Written Answers Nos. 320-339
320. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the policy basis on which pricing for private residential childcare placements is set by Tusla, including whether pricing is benchmarked against international comparators or independently validated cost models; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27510/26]
View answerAs this question relates to operational information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.
323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether there is a defined national policy framework governing the reliance on private providers for residential childcare placements, including any targets, limits, or strategic objectives in relation to public versus private provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27513/26]
View answerTusla's Strategic Plan for Residential Centres for Children and Young People, which covered the years 2022-2025, acknowledged the Agency's increased reliance on private providers, and contained a commitment to increase provision of statutory placements provided by Tusla, and by community & voluntary organisations.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has resourced Tusla to maintain and expand its provision of services through significant additional funding across successive Budgets. In Budget 2026, an overall increase of €177 million was secured for Tusla, representing a 14% increase in Tusla’s budget over its 2025 allocation. This brings Tusla’s total funding to over €1.4 billion for 2026. This increase includes an additional €53 million for mainstream residential care. Tusla plans to invest a total of €286 million in expanding mainstream residential care in 2026, increasing the number of placements for children in need to over 800.
Section 41 of the Child and Family Act, 2013 stipulates that the Minister provides guidance to Tusla in the form of the Performance Framework, which is published every three years. The Performance Framework is an opportunity to provide the Agency with policy guidance, direction and prioritisation parameters for the preparation of its corporate plan. Further, each year of the Framework is further governed by an annual Performance Statement, which provides direction for Tusla within the overall guidance of the Framework. The current Performance Statement includes priority 4.3.a, which states that Tusla should continue its efforts to increase its residential care capacity while reducing reliance on private provision and special emergency arrangements.
Work is also underway on The National Policy Framework for Alternative Care. The Framework will aim to articulate a future and Whole of Government vision of alternative care in Ireland, and will also deliver on a Programme for Government commitment in this regard. A robust consultation process is currently underway to support the development of the National Policy Framework, through which the views of members of the public, stakeholders, key workers and carers, and people with care experience will be captured. The Framework will seek to address current issues in accessing a sufficient number of appropriate care places, and articulate a longer term vision for how the care system will operate into the future. The Framework is expected to be delivered in summer 2026.
324. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the most up-to-date data available on the number of adults with intellectual disabilities living at home with ageing or elderly parents who are their primary carers, particularly where carers are over retirement age, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27561/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
325. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current number of supported residential housing units available for adults with intellectual disabilities; the number of additional units currently planned or in development, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27562/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
326. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to confirm whether all relevant service providers in Laois have submitted disability support management advisory team forms to the HSE in respect of unmet residential support needs; the steps being taken to move from crisis-based emergency placements towards planned, long-term supported housing in line with the objectives of a campaign (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27563/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
327. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the waiting times for an assessment of need in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27634/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that there are unacceptable delays in accessing Assessments of Need. The Department and the HSE are committed to addressing these delays.
Under the Disability Act, an Assessment of Need is an assessment process carried out by the HSE where a person is of the opinion that he/she may have a disability, for anyone born after 1st June 2002. It first establishes whether the person has a disability (as defined within the Act). It then identifies the health and education needs of the person with a disability and the services required to meet those needs.
It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including HSE Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
Demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. Unfortunately, this demand is outpacing the capacity of the system to respond with the result that there were 20,209 applications overdue for completion nationwide at the end of 2025, according to the most recently available HSE data.
On a positive note, there has been continued improvement in the number of completed assessment of need reports with 5,939 reports completed in 2025. This is a 43% increase nationally compared to the number completed in 2024. In the Laois/Offaly Local Health Office area, there was a 54% increase in the number of completed AON reports from 2024 (152 reports) to 2025 (234 reports).
The HSE provides Assessment of Need data on a quarterly basis, the most recent of which is for Q4 2025. The HSE does not provide data on a county basis, however data is provided by Regional Health Area (RHA) and Local Health Office (LHO). Data is not yet available for 2026 but data to the end of 2025 has been provided for Laois/Offaly LHO as follows:
|
Laois/Offaly LHO |
Total overdue by end of 2025 |
Overdue by < 1 month |
Overdue by 1-3 months |
Overdue by > 3 months |
|
AON applications overdue for completion at year end |
822 |
44 |
113 |
665 |
In December 2025 Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. This reform includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. An [FAQ document] has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
It is important to recognise that legislation is only a part of the response. The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The HSE is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
• Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
• Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE in early 2026. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
• The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
328. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason the director of special care in Tusla has been removed from their post, the grounds for this removal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27675/26]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, is an independent body, under the aegis of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
Tusla was set up under legislation to carry out vitally important and challenging work. Tusla's functions are prescribed under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013.
