Written Answers Nos. 885-900
885. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total funding allocated to date, and projected for 2026 and 2027, for the development of the proposed self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee general practitioners; the source of such funding; and the budget subhead under which it is being provided. [32200/26]
View answer886. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to detail the governance structure in place for the development of the proposed self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee general practitioners, including the roles and reporting lines between her Department, the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention and any external partner organisations. [32201/26]
View answer887. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the formal approval process required within her Department for the development and implementation of the proposed self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee general practitioners; and whether any such approval has been granted to date. [32202/26]
View answer888. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the proposed self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee general practitioners will be subject to a formal clinical governance framework; and if so, the nature of that framework and the body responsible for its oversight. [32203/26]
View answer889. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the proposed self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee general practitioners will form part of a nationally standardised training requirement; and if not, the rationale for not establishing it as a national standard. [32204/26]
View answer890. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to outline the intended role, if any, of the Irish College of General Practitioners and the National Suicide Research Foundation in the development and delivery of the proposed training package; and the basis on which these organisations were selected to participate. [32205/26]
View answer891. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any procurement process, competitive tender, or formal selection procedure was undertaken in respect of external partners involved in the development of the proposed training package; and if not, the basis for their appointment. [32206/26]
View answer892. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the expected timeline for the development, pilot, evaluation and national rollout of the proposed self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee general practitioners. [32207/26]
View answer893. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to detail the quality assurance and evaluation mechanisms that will apply to the proposed training package; whether outcome metrics, clinical impact assessments, or independent reviews are planned. [32208/26]
View answer894. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to clarify the relationship between the proposed self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee general practitioners and the forthcoming national strategy Connecting for Life 2026–2035; and to specify the oversight arrangements within her Department for programmes delivered under that strategy. [32209/26]
View answer903. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the extent to which data on suicidal ideation and self-harm presentations in primary care is currently collected, centrally aggregated, and reported; and whether this data is subject to any national reporting framework. [32243/26]
View answer904. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the data collected through the Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service is subject to independent validation or audit; and if she will outline the governance arrangements in place to ensure data accuracy and completeness. [32244/26]
View answer905. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what specific key performance indicators (KPIs) are used within the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation; whether these KPIs are published; and if she will provide the most recent performance data against those KPIs. [32245/26]
View answer906. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of clinical audits or programme reviews have been conducted in respect of the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation in the years 2023, 2024 and to date in 2026; and if she will provide a summary of findings and recommendations arising. [32246/26]
View answer907. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether outcome data is systematically collected following intervention for individuals presenting with suicidal ideation or self-harm, including re-presentation rates, follow-up engagement, and recovery indicators; and if not, whether there are plans to introduce such measures. [32247/26]
View answer909. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the way in which data from the National Incident Management System is used at Departmental level to inform suicide prevention policy, service planning, and risk mitigation strategies. [32249/26]
View answer910. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the formal oversight structures that exist within her Department to monitor the performance, data quality, and governance of the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation. [32250/26]
View answer911. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether a structured, recurring national audit schedule exists for suicide prevention services across both acute and community settings; and if not, whether she will establish such a framework. [32251/26]
View answer912. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether participation in the SCAN data collection system is mandatory across all primary care settings; and if not, the proportion of services currently submitting data and the measures in place to ensure full national coverage. [32252/26]
View answer913. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health which body holds ultimate responsibility for governance, validation, and publication of national data relating to suicidal ideation and self-harm presentations; and whether this responsibility is formally defined in policy. [32253/26]
View answer971. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any internal audit, external audit, or review has been conducted on SCAN service capacity, caseload management, or service effectiveness since the introduction of the 2022 Model of Care; if so, to provide details and findings. [32479/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913 and 971 together.
The Government’s commitment to developing mental health services is reflected in significant investment in mental health in recent years. Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of almost €1.6 billion for mental health services. This forms part of an additional €1.5 billion in current expenditure for the Health Vote in 2026, bringing the total current health funding to €25.8 billion and funding the recruitment of approximately 300 additional whole-time equivalent staff within mental health services.
A key focus of Budget 2026 was improving supports for people experiencing mental health crisis, both in hospital and in the community, through an additional €15 million for crisis supports and suicide prevention. This builds on progress made in recent years to develop alternatives to Emergency Department care for people in crisis.
Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) Service
The Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service is a key component of national suicide prevention and crisis response efforts. It provides a timely response to referrals from GPs for the assessment of people experiencing suicidal crisis, with assessments often taking place in primary care or community settings.
