Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
1015. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she accepts the HSE position that there is currently no agreed or standardised definition of a procedure that is not medically necessary; whether her Department intends to address this policy gap; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32578/26]
View answerI am advised that there is no single, universally agreed definition of a medical procedure that is not deemed to be medically necessary and the net benefit arising from the adoption of such a definition would need to be clearly set out before doing so. Decisions on whether a procedure is clinically indicated are generally based on individual patient need, professional clinical judgement, relevant clinical guidelines, and evidence-based standards of care.
Responsibility for the provision and organisation of health services rests with the Health Service Executive (HSE). Clinical decision-making, including determinations regarding the appropriateness of specific procedures, is a matter for suitably qualified healthcare professionals, operating within established governance, regulatory and ethical frameworks.
My Department keeps matters of clinical governance and patient safety under ongoing review, in engagement with the HSE and other relevant bodies. Where appropriate, the development or clarification of guidance is informed by international evidence, best practice, and advice from clinical and regulatory authorities.
I will continue to keep this area under consideration and will ensure that any relevant policy issues are examined in the context of patient safety, quality of care, and the appropriate use of healthcare resources.
