Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
547. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether a national plan is in place to ensure equitable access to specialist neurological services across all regions, having regard to reported disparities between centres; if she will outline any planned service expansions or workforce increases in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33808/26]
View answerThe HSE Neurology Model of Care (2016) provides the framework for how neurology services should be developed and organised across the country based on international best practice and the HSE National Clinical Programme for Neurology is responsible for implementing this. It recognises that neurological care should be integrated and equitably distributed across the country and in that regard, it recommends that neurology services be developed in all model 3 and 4 hospitals. The National Clinical Programme for Neurology is actively working on a Hub and Spoke model to guide equitable neurology services around the country to align with the new health regions and to tackle the gaps in neurology services nationally. Budget 2025 allocated €4m for 30 WTEs for neurology services.
My Department is committed to working with all key stakeholders including the HSE, advocacy groups such as the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and patient partners to deliver on the investments made in neurology services in 2025 and commitments to improving neurology services in the Programme for Government.
As of 2026, decisions on the utilisation, prioritisation and reprioritisation of resources are at the discretion of the HSE Regional Executive Officers in alignment with the priorities set out in the HSE 2026 National Service Plan. This is within an overarching framework to remain within both budget and WTE limit. In that regard I have referred your question to the HSE for consideration and direct response to you.