The SCAN service was developed under the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation (NCPSHI), originally introduced in South Dublin in 2007. The Model of Care was revised in 2022, and the SCAN service came under the auspices of the NCPSHI at that time. Delivery is primarily by Clinical Nurse Specialists, with consultant psychiatrist support within each catchment area of 300,000 population. Budget 2026 has provided additional funding for the recruitment of a further 12 CNS posts and meetings have taken place to seek funding for nurses to be recruited at the Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) grade.
The SCAN service provides a short-term, specialist, community-based clinical response for individuals presenting in primary care with suicidal ideation or self-harm that does not require acute hospital intervention. SCAN operates as a defined pathway within the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-Related Ideation (NCPSHI) and is aligned with national mental health policy, including Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life.
Access to the SCAN service is through general practice. Clinical responsibility for the patient remains with the GP.
As of 2025, there are 33 funded SCAN Clinical Nurse Specialist posts for adults operating across 15 counties, alongside three under-18 SCAN services. Funding provided in Budget 2026 supports expansion to a total of 45 posts nationally through the allocation of six new SCAN teams for Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Kildare, Dublin South City and an under-18 team for Linn Dara in West Dublin/Kildare. An under-18 SCAN service commenced in Donegal in July 2025.
Data Collection, Incident Management and Consistency of Care
Data relating to self-harm and suicide-related ideation is supported by a Data Manager on the NCPSHI team.
The Model of Care for SCAN includes nationally agreed KPIs designed to support service consistency and quality. These include, among others:
• timely clinical assessment in line with the Model of Care
• development and provision of an individualised care plan
• communication of assessment outcomes to the referring GP
• follow-up contact with service users following assessment
• involvement of family members or a supportive adult, where appropriate
Performance against these indicators is monitored through programme governance structures. Consolidated national reporting on KPI performance will be included in the forthcoming national SCAN report.
Data governance and validation fall within the remit of the data management function of the NCP SHI. Nationally standardised SCAN data collection commenced in 2025.
As a result, it should be noted that:
• a nationally consolidated dataset is not available for 2023 or 2024; and
• data for 2025 will become available following the completion of year-end validation and reporting processes.
The current dataset reflects presentations that are accepted and managed within the SCAN pathway. Referrals that are redirected or managed through other services at local level are not captured in the national SCAN dataset.
As part of standard quality procedures, all data are reviewed for completeness, internal logic, and consistency across variables before being added to the national database.
In 2024, an updated SCAN data collection framework was implemented using the Castor electronic data capture system. Data coverage reflects the phased national rollout of SCAN services and is therefore not yet universal across primary care.
Adverse incidents relating to suicide and self-harm are recorded through the HSE’s National Incident Management System (NIMS). In 2025, national guidance was introduced for the review of deaths reported as suspected suicide in community mental health services, to support consistent, proportionate and compassionate review processes.
Quality and Patient Safety (QPS) is an important aspect of performance and, as a result, forms a key part of monthly Departmental performance engagements with the HSE. QPS metrics are received on a quarterly basis and reviewed by the Department of Health and HSE as part of these engagements. These QPS metrics are drawn from NIMS.
Mechanisms to support consistency in the assessment and management of suicidal ideation and self-harm in primary care include the revised 2022 Model of Care for NCPSHI and the 2024 Operational Guidance Document for the SCAN service, which sets out a standardised approach to SCAN implementation aligned with the national Model of Care.
The Model of Care sets out eligibility criteria, operating procedures, clinical governance arrangements and workforce requirements. Oversight is provided through the NCPSHI, supported by the NCGAL Office
SCAN clinicians are employed by the HSE and operate within established professional governance frameworks, including clinical supervision, professional accountability and adherence to national clinical guidance. Services participate in routine programme monitoring and internal governance processes, supported by regional and national oversight structures.
With regard to the collection of data concerning the SCAN service, the Operational Guidance document indicates that the objectives of the SCAN service include collecting and inputting data into the NCPSHI national database, participating in clinical audits and evaluations of the SCAN service, and participating in training and network events organised by NCPSHI. For more information the operational guidance document can be found at the following link: www.assets.hse.ie/media/documents/NCPSHI_Operational_Guidance_Document_for_the_Suicide_Crisis_Assessment_Nurse_SCAN.pdf
It should be noted that evaluations of SCAN were undertaken prior to national rollout, including an HSE evaluation in 2012 and a NOSP review in 2019.
Following the integration of SCAN into the NCPSHI in 2022, an independent external evaluation has not yet been completed. Assurance during this period has been provided through internal programme monitoring, governance arrangements and oversight structures. A national SCAN data report, incorporating consolidated activity data and reporting against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), is currently being developed and is expected to issue later in 2026.
