Written Answers Nos. 101-125
101. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position on a medication (details supplied) being available on the drugs payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17677/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for his question.
I recognise the importance of providing the best care possible to patients experiencing menopause. Women’s Health has been a focus of mine since taking this office, and it will continue to be a focus in my work as Minister for Health. We have made real progress in improving the healthcare available to women in Ireland.
Veoza (Fezolinetant) is a non-hormonal treatment for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, including symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, associated with menopause.
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.
A completed health technology assessment (HTA) for the medication Veoza® was received by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) from Astellas, the drug's marketing authorisation holder, on the 20th August 2025, 16 months after it was commissioned by the HSE. This was following proactive engagement with the company on the part of the HSE encouraging the submission of a fully completed HTA, as a drug or treatment cannot be added to the reimbursement list in the absence of a completed HTA.
The HTA remains under assessment with the NCPE.
The HSE endeavours to process pricing and reimbursement applications as efficiently as possible. The HSE has advised that the application remains under consideration.
102. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if she can provide an update on the strategic review of general practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17323/26]
View answer106. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the definitive timeline for the completion of the Strategic Review of General Practice; the reason for the delay in completing the review, given that the original competition date was the end of 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17721/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 106 together.
The Department of Health with support from the HSE is currently undertaking a Strategic Review of General Practice. With input from key stakeholders, the review is examining the range of issues affecting general practice, focused around five themes: GP Training, GP Capacity, eHealth Agenda, Out-of-Hours Reform, and Support Model for General Practice. The Review will identify the arrangements necessary to improve the current system of GP care as part of a primary care-focused health service.
Work on the review has been ongoing and significant progress has been made, with the report to be completed this year. Following its completion, the report will be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice into the future. The report will be published subsequently.
103. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health her plans to enhance care for people with early onset Parkinson’s disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17630/26]
View answerThe Department is committed to working with relevant stakeholders including the HSE and patient representatives to strengthen key services and supports for people with neurological conditions including early onset Parkinson’s Disease and will build on the investment made in Budget 2025.
Parkinson’s Disease is the second most common neurodegenative condition after Alzheimer’s Disease, causing both motor (tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement) and non-motor symptoms (e.g. cognitive, behavioural, constipation, autonomic). Parkinson's Disease is variable in its progression and, whilst more common in those over 60 years, also presents in those under 50 years termed early onset Parkinson’s Disease.
Budget 2025 provided €4m for the recruitment of five consultant neurologists and an additional 25 WTEs to support the implementation of the Neurology Model of Care and the Hub and Spoke Model for neurology services. The Hub and Spoke model will support more timely, equitable access to neurology services at regional level including for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
In addition, €300,000 was allocated to develop the Deep Brain Stimulation service at the Mater Hospital in Dublin comprising of 1.5 WTEs. Deep Brain Stimulation is an effective treatment for Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders.
Of the 30 WTEs announced for neurology services 7 posts were allocated for Parkinson's Disease specialists nurses. These posts include 4 Clinical Nurse Specialists, and 3 Advanced Nurse Practitioners. This more than doubles the number of specialist Parkinson’s Disease nurses working in the HSE. Prior to this there were six specialist nurses dedicated to Parkinson's Disease in public hospitals. As of February 2026, 5 of these new specialists nurses have been recruited.
In addition, Parkinson’s Ireland, funds two Parkinson's Disease nurse specialists in the Voluntary sector. These specialist nurses collectively play a positive role in the ongoing treatment and care of those with Parkinson's Disease including, Early Onset Parkinson's Disease.
Developing specialist nursing capacity is a key priority in the Neurology Model of Care. Specialist nursing roles are important for managing many chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease as they can support patients to manage their conditions well in the community, potentially avoiding the need for emergency visits and hospital admission. There is also evidence that access to a Parkinson’s Disease nurse specialist can reduce length of stay of hospital admissions as well as improving health-related quality of life.