Tusla must deploy resources based on priority needs, best use of resources and ability to deliver on and implement policy. As this is a Human Resources matter, it is wholly within the control of Tusla, and is not a matter for me, as Minister or for the Department.
329. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if an increased allowance for special care has been rejected by the Department of Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, if so, the reason for this; the action she will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27678/26]
View answerA business case seeking to increase the Special Care allowance was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation (DPER) for consideration in 2023.
In response, DPER advised that Tusla should implement agreed Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) unwinding measures and outstanding general round pay increases to the Special Care allowance, as appropriate.
DPER also advised that Section 4.2.5 of the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 (PSA) sets out that “no further cost increasing claims in pay and conditions, outside of those advanced under this provision, will be initiated or implemented during the period of this Agreement.” DPER further advised that it is open to Tusla and the relevant unions/associations representing Tusla staff to utilise the local bargaining provisions within the PSA, to progress further increases to the Special Care allowance, subject to the conditions of that agreement.
Since DPER's response on the business case, the Special Care allowance has increased by approximately 23%, owing to FEMPI unwinding and general round pay increases.
Additionally, in 2024, Department officials supported Tusla to develop and submit a business case seeking adjustments to the salary scales in Special Care. In response to this business case, DPER sanctioned the creation of a new Special Care Worker grade.
At the top of the scale, the new grade’s salary is higher by approximately €11,600 (19%) for Social Care Workers and approximately €2,300 (3%) for Social Care Leaders, as of February 2026. Tusla has also been awarded delegated sanction to appoint successful candidates up to point 5 of the new scale, subject to relevant qualifications and experience.
330. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Health to confirm whether nicotine inhaling products (vapes) or nicotine pouches are affected by any of the provisions of the WHO FCTC Article 5.3; whether companies and individuals that do not have ties to the tobacco industry are entitled to seek to engage with members of the Oireachtas and with officials in Government Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27361/26]
View answerIreland has ratified and is a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC is the first global public health treaty, and it is legally binding. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health and was developed by countries in response to the globalisation of the tobacco epidemic.
Article 5.3 of the FCTC states:
'In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law.'
At its simplest, public health policy in respect of tobacco control is any policy or program with the aim of improving the health of the population by reducing tobacco prevalence. Tobacco control policies can involve (but are not limited to):
• Any aspect of tobacco supply and demand
• Exposure to tobacco smoke
• Consumer law and competition policies
• Taxation, excise and price
• Trade facilitation
• Retail and other licensing arrangements
• Illicit trade in tobacco
• Smoking cessation
• Harm reduction and alternative products
According to the FCTC, “tobacco industry” means manufacturers, wholesale distributors and importers of tobacco products. However, Article 5.3 requires policy to be protected more broadly from “commercial and other vested interests” of the industry. In addition to traditional tobacco products, companies and their subsidiaries manufacture and distribute other alternative products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products, and even pharmaceutical products and medicines.
The Guidelines on implementation of Article 5.3, which were adopted by Parties to the FCTC, state that policies should be protected from the industry and “by organizations and individuals that work to further the interests of the tobacco industry”. Therefore Article 5.3 should apply to specific tobacco companies and their subsidiaries, as well as related businesses and groups who work to further the industry’s interests.
Last June I issued updated guidance, reflecting our specific Irish context, to all members of the Oireachtas and Government Departments to remind them of their obligations under Article 5.3 of the FCTC. These guidelines offer advice on the types of scenarios which Article 5.3 may be applicable to and recommendations on how to respond to approaches from the tobacco industry or those who work to further their interests. These can be found here: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/e4b5eb9d/Guidelines_for_Interaction_with_Tobacco_Industry_2025.pdf
331. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Health the measures her Department is taking in relation to the long delays in securing an appointment with the Civil Registration Offices being faced by couples who require a marriage of convenience interview across the country; her plans to create a single national portal that will amalgamate appointments across all civil registration offices in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27364/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
332. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the latest update on the accessibility of skyclarys for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia; the timeline as to when the HSE senior leadership team will make a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27367/26]
View answer339. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health if she will intervene to ensure that the HSE urgently prioritises a conclusion to the skyclarys reimbursement negotiations, given that it is the only available treatment for this progressive disease, which currently can be classed as having an 'unmet need' as outlined in the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025-2030. [27404/26]
View answer340. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health her views on way in which the current delay with the skyclarys reimbursement negotiations aligns with the equitable access promised in the newly launched National Rare Disease Strategy 2025-2030. [27405/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 332, 339 and 340 together.
