Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
1042. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 953 of 24 March 2026, whether the national guideline for the diagnosis and management of lipoedema referenced will include provision for surgical intervention; if not, the policy basis for excluding surgical treatment from the national care pathway; and whether patients will be supported to access surgical care where clinically indicated. [32620/26]
View answer1043. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of persons living with lipoedema in the State; the projected demand for services under the proposed national care pathway; and the current and planned service capacity within the public health system to meet this demand. [32621/26]
View answer1044. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total budget allocation assigned to the development and implementation of the national lipoedema care pathway; the costings associated with clinical services, education programmes and patient supports; and whether dedicated funding has been ring-fenced for this purpose. [32622/26]
View answer1045. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the governance framework underpinning the national lipoedema care pathway, including the identity and role of the clinical lead, reporting arrangements to the Department, and whether a formal audit, evaluation, or outcomes monitoring mechanism will be established. [32623/26]
View answer1047. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 953 of 24 March 2026, the exact publication date for the national lipoedema guideline referenced in; the reasons for any delay beyond the second quarter of 2026; and whether a full implementation plan will be published alongside the guideline [32625/26]
View answer1048. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the national lipoedema care pathway will include defined referral criteria, multidisciplinary team structures, and standardised diagnostic protocols across all regions; and if she will outline these components. [32626/26]
View answer1049. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the expected waiting times for assessment and treatment under the proposed lipoedema care pathway; and whether waiting list data will be collected and published on a regular basis. [32627/26]
View answer1050. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the lipoedema care pathway will be delivered on a national basis with equal access across all Community Healthcare Organisation areas; and if she will provide a breakdown of planned service locations. [32628/26]
View answer1051. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the clinical evidence and policy analysis used to inform the scope of the national lipoedema guideline; and whether international best practice, including surgical treatment options, was considered in its development. [32629/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1042, 1043, 1044, 1045, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1050 and 1051 together.
As the matter(s) raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