Neurology Model of Care and Updated Parkinson’s Disease pathway
The National Clinical Programme for Neurology’s Model of Care (2016) provides a framework for the assessment, treatment and management of those with Parkinson's Disease. A working group for Parkinson's Disease, established in 2025 by the HSE to focus on the development of an updated and integrated Parkinson’s Disease pathway; this working group includes representation for patients with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease. The pathway is designed to cater for every person living with Parkinson's Disease in Ireland (including those with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease) and the HSE acknowledges that patients with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease often have distinct clinical and life course care needs from those with typical later-onset disease, such as family, work and mental health that are important to recognise and incorporate in any updated pathway.
Whilst the working group is not specifically focused on the development of an Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease pathway, it will consider and acknowledge the unique factors that should be incorporated into pathway development for this population group and other groups with specific needs.
More broadly, the HSE is actively working on a Hub and Spoke model to guide equitable neurology services around the country to align with the new health regions and to tackle the gaps in neurology services nationally. This will cater for people with all neurological conditions including Parkinson’s/Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease and will deliver on the Sláintecare principle of delivering care closer to the patients home.
This model will include one model 4 hospital ‘Hub’ per Health Region, catering for the most complex neurological care. These sites will support model 3 hospital ‘Spoke’ sites who will provide services for people with less complex needs where efficient access to Hubs as required.
It is expected that this proposed Hub and Spoke model will enable a reduction in waiting lists, timely access to diagnosis and treatment and thus, improve quality of life and prognosis for people with neurological symptoms, including Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
I am committed to making further progress developing services for those with Parkinson’s and Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease and I will continue to work with the HSE to ensure improvements in Neurology services.
104. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure the Community Access Support Team pilot project in Limerick is maintained for the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17545/26]
View answerThe Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot project now underway in Limerick arose from the Final Report of the High Level Taskforce published in 2022 to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector.
The progression of this important new initiative, the first of its kind in Ireland, has been a priority for me, the Minister for Justice, the HSE, and An Garda Síochána.
The CAST team are working to enhance diversionary practices for those experiencing crisis and situational trauma that leads to mental health difficulties, with the shared goal of providing a compassionate and effective response to people in distress. The pilot became operational in January 2025 and has been beneficial for vulnerable people in Limerick.
The CAST pilot project is a very real example of a multi-agency approach to better support those in the criminal justice system with mental health and/or addiction issues and to make a meaningful difference to their treatment.
An evaluation of CAST will be finalised this year which will provide an evidence base that will help inform next steps, including any potential rollout of this model of care as appropriate nationally in the future. The recommendations from the evaluation will be considered by the Department of Health and Department of Justice, alongside key stakeholders.
I will continue to liaise with the Minister for Justice on this matter and the HSE will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána on this important new initiative.
105. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the expenditure-control framework applied by her Department to the treatment abroad scheme since 2020; if any budget ceilings, sanction limits, or cohort-specific controls apply to referrals for persons aged under 18 years; and the way in which her Department assures value-for-money where costs are set by external health systems and the scheme is described as demand-led. [11576/26]
View answerThe Treatment Abroad Scheme operates within the overall health expenditure framework approved by the Oireachtas through the Estimates process and reflected in the HSE National Service Plan. The HSE is required, under the Performance and Accountability Framework agreed with my Department, to deliver all services, including the Treatment Abroad Scheme, within its overall annual budget allocation and to put in place appropriate governance, monitoring and financial controls.
While access to the Treatment Abroad Scheme is determined by individual clinical eligibility rather than fixed activity quotas, it is not exempt from budgetary oversight. Expenditure on the scheme is monitored as part of the HSE’s monthly financial reporting, and pressures arising within the scheme must be managed by the HSE within its overall annual budget allocation.
There are no age-based budget ceilings or financial caps applied to referrals under the Treatment Abroad Scheme, including for persons aged under 18 years. Notwithstanding that treatment costs are set by external health systems, the HSE applies statutory eligibility, prior approval, verification and audit controls, with my Department assuring value for money at system level through the budgetary and performance framework within which the HSE operates.
