Healthcare Policy

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Questions (234, 235)

Eoghan Kenny

Question:

234. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the timelines for the development and publication of a national allergy action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28986/26]

View answer

Eoghan Kenny

Question:

235. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the metrics, data, assessments or policy considerations that are required by her Department in order to develop and publish a national allergy action plan, given that no such plan is currently in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28987/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

I would like to thank the Deputy for the question.

Any consideration of a national allergy action plan would need to take account of a range of factors, including the existing configuration of allergy services within the public health system, available clinical evidence, population health data, patient safety considerations, and the roles of relevant agencies under the remit of the Department

While there is currently no national allergy action plan currently in place, and no specific timelines have been agreed for the development or publication of such a plan at this time, nevertheless I acknowledge the significant impact of allergies on individuals and families and wishes to outline that a range of services and measures are already provided within the public health system.

These include specialist allergy services delivered through Children’s Health Ireland, the national Oral Immunotherapy programme in Cork University Hospital, and legislative provision for the administration of adrenaline in emergency situations, including in school settings, by trained personnel.

I also note the important role of agencies under the remit of my Department, including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Safefood, in supporting allergen awareness, food safety and public education.

I will continue to keep allergy services and supports under review in the context of broader public health priorities.

Question No. 235 answered with Question No. 234.