As committed in the 2025 National Service Plan, the HSE commissioned an independent review of the Physician Assistant role with the aim of making recommendations regarding the governance of the role, scope of practice, and appropriate and safe deployment in Ireland. The HSE paused the recruitment of Physician Assistants pending the outcome of the review. The HSE sent the completed report to me and I expect that the HSE will publish it shortly. Following publication of the report, the HSE will work towards the implementation of the review’s recommendations and the establishment of an appropriate grade code for the role.
I expect that patient safety in service delivery be prioritised in relation to any HSE workforce roles, including Physician Assistant. My officials and I continue to engage with colleagues in the HSE on the Physician Assistant role in Ireland, including the implementation of the review’s recommendations.
With regard to the details of the agreement between the HSE and the RCSI for funding student fees, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