As the detailed operation of the Treatment Abroad Scheme, including the specific control measures in place, is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the HSE for direct response.
107. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the total monies extended by the HSE in the purchasing of residential care treatment episodes for people with drug, gambling and alcohol related addiction in 2023, 2024 and 2025; the number of patients for whom treatment episodes were purchased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17530/26]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2024, as amended, the HSE is responsible for the provision of health and personal social services including residential treatment services. The HSE either provides these services directly or contracts service providers to provide them on its behalf.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
108. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health when the rapid response vehicle in Roscommon will be reinstated on a 24/7 basis as promised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15790/26]
View answer115. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if she has engaged with the National Ambulance Service on the rapid response vehicle in Roscommon; when it will be reinstated to 24/7 cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15791/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 115 together.
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
109. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Health the average ambulance response times in County Offaly in each of the past two years; how these compare with national targets; whether additional National Ambulance Service resources are planned for the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17612/26]
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.
111. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health for an update on the provision of community-based specialist eating disorder teams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17518/26]
View answerThe National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with the total number of 16 eating disorder teams under the Model of Care now fully funded. This includes 11 teams now operational and a further 5 teams in recruitment and development, as per the Model of Care. The HSE spends over €14 million on eating disorders services annually.
Over 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).
HSE data from the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders for 2025 shows increases in activity across referrals, assessments, diagnoses and access to treatment. In 2025, over 900 referrals were received, 600 assessments were completed, with a 13% increase in the number of people starting treatment for an eating disorder. 75% of patients were assessed within eight weeks.
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.
The HSE report on inpatient bed capacity required for eating disorders was forwarded to my Department for consideration in July 2025. Accordingly, the recommendations for enhanced bed capacity for eating disorders have now been included in the National Development Plan.
In addition, as Minister I secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new eating disorder teams, a CAMHS team to serve the South east, and an Adult team to serve counties Galway and Roscommon. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services.
For more detailed information on eating disorder service provision, as this is a service matter I have referred it to HSE for direct response to you.
112. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the way in which she is prioritising new eating disorder and perinatal facilities in the Health Capital Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17520/26]
View answerAs Minister, I have set out my priorities for capital projects for 2026, with over €40m allocated to initiate and progress mental health infrastructure projects this year.
The funding represents another record level of investment in 43 separate mental health capital projects across the country, with annual investment set to increase further over the next four years.
I am prioritising the development of three regional adult Eating Disorder Inpatient Centres to provide improved access to specialist public beds in Cork, Dublin and the North West. The new facilities will provide specialist inpatient eating disorder care closer to home people who are acutely unwell and reduce the HSE’s current reliance on private placements.
Another key priority is the development of Ireland’s first Perinatal Mother and Baby Units to support the mental health of pregnant women and new mothers. Funding has been allocated to advance the establishment of a Perinatal Mental Health Unit which will be co-located with the new National Maternity Hospital on the St Vincent’s University Hospital campus in Dublin. In addition, HSE Mid-West are progressing plans for six-bed Perinatal Mental Health Unit on the St Joseph’s Hospital campus in Limerick.
As Minister I am determined to drive progress to redevelop six priority Acute Mental Health Units in 2026 to provide an improved therapeutic and recovery-focused environment for people admitted for mental health treatment. This includes new and upgraded facilities in Waterford, Roscommon, Cork, North Dublin, Kildare and South Dublin.
Funding has also been allocated to progress the development of new departments of psychiatry for Cavan General Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny.
A new 10-bed specialist Community Mental Health Unit has been included in the plan for Wexford to provide intensive short stay care and treatment to people experiencing mental health difficulties in the county.
The investment for 2026 is the first tranche of funding to be allocated from an overall total of €470m earmarked for mental health projects in the National Development Plan 2026-2030.
A 10-year Capital Plan for Mental Health will be published this year which will set out a strategic investment plan to maximise the unprecedented level of investment in the mental health capital estate.
