Central and South Trauma Networks. Major trauma services officially launched the MTCs at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Cork University Hospital in April 2023. Additionally, Planned Trauma Care services were established at Cork University Hospital to provide efficient follow-on care and day case procedures for patients with less severe injuries.
Building on this progress, the recruitment of 90 WTE, funded in 2025, enables further development of trauma services. This includes additional staffing for the opening and commissioning of important capital projects at the MTCs, staffing for the new Trauma Unit with Specialist Services at University Hospital Galway (UHG), development of Planned Trauma Care Services at Merlin Park, Galway and Trauma Units at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and University Hospital Waterford.
To support the delivery of trauma services, the HSE National Office for Trauma Services has developed a number of guideline documents, including a Pre-Hospital Triage Tool which can help to identify major trauma patients and bypass protocols to ensure patients are brought to the most appropriate place for treatment.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly to provide further details on the implementation of the Strategy.
Question No. 246 answered with Question No. 245.
Health Services Staff
Questions (247)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:247. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE physiotherapist posts, by grade, that were filled at Athy Primary Care Centre as of 17 February 2026, in tabular form. [15332/26]
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 Waiting Lists
Questions (248)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:248. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant vascular surgeons based at Tallaght University Hospital as of 17 February 2026; the average waiting time to see those consultants for a first appointment, in tabular form. [15333/26]
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 Services Staff
Questions (249)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:249. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE dietitian posts, by grade, that were filled at Newbridge Primary Care Centre as of 17 February 2026, in tabular form. [15334/26]
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 Appointments Status
Questions (250)
Cathal Crowe
Question:250. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive an urgent audiology appointment at Ennis General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15345/26]
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.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (251, 252)
Louis O'Hara
Question:251. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health the role her Department played in the decision to reverse plans for an elective hospital in Merlin Park in Galway City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15347/26]
View answerLouis O'Hara
Question:252. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health the reasons for the decision to reverse plans for an elective hospital in Merlin Park in Galway City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15348/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
The government is fully committed to increasing elective-only day-case capacity through the Elective Ambulatory Care Programme, in line with the 2017 Sláintecare Report. The government’s commitment to delivering this has been set out in successive Sláintecare Implementation Strategies and Action plans in 2018, 2021 and 2025, the National Elective Care Ambulatory Strategy of December 2021, and the Programme Preliminary Business Case (PBC) and project PBCs for Galway and Cork approved in December 2022, all of which have proposed elective day-case only facilities in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
There has been no such decision as suggested by the Deputy. Whilst there had been a scoping paper prepared for the Saolta Group in 2019 for an elective hospital at Merlin Park, this was superseded by the elective strategy agreed by Government in 2022 and which is being delivered in two phases: a national network of Surgical Hubs in the first instance to meet medium-term demand and capacity, and then, a national network of Elective Treatment Centres, known as Elective Hospitals, in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
There has been no decision to limit or change the scope or ambition of these elective facilities including the project business case for Galway. The 2022 preliminary business case (PBC) for the elective care programme proposed a phased approach to the development of the Elective Hospitals. The first phase (which was the focus of the PBCs and has been the HSE’s work to date) included day cases only. As per the Government decision of 2022, the sites identified for these facilities have sufficient capacity for future growth and reconfiguration to facilitate potential future phases, including some elective in-patient capacity, if required.
The design phase for the Elective Treatment Centres, known as Elective Hospitals, is ongoing, and plans will be refined based on the evidence and data available in relation to demand and capacity, as required by the Infrastructure Guidelines. The HSE and its appointed design team are working through these plans at the moment, with an expectation that a planning application can be submitted in the middle of this year.
Question No. 252 answered with Question No. 251.
Health Services
Questions (253)
Noel McCarthy
Question:253. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2651 of 8 September 2025, to outline the progress made to date on the possible inclusion of Versatis plasters in the drugs payment scheme; the reason such pain relief is not currently considered under the scheme; if there are any exceptional circumstances whereby the use of Versatis plasters would be approved for unlicensed uses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15356/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, I have asked the HSE for an update in this matter. The HSE has advised that an online application system for reimbursement support of lidocaine (Versatis®) 5% medicated plasters under Community Drug Schemes was introduced in 2017. The GP or hospital clinician can register the patient details for Versatis® through the PCRS Application Suite. The prescriber will need to outline certain criteria for its use. The application will be reviewed by the HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) before treatment can be authorised for reimbursement support under Community Drug Schemes, including Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS). Where there is a negative reimbursement decision, the outcome of the application can be appealed by the prescriber. Appeals can be sent directly to the HSE Medicines Management Programme at mmp@hse.ie. Appeals must be made by the patient’s clinician and should include any additional information to support the unmet clinical need for lidocaine (Versatis®) plaster based on failure of other treatment options. Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis reviewing the information provided in the initial online application and the information in the appeal submission to the MMP. A letter outlining the final reimbursement recommendation is communicated back to the clinician.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (254)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:254. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to address the long waiting times for children referred to primary care audiology services following school hearing screening; the steps being implemented to reduce delays for children who have been prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15361/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides hearing tests, and if needed, hearing aids and associated maintenance, free of charge to children under the age of 18. Further information regarding the HSE's audiology services can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/audiology/.
