Written Answers Nos. 951-974
952. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if she will commit to the sanctioning of two additional autism classes for a school (details supplied); when the next tranche of sanctioned classes will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17108/26]
View answerThis question should be directed to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and/or the Minister for Education and Youth.
953. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if she will address concerns regarding the non-medicinal use of Nitrous Oxide (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17120/26]
View answerNitrous oxide falls under the definition of a psychoactive substance and is addressed under two pieces of legislation. Section 3 of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances Act) 2010 states that a person who sells a psychoactive substance knowing or being reckless as to whether that substance is being acquired or supplied for human consumption shall be guilty of an offence. Section 74 of the Child Care Act 1991 states that it shall be an offence for a person to sell, offer or make available a substance to a person under the age of eighteen years or to a person acting on behalf of that person if he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the substance is, or its fumes are, likely to be inhaled by the person under the age of eighteen years for the purpose of causing intoxication. Responsibility for these Acts rests with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality respectively. The HSE and various community groups are monitoring the use of nitrous oxide and through public awareness campaigns, harm reduction advice, and engagement with at-risk groups, they are working to mitigate the health risks. As a key part of this approach, the HSE has disseminated a harm reduction factsheet, detailing risks, effects, and advice, to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, student unions, and at festivals. Additionally, parents are also supported with information through various formats, including the drugs.ie website, dedicated factsheets, and a series of webinars. In 2023, the Dept. of Health launched a first of its kind drug prevention funding initiative delivering €1.5 million over 3 years. The programme was developed in collaboration with the European Drug Agency and supported 5 evidence-based drug prevention programmes around the country. I want to protect individuals, children, families and communities from the harmful effects of drug use, including nitrous oxide.
954. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health her plans to develop additional endoscopy capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17126/26]
View answerIt is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I am focused on having a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality care including diagnostics, where and when they need it. This will require the health service to deliver more core activity through improved productivity and efficiencies, through ongoing reform and new enabling supports, and through targeted additional capacity.
In this regard, additional endoscopic activity is targeted in the 2026 HSE National Service Plan with attendances to increase by 6,927 or 6.6% from the 2025 outturn to 111,894.
HSE core activity will be augmented by the Waiting Time Action Plan, published in January this year, as part of this Government’s ongoing commitment to improving access to hospital care and sustainably reducing waiting times for patients. Under the Plan the National Treatment Purchase Fund has undertaken to provide some 20,000 endoscopy procedures in 2026.
The Deputy might also note that in Pillar 2 of the Waiting Time Action Plan, Enabling Patient Care, there are two specific actions relating to endoscopy; the implementation of an eReferral system and a nationally procured Endoscopy Reporting System.
955. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health if there will be additional endoscopy capacity provided for in the new elective hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17127/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to increasing elective-only day-case capacity through the Elective Ambulatory Care Programme. This is being delivered in two phases: a national network of Surgical Hubs in the first instance to meet medium-term demand, and then a national network of Elective Treatment Centres, known as Elective Hospitals, in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
These new ‘elective-only’ facilities are for day-case patients, they are not for acute or emergency care. They 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.
In line with the Preliminary Business Cases approved by Government in 2022, the Elective Treatment Centres will provide significant additional service delivery capacity and facilities. This includes endoscopy suites, operating theatres and minor operation rooms.
The design phase for the Elective Treatment Centres is underway. The HSE and its appointed design team are finalising these plans in relation to Cork and Galway with applications for planning permission to be submitted in the middle of this year. Demand modelling is also underway for Dublin.
956. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health if she is tendering for the enhanced flu vaccine for Winter 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17128/26]
View answer957. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health if NIAC will review the guidelines around high dose vaccines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17129/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 956 and 957 together.
The National 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. NIAC make recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.
NIAC revise recommendations on an ongoing basis to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland, to incorporate findings from horizon scanning and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. NIAC continuously monitor global developments in the field of immunisation. The immunisation schedule, therefore, continues to be amended over time based on emerging evidence.
NIAC's annual workplan aims to address as many immunisation topics as possible whilst also remaining agile to address unanticipated events. The influenza chapter of the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland is updated annually to incorporate the annual WHO recommendations for flu vaccine composition for the northern hemisphere.