As your question relates to an operational issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
113. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the efforts that are under way within her Department to increase the capacity of the Children Disability Network Teams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17529/26]
View answerThis is a matter for Department of Children Equality and Disabilities and should be redirected there.
114. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health her plans to improve the ambulance service; if she has examined implementing physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services in this State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17634/26]
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.
116. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Health to reinstate the permanent contracts which were previously offered to graduating paramedics, following the recent decision by the HSE and the NAS that they would only be offered a 16-week contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17745/26]
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.
117. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to address the lengthy waiting lists for home help in County Donegal; if new staff who are waiting on recruitment panels will be allowed to take up positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17524/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
118. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason, in the context of significant pressures on the National Ambulance Service, newly qualified paramedics have been informed that they must reapply to retain their jobs; the reason the break of this long-established practice has occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17505/26]
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.
119. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Health her plans to review current regulations regarding the prescription of melatonin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17499/26]
View answerMelatonin is a medicinal product most often used to treat insomnia characterised by poor quality of sleep. Melatonin is currently listed in Column A of the first schedule to the Prescription and Control of Supply Regulations (S.I. No. 540/2003). This means it is a prescription only medicine that cannot be renewed. In Ireland, all currently authorised melatonin-containing medicinal products are subject to prescription control.The Health Products Regulatory Agency (HPRA) is the entity responsible for the regulation of medicines in Ireland. It should be noted that the HPRA is open to review any application from a Marketing Authorisation Holder to change the prescription status of melatonin to non-prescription status. This is in line with the HPRA's policy to make medicines and health products available at the most convenient point of access for people, where it is safe and appropriate to do so following evaluation of all relevant data.
Once a marketing authorisation has been issued it is a matter for the marketing authorisation holder to decide whether to market the medicine in Ireland.
120. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the delivery of the programme for Government commitment to continue to extend access to free contraception; the work carried out to date; the timeline she is working towards in expanding the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17723/26]
View answerThe free contraception scheme (FCS) for women aged 17 -25, ordinarily resident in Ireland, was launched on 14th September, 2022. Its remit has been expanded gradually to include women aged from 17 to 35 inclusive. Approximately €47m is allocated to support the scheme annually and approximately 2,450 GPs, primary care, family planning and student health centres and 2,050 community pharmacies across the country participated in the scheme in 2025.
The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, primary care, student health and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Reimbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme.
Access to free contraception is also available on an emergency basis through the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), enabling maternity units, hospitals, postnatal clinics, and Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) to provide free contraception to patients who might have difficulty accessing the scheme through primary care.
These include individuals attending postnatal or post-termination of pregnancy (ToP) appointments, those accessing SATUs in emergency situations, and those facing barriers to accessing contraception through GPs and pharmacies or who may face other challenges that limit access through primary care. NWIHP advise that at least 3,000 women accessed free contraception through their services in 2025.
Similar supports for accessing contraception are in place with the Women’s Health Service, which supports people working in the sex trade. The Women’s Health Service supported over 330 women in 2025.
The Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, published in 2019 and available on the Department’s website, laid the foundations for the introduction of the Free Contraception Scheme. In addition to recommending the phased introduction of free contraception, the report also noted that policy proposals must also focus on accessibility, education and workforce capacity as well as cost.
In addition to the measures already in place with NWIHP and the WHS, research has been undertaken recently to evaluate access to the scheme. The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025, published last November, examined contraceptive choices, noting a rise in the use of LARCs, especially hormonal coils, after the age of 35. Work is ongoing within NWIHP to train more staff members to fit LARCs, and the ICGP’s GP training scheme continues to be supported.
The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025, also shows that awareness of the scheme was high in age-groups eligible to access it (86% in 18-25 and 74% in 26-34 year-olds). Qualitative research is underway, in partnership with the National Women’s Council of Ireland and TCD, supported by the Women’s Health Fund, to assess awareness of, and access to the scheme amongst key groups. It is envisaged that this research will be published in Q2, 2026.
