Wednesday, 25 Mar 2026

Medical Cards

Questions (364)

Michael Cahill

Question:

364. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently renew a medical card in respect of a Kerry patient (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22650/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Admissions

Questions (365)

James Geoghegan

Question:

365. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22728/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 366 answered with Question No. 321.

Medicinal Products

Questions (367)

Máire Devine

Question:

367. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure the HSE recognises the time-critical nature of Friedrich's Ataxia during current price negotiations with a prescription drug manufacturer. [22735/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Strategies

Questions (368)

Máire Devine

Question:

368. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Health how the commitments in the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025-2030 and the 2026 IPHA Framework Agreement, particularly the 180-day decision timeline, are being applied to the case of patients with Friedrich's Ataxia to prevent further delay in addressing a clear unmet need for treatment and reimbursement. [22736/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Two new Framework Agreements with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) on the supply and pricing of medicines (FASPM) have been successfully concluded following extensive engagement and negotiation with the pharmaceutical sector.

The Agreements will enable faster access to new innovative medicines for patients. They also reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring security of supply for essential medicines, reducing the risk of medicine shortages for patients while safeguarding the sustainability of the health services.

The Agreements benefit patients by ensuring a commitment and a structured process towards achieving a 180-day timeline for completing pricing and reimbursement decisions for medicines, accelerating patient access to new treatments. This will mean that, by Q1 2029, the HSE will make decisions on medicine reimbursement applications within 180 days net.

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE), through its Senior Leadership Team has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed are made on objective, scientific, and economic grounds. There are formal processes that govern pricing and reimbursement applications for medicines and new uses of existing medicines. The HSE considers all criteria outlined in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 before making any decision on pricing/reimbursement.

In respect of Friedreich’s ataxia specifically, the HSE has received an application for Skyclarys (omaveloxolone). The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics Ireland (NCPE) has completed a Health Technology Assessment (HTA), following which the HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit (CPU) has commenced commercial engagements with the applicant.

The HTA and the output of commercial negotiations along with patient group submissions received will be considered by the HSE in line with the 2013 Act.

The National Rare Diseases Strategy 2025-2030 was published by the Minister for Health in August 2025.

An Implementation Oversight Group has been launched to progress the recommendations of the National Rare Diseases Strategy. It began meeting in February 2026 to commence work-planning for the Strategy’s 11 recommendations.

Under the new FASPM, the State and the pharmaceutical sector have also agreed to develop a future strategic partnership which will support the development of a piloted early access programme for new medicines for rare diseases in line with Programme for Government commitments. Research and scoping work is underway in the Department to support the development of a pilot programme in this regard.

Health Services Staff

Questions (369)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

369. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question 783 of 3 March 2026, if funding will be made available from the HSE to ensure a dedicated Multiple Sclerosis nurse for Counties Roscommon, Galway and Mayo; if this has been looked at for funding; the reason there is no dedicated nurse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22743/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services

Questions (370)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

370. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a business case being submitted for a service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22744/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services Staff

Questions (371)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

371. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the restoration of a post (details supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22745/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

Enhancement of specialist mental health services including mental health services for older people is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government, and the HSE.

Mental health policy is guided by Sharing the Vision the national mental health policy , which promotes tailored, community-based services for older adults and better integration between primary care and specialist mental health teams. Over 30 Psychiatry Later Life Teams are currently in operation, and the Model of Care for Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People (2019) is being implemented, with five demonstration sites delivering liaison psychiatry services have established. Expansion of these services is ongoing, with additional teams planned based on identified needs and staffing gaps. Under Budget 2026, I have funded two additional teams for this Programme.

With reference to the specific information requested, as this relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.

Departmental Projects

Questions (372)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

372. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a project (details supplied); when funding will be sought to re-start this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22746/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Projects

Questions (373)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

373. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22747/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

As 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 also 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 at Roscommon, along with Waterford, Cork, North Dublin, Kildare and South Dublin.

I will publish a 10 year capital plan for mental health in the coming months to guide the long term vision for the transformation of the mental health capital estate, including the new unit at Roscommon.

As this relates to a service matter, it has also been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.

Departmental Projects

Questions (374)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

374. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22748/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As 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.

State Properties

Questions (375)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

375. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the sale of lands (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22749/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services

Questions (376)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

376. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the memory clinic in Cashel, County Tipperary; the reason the clinic is not presently accepting referrals; the interim diagnostic pathway available for patients in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare who require assessment for cognitive impairment or suspected dementia; and if she will set out the HSE's plans and timelines for restoring memory clinic services in the Mid-West region or establishing an alternative diagnostic service. [22751/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (377)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

377. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will review the correspondence (details supplied); if she will address the concerns raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22761/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services Waiting Lists

Questions (378)

Tom Brabazon

Question:

378. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list to see a consultant psychiatrist on the Darndale mental health team; and the average waiting time for same. [22774/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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 (379)

Tom Brabazon

Question:

379. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list to see a consultant neurosurgeon at Beaumont Hospital; and the average waiting time for same. [22775/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Deaths

Questions (380)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

380. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason there are no reports available to the public in relation to the amount of people that die in Irish hospitals each year. [22781/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Records

Questions (381)

Marie Sherlock

Question:

381. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the procedure by which an individual can request a correction of their medical records in cases of misdiagnosis, where evidence is provided; if such as procedure exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22785/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Reviews

Questions (382, 387, 406)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

382. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health when was the most recent independent audit or review of the National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS), including its operation within Children’s Health Ireland and across adult hospitals in the HSE. [22804/26]

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Peadar Tóibín

Question:

387. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the clinical governance, risk management, and contingency protocols in place within Children’s Health Ireland and the HSE to ensure imaging systems are fully operational prior to surgical procedures. [22809/26]

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Peadar Tóibín

Question:

406. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health whether she has engaged directly with the CHI Chief Information Officer in relation to issues concerning NIMIS; and if so, to provide details of such engagements and any actions arising. [22829/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 382, 387 and 406 together.

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.