Written Answers Nos. 1158-1179
1158. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the number of consultant rheumatologists serving Cork University Hospital (CUH) and South Infirmary - Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH); the position regarding current waiting lists for patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37295/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1159. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Health her position on the management of vacant sites owned by the HSE and other public health organisations and how quickly they should be brought back into use, in particular the large sites at a location (details supplied). [37297/26]
View answerWhen an HSE property has been vacated by a service, it is necessary to establish if it is surplus to requirements and to decide whether to retain the property in the healthcare estate. A building may be vacated by one service with a view to refurbishment for an alternative use. A property may also be maintained for future service expansion at a specific location for demographic or service requirements.
If the property is to be disposed of, the HSE adheres to statutory obligations as set out in DPER Circulars 11/15 Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets, and 17/16 Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property, which require all State bodies to offer properties to other State stakeholders (including Local Authorities). Additional obligations exist under the Land Development Agency Act 2021.
Decisions in respect of vacant properties are informed by HSE service management and based on an understanding of current or future healthcare service needs in the relevant area.
With specific regard to properties located at Elm Park, Dublin 4, the HSE has acquired a portfolio of properties at Elm Park Green to support the provision of service delivery.
Elm Park Green is a key enabler for the delivery of the new National Maternity Hospital through the provision of accommodation for a number of decanted services, currently located in St Vincent