Another initiative to expand capacity within the Free Contraception Scheme is to make additional services available through pharmacies. The landmark Community Pharmacy Agreement, launched in 2025, supports expanding pharmacy services, delivering safe, efficient and accessible healthcare, across Ireland. The Common Conditions Scheme, allowing access to treatment for 8 common conditions through pharmacies, was publicly launched in January 2026.
The Agreement supports pharmacy prescription of contraception, under defined clinical circumstances, for which some legislation, the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 2024 (the 2024 Act), is already in place. In order to enable pharmacy provision of contraception to be delivered free of charge under the FCS, the legal framework for the FCS must be amended to include prescribing pharmacists. Drafting of enabling legislation has been included as a priority in the Spring List and will be progressed as soon as possible.
The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, the National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035, the Sláintecare 2025+ Plan and the Women’s Health Action Plans all commit to further sequential expansion of the scheme, such that it eventually encompasses the full reproductive age-range. However, any decision relating to further expansion of the scheme must be considered through the Estimates process in advance of the annual Budget each year.
While contraception provided through the FCS is very effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy, hormonal contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The National Condom Distribution Scheme supports both STI prevention and accessible contraception for men and their partners. Free condoms can be accessed through the national network of STI clinics, participating charities and NGO partners and on participating 3rd level campuses. Since 2023, free condoms have also been supplied with orders for free home STI testing kits. The NCDS is open to those aged 17 and above. Over 1.2m condoms were distributed in 2025.
121. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the proposed elective hospital at Merlin Park in Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17084/26]
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 capacity, and then a national network of Elective Treatment Centres, also 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. Significant international evidence supports the separation of scheduled (elective) and non-scheduled (emergency) care, leading to improved care for all patients.
Two Surgical Hubs are already operational (the Reeves Centre in Tallaght and Mount Carmel Hub in South Dublin). A further five hubs are expected to open this year in Swords, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Plans are also in development for Surgical Hubs in Letterkenny and Sligo.
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 Galway with an application for planning permission to be submitted in the middle of this year.
122. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health for an update on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17849/26]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
123. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the consideration currently being given to the expansion of elective care capacity in the midlands, specifically Offaly; the likely timeframe associated with any such consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17321/26]
View answerI am fully committed to ensuring sufficient health care capacity across Ireland.
The HSE Capital Plan sets out a range of investments for the Midlands, including:
• The recently completed two-storey emergency department extension for adult and paediatric care (respiratory assessment unit) for Regional Hospital Portlaoise;
• reconfiguration of the renal department to provide additional dialysis treatment space and 2 additional neutral pressure isolation rooms in Tullamore Regional Hospital;
• progressing the appraisal for the replacement ward accommodation, theatre dept. and emergency dept. project for Regional Hospital Mullingar
Alongside this excellent progress, I recognise that further capacity will be required into the future.
The HSE Dublin and Midlands Health Region has confirmed that it is undertaking an analysis to inform the future development of an action plan. This early scoping phase is intended to consider potential options for new or additional capacity, including in the area of elective care. An Expressions of Interest process forms part of this broader review. Work to define scope, parameters and governance arrangements is ongoing. The process is expected to be completed by the end of Q1 2026. I am assured that the Region will provide updates as this work develops.
The implementation of Health Infrastructure Investment Policy via the Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework means that any future proposal for new infrastructure will be centred on evidence-based demand analysis, and established on a need identified by services.
124. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on the elective hospital in Cork. [16727/26]
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 capacity, and then a national network of Elective Treatment Centres, also 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. Significant international evidence supports the separation of scheduled (elective) and non-scheduled (emergency) care, leading to improved care for all patients.
Two Surgical Hubs are already operational (the Reeves Centre in Tallaght and Mount Carmel Hub in South Dublin). A further five hubs are expected to open this year in Swords, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Plans are also in development for Surgical Hubs in Letterkenny and Sligo.
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 with an application for planning permission to be submitted in the middle of this year.
125. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health for an update on the reconfiguration and refurbishment of Gurteen health centre in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17610/26]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