€750,000 has been allocated to utilise external providers to address paediatric long waiters (longer than 1 year) on the HSE community audiology waiting list. The HSE has advised that over 3,500 children will be seen under this initiative in 2026.
Hospital Equipment
Questions (255)
Michael Cahill
Question:255. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health when a modern IT system with all patient records will be made available across the entire Health Service, representing a major improvement for patients and all medical personnel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15389/26]
View answerWritten answers
Digital for Care (2024 - 2030) sets out the roadmap for the digitisation of health records and systems for the health service in Ireland.
A three step approach to the digitisation of health records is being executed based on the delivery of a National Patient app (released in Feb 2025 and now subject to quarterly releases to enhance functionality and to provide access to patients to more of their own health data and information), the development of the National Shared Care record - designed to provide clinicians with access to patient information across multiple healthcare locations and the procurement of the National Electronic Health Record system which has secured Government approval and will go to procurement in 2026. There will be further work required to streamline the sharing of data between private, voluntary and public health providers and that is supported by the Health Information Bill that is currently at Seanad health committee and will pass into law later this year.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (256, 257, 258)
David Cullinane
Question:256. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the extent to which plans for elective capacity in the HSE West and North West have changed; if she will ensure delivery of the elective hospital as originally promised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15393/26]
View answerDavid Cullinane
Question:257. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to confirm whether there have been changes to the plans for additional elective capacity in Cork ; if the plans for the elective hospital are still the same as the original business case which was submitted, and if not, the difference in the current proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15394/26]
View answerDavid Cullinane
Question:258. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to confirm whether there have been changes to the plans for additional elective capacity at two sites in Dublin ; if the plans for the elective hospital are still the same as the original business case which was submitted, and if not, the difference in the current proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15395/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 256, 257 and 258 together.
The government is fully committed to increasing elective-only day-case capacity through the Elective Ambulatory Care Programme, in line with the 2017 Sláintecare Report. The government’s commitment to delivering this has been set out in successive Sláintecare Implementation Strategies and Action plans in 2018, 2021 and 2025, the National Elective Care Ambulatory Strategy of December 2021, and the Programme Preliminary Business Case (PBC) and project PBCs for Galway and Cork approved in December 2022, all of which have proposed elective day-case only facilities in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
The elective strategy agreed by Government in 2022 is being delivered in two phases: a national network of Surgical Hubs in the first instance to meet medium-term demand and capacity, and then, a national network of Elective Treatment Centres, known as Elective Hospitals, in Galway, Cork and Dublin. There has been no decision to limit or change the scope or ambition of these elective facilities. The 2022 preliminary business case (PBC) for the elective care programme proposed a phased approach to the development of the Elective Hospitals. The first phase (which was the focus of the PBCs and has been the HSE’s work to date) included day cases only. As per the Government decision of 2022, the sites identified for these facilities have sufficient capacity for future growth and reconfiguration to facilitate potential future phases, including some elective in-patient capacity, if required.
Elective care does not require the same facilities as acute hospitals. These new ‘elective-only’ facilities are for day-case patients, they are not for acute or emergency care. Significant international evidence supports the separation of scheduled (elective) and non-scheduled (emergency) care, leading to improved care for all patients. These elective facilities will provide routine treatments, procedures and consultations which have been scheduled in advance for non-emergency issues and which do not need an overnight stay. There are no in-patient beds; instead, patients arrive and leave on the same day. Patients move in a single, one-way direction from registration to pre-admission, to the operating theatre, to state 1 recovery and/or stage 2 recovery bays as appropriate, from where they are discharged.
The design phase for the Elective Treatment Centres is ongoing, and plans will be refined based on the evidence and data available in relation to demand and capacity, as required by the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The HSE is working through these plans at the moment, with an expectation that planning applications for Cork and Galway can be submitted later this year. In relation to Dublin, demand modelling is currently underway, to ensure that we can meet our longer-term elective care capacity requirements. The modelling includes an assessment of current capacity/infrastructure and how it can be best utilised to meet future needs. On conclusion of this demand modelling work, the Preliminary Business Case for Dublin will be finalised.
Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 256.
Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 256.
Health Services Staff
Questions (259)
David Cullinane
Question:259. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant psychiatrists working in each CAMHS team; the number of whole time equivalent; the headcount; the number of consultant psychiatrists working full-time, in tabular form [15396/26]
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (260)
David Cullinane
Question:260. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number and proportion of CAMHS consultations which are conducted in person and remotely, by CAMHS team; the extent of telemedicine across each CAMHS team, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15397/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (261)
David Cullinane
Question:261. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number and proportion of hospital outpatient consultations which are conducted in person and remotely, by hospital and by specialty; the extent of telemedicine across each health region, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15398/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter , this PQ should be referred to the HSE for direct reply and that HSE include stats on activity in Virtual Care wards.