In 2025, the chapter was also updated to reflect the replacement of quadrivalent vaccines by trivalent vaccines. In January 2026, NIAC formally commenced a review of recommendations regarding the use of newer and enhanced influenza vaccines (adjuvanted, high-dose, cell-based and recombinant vaccines) in eligible populations. Work on the evidence review process will continue over the coming months and will inform the influenza season 2027/2028.
I am advised that no high dose influenza vaccine (HD-IIV) has been centrally authorised by the European Medicines Authority and that certain countries have authorised these vaccines at a national level.
The HSE is responsible for the implementation of the Influenza Vaccination Programme, in line with Department of Health policy and funding, which includes procurement of the vaccine in line with EU and National Procurement rules. Every year the WHO reviews global surveillance data and recommends the specific influenza strains that manufacturers should include in that season’s vaccine based on the flu strains that are considered most likely to circulate.
The HSE will carry out a procurement process in relation to the flu vaccine specific to the flu season 2026/2027. It is expected that NIAC recommended enhanced flu vaccines will be included in this procurement process. Only when that process is complete, will it be known what vaccines will be available for the coming flu season.
958. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of an evaluation being undertaken by the Alcohol Act Technical Evaluation Group (AATEG) in relation to the provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018; the timeline for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17136/26]
View answerThe Alcohol Act Technical Evaluation Group (AATEG) was established in November 2024 to evaluate the provisions of the Public Heath (Alcohol) Act 2018. An interim report on the progress of the Group will be submitted to my Department by the end of this month.
The Group will submit its final report on the evaluation of the provisions of the Act to my Department in 2027.
959. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if versatis pain patches will be made available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17156/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
960. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the proposal to construct a four theatre complex with attached minor theatres on the grounds of Kilcreene Hospital, Kilkenny, will be progressed given the growing numbers of surgeries being undertaken at the hospital and the urgent need to replace the 1950s buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17157/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
961. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health when a person will receive necessary psychology services (details supplied) [17158/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
962. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2415 of 13 January 2026, if she accepts road traffic deaths and serious injuries as a public health harm requiring surveillance; if her Department will collect, analyse and use road-traffic collision and fatality statistics for population health improvement; if she and her Department will engage with the Minister for Transport to support and expedite the routine use and publication of this data as a public health concern for preventing injuries and deaths, and outline any meetings held or planned; the actions taken and a timeline for the same. [17159/26]
View answerPublic health data involves collecting, analysing, and using health-related statistics for population health improvement. This data helps towards understanding health trends, monitoring disease effectively, evaluating services, informing policy, and improving public health outcomes. Matters relating to road safety and specifically road-traffic collision and fatality data, are the responsibility of the Minister for Transport.
963. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of any information/notice or circular being issued by her Department to HSE-funded health and social care services (details supplied) pertaining to possible changes to means testing of residents in receipt of a social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17168/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
964. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health when the temporary respite house at Fenagh, County Leitrim will be fully prepared and available for occupancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17171/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
965. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health whether the new St. Patrick’s Hospital development in Carrick on Shannon will include diagnostic facilities such as X-ray and ultrasound services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17185/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter I asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
966. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health for an update on the use of the drug xolair for allergies; the status of applications to the HSE to fund the use of this drug in limited circumstances for allergies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17186/26]
View answerUnder 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.
968. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently intervene in the case of paramedics (details supplied); if she will ensure that permanent NAS positions will be offered to paramedics who successfully complete training as was always the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17188/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
969. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a patient (details supplied) in Letterkenny University Hospital will transfer to Beaumont Hospital; the reason for the two week delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17189/26]
View answerThe Minister for Health is precluded from intervening in individual cases. As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
970. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason in a break from custom and practice, a cohort of approximately 80 newly-qualified paramedics in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have been advised that they must apply for permanent positions in order to remain employed by NAS; and if she will intercede to progress the awarding of permanent positions which this cohort were led to expect throughout their three years of service to date. [17190/26]
View answerThe National Ambulance Service (NAS) is committed to continued expansion of its frontline workforce in 2026 through a series of planned new developments, and graduates completing the Paramedic programme this year will all be eligible to apply for permanent roles.Each year, the NAS undertakes a competitive recruitment process to select a cohort of Student Paramedics to complete the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Paramedic Studies and progress to registration with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). The 2025 campaign generated significant interest, attracting more than 1,000 applications. This structured education and training pathway provides the HSE with a sustainable pipeline of newly qualified and registered Paramedics.Graduates play a vital role in maintaining workforce capacity by filling vacancies arising from retirements and promotions, as well as supporting the creation of new posts linked to new service development under the National Service Plan. It is essential that NAS can prioritise the placement of these graduates to fill vacant or new development roles in areas prioritised for expansion, based on service activity and with the greatest operational need. The HSE met with trade unions on the 6th of February to advise them of the challenges they face in progressing Year 3 Paramedics to permanent posts under the current processes. During this engagement, NAS outlined three specific elements of the existing process that require amendment to ensure that vacant, funded positions can be filled in a timelier manner. These changes are necessary to enable the successful Year 3 cohort to apply for available funded positions as they arise.To ensure continuity of service delivery during this recruitment process, temporary contract extensions have been put in place for current graduates. All access to permanent employment within NAS is governed by the HSE’s employment and expenditure controls applicable in any given year.
971. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if she has visited St. Joseph's Hospital, Raheny, Dublin 5 since her appointment; and if so, the purpose of each visit, in tabular form. [17227/26]
View answer972. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times in the accident and emergency department of Beaumont Hospital; and the steps being taken to reduce the waiting times. [17228/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
973. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if she has visited Clontarf Orthopaedic Hospital since her appointment; and if so, the purpose of each visit, in tabular form. [17229/26]
View answer974. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the details of her Departments plans to implement the EU initiative of “Safe Hearts” to shape cardiovascular policy in Ireland in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17235/26]
View answer977. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the way in which Ireland can lead European Union conversation on cardiovascular health during the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17238/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 974 and 977 together.
The Strategic Agenda for the Union for 2024-29 sets out priorities and strategic orientations for the EU. It is structured around three pillars, broadly focused on values (a free and democratic Europe), security (a strong and secure Europe), and prosperity (a prosperous and competitive Europe). Ireland’s overall policy approach for the 2026 Presidency is being developed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade around these three priority themes.Ireland’s Presidency Health Agenda will reflect this national and EU position, and aim at positioning health and competitiveness as mutually reinforcing priorities. Ireland will work to strengthen the EU’s focus on population health and wellbeing to address public health challenges through proactive and preventative health measures. We will aim to use our Presidency to accelerate work to update the EU tobacco legislation – to include vapes and other nicotine products which have been strongly promoted by the industry over recent years. I welcome the development of the EU Safe Hearts Plan which was published in December 2025. The EU Safe Heart Plan aims to reduce premature cardiovascular deaths by 25% by 2035 through improved prevention, screening, and treatment across all Member States. The plan emphasises shifting from treatment to prevention, and among other things calls for stronger action against tobacco and smoking. The Safe Hearts Plan also recommends a Council Recommendation on an EU wide standard approach to cardiovascular health checks. This initiative will support national approaches to the development of cardiovascular screening programmes in primary care such as our GP Chronic Disease Management programme.The Programme for Government places a strong focus on cardiovascular health and in the coming years we have committed to the development of a national cardiovascular strategy. We have already started to increase the focus on cardiac service reform. The Budget in 2025 provided for €9 million to progress identified cardiovascular priority services which includes improving access to and using data to inform sustainable future cardiac service delivery. The HSE has published its National Service Plan for 2026, setting out how the HSE will operationalise the Department’s priorities funded in Budget 2026. As outlined in the NSP 2026, a key priority action for the HSE is to progress the implementation of the National Review of Cardiac Services. The Safe Hearts Plan contains 10 ambitious and impactful flagship initiatives and will support all EU member states to develop national cardiovascular plans over the next few years. In Ireland, we will do this first through implementing the recommendations of the National Review of Cardiac Services while also incorporating them into a new National Cardiovascular Plan as committed to in the Programme for Government.