The Government is committed to investing in medicines. Budgets 2021-2025 allocated an additional €158 million for new drugs, which has facilitated the introduction of 263 new medicines, to date. The Year 1 cost of a new drug comes from the allocation for new medicines, but it should be noted that once these medicines are approved for reimbursement the full cost of providing them can reach multiples of this initial cost as their uptake increases.
Budget 2026 allocated €217 million in additional funding for drugs, with €30 million of this allocated for new drugs funding.
A central component of pharmaceutical expenditure is the HSE’s pricing and reimbursement process for medicines.
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. The Minister has no role in decisions on pricing and reimbursement.
To commence the pricing and reimbursement process, a pharmaceutical company must submit an application for a new medicine or a new use of an existing medicine to the HSE’s Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit. European Medicines Agency (EMA) or Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) authorisation is required for the medicine prior to submission to the HSE for reimbursement as reimbursement only applies to licensed uses (indications) of the medicine.
Applicants must continue to engage through-out the process to ensure that the necessary evidence is available for the HSE to carry out its statutory role as a decision-maker with respect to the reimbursement of new medicines, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
As the HSE is the statutory decision maker, I have asked them for an update on omaveloxolone (Skyclarys®). The NCPE HTA Report was received by the HSE on the 16th December 2025, including submissions made by patient organisations. These submissions will form part of the data that the HSE considers.
The HSE have advised that they have met with the applicant and await a commercial proposal from the applicant at this juncture. These negotiations are commercially confidential.
This application remains under consideration with the HSE. The HSE cannot make any comment on possible outcomes from the ongoing process.
333. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if changes to the dental services treatment scheme are intended, in an attempt to entice dentists back to the scheme, given areas, such as Lucan, County Dublin have no dentists whatsoever offering services under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27370/26]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides oral healthcare, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as dentures, additional fillings and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs and high-risk patients, are available subject to the approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon.
A package of measures was introduced in 2022 to expand the care available under the Scheme and significantly increase the fees paid to contractors. These measures are having an impact, with access to care continuing to increase each year since they were introduced. In 2025, over 241,000 additional treatments were provided under the DTSS, supporting over 50,000 extra patients compared with 2022. Furthermore, as of March 2026, there are 858 contractors partaking in the DTSS which is an increase of 38 contractors compared to March 2025.
Fees paid to dentists for DTSS care are now aligned with other European countries which provide comparable public dental care, noting that many European countries, especially in the southern and eastern regions, don’t have any scheme in place for adults, which is free at point of access.
I acknowledge that the current public dental service, which was developed in the 1990s in response to the identified oral healthcare needs at that time, needs to be modernised and aligned with current needs. I am committed to reforming oral healthcare services through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte. The National Oral Health Policy sets out the vision for oral healthcare services in Ireland and has two key goals:
• to provide the supports to enable every individual to achieve their personal best oral health.
• to reduce oral health inequalities across the population, by enabling vulnerable groups to access oral healthcare and improve their oral health.
Reform of our services is vital to enable people of all ages to access modern, prevention-focused care. The Policy also contains a range of strategic workforce planning actions to increase national workforce capacity, in support of improving patient access to care.
334. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant plastic surgeons based at Beaumont Hospital as of 9 April 2026, in tabular form. [27380/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
335. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE Consultant ENT surgeons based at Beaumont Hospital as of 9 April 2026 that are currently only dealing with and treating public patients. [27381/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
336. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE nurses, by grade working at Raheny community nursing unit, Dublin 5 as of 9 April 2026, in tabular form. [27382/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
337. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a child in Donegal (details supplied) will receive a dental appointment for sedation tooth removal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27387/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
338. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health whether current hygiene, safety and insurance requirements for barbers are sufficient; and if any review of regulations or inspection regimes is planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27399/26]
View answerThe Department of Health has no role in relation to the governance of standards within Barber shops.