On the basis of the first full year of nationally consolidated data (2025):
• 1,146 presentations were recorded nationally;
• these related to 1,125 individual service users; and
• 174 presentations involved individuals under 18 years of age.
These figures provide an initial national baseline for SCAN activity.
Regarding the governance and oversight of the NCPSHSI within the Department of Health, please be advised that regular performance meetings are held between the Department of Health and the HSE at which governance, performance and progress under the mental Health national clinical programmes is discussed.
Suicide and Self-Harm Training for GPs
Under Connecting for Life, significant emphasis was placed on training health professionals to respond effectively to suicide risk, including through the development and delivery of education programmes. Connecting for Life concluded in 2024, and the Department of Health is currently developing a successor suicide reduction strategy, which will build on this work.
The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention funds, licenses and endorses a range of suicide and self-harm prevention training programmes, including training in talking about suicide, understanding self-harm, suicide alertness and suicide intervention skills.
Responsibility for GP postgraduate education and standards rests with the Irish College of General Practitioners. NOSP works in partnership with the ICGP and the National Suicide Research Foundation to support suicide and self-harm training for GPs. While GPs can assess and manage some mental health difficulties, severe mental illness requires specialist input, and patients may be referred as appropriate to specialist services.
NOSP, in partnership with the ICGP and NSRF, has also commenced early scoping work on a bespoke self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee GPs. This work is at an early planning stage and is intended to complement existing training structures. It will be developed under the HSE NOSP Education and Training Plan and accompanying HSE NOSP Education and Training Quality Assurance Framework. Governance oversight for the programme will be with the HSE NOSP and the ICGP. Approval and funding are with the HSE NOSP, which publishes details of all budget and expenditure in its annual reports.
This work will also be guided by the new suicide and self-harm reduction strategy, which is due to be launched in Q2 2026. An implementation plan for this strategy will be developed after its launch and greater detail about the implementation of the recommendations proposed under the strategy will be available at this stage.
895. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to clarify the 5 January 2026 memo from the HSE Codeine Working Group instructing that low dose codeine-containing products should not be stocked routinely in clinical areas in any HSE or HSE-funded service, and that they be removed from clinical stock by 5 June 2026; if she will confirm whether this reflects official Department of Health or HSE policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32233/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
896. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to clarify claims in the 5 January 2026 HSE memo that low-dose codeine combination products are no more effective than paracetamol or ibuprofen alone; to identify the evidence base for this; to confirm current policy on managing chronic pain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32234/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
897. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if she will provide details of the HPRA’s engagement with patient groups and stakeholders during its ongoing review of over-the-counter codeine medicines which commenced in November 2022, including which organisations were consulted and the nature of that engagement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32235/26]
View answerThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority for medicines in Ireland and is currently conducting an independent review of the method of sale and supply of codeine-containing medicinal products that are currently available without a medical prescription in Ireland. It is expected that the HPRA will finalise this review in 2026.
As the HPRA classification review into medicinal products containing low dose codeine available over the counter in Ireland is ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment on any related stakeholder engagement at present.
898. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that the HPRA review process on over-the-counter codeine medicines meets the required standards of transparency, proportionality and scientific rigour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32236/26]
View answerThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority for medicines in Ireland and is currently conducting an independent review of the method of sale and supply of codeine-containing medicinal products that are currently available without a medical prescription in Ireland. It is expected that the HPRA will finalise this review in 2026.
Following the completion of this review, the Department of Health will engage with relevant stakeholders to assess the recommendations made by the HPRA, and to fully consider any policy changes that may be required regarding the regulation of codeine-containing medicinal products.
899. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to clarify the basis for the 5 January 2026 memo of the HSE codeine working group on low-dose codeine stating that low dose paracetamol ibuprofen are no more effective than paracetamol or ibuprofen alone for the management of pain; to instruct that low-dose codeine products should not be stocked routinely in clinical areas in any HSE or HSE-funded service, to remove from stock and stock lists if present, and to complete by 5 June 2026 including the evidence relied upon, the legal or policy framework underpinning the instruction; to confirm the reason such an instruction was issued prior to the completion of the HPRA review of over-the-counter codeine medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32237/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
900. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the Government supports the inclusion of a distinct health “window” within the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, with earmarked funding to secure the continuation of key initiatives such as Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32238/26]
View answerNegotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 are led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister for Finance.
Negotiations on the MFF are ongoing since July 2025 and are expected to continue throughout the term of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The fund is designed to be highly flexible, with specific priorities determined by annual work programmes. While there is no dedicated earmarking for specific areas within the policy windows, the European Commission has confirmed that all actions previously funded under EU4Health, including those for cancer, will remain eligible for funding under the European Cancer Fund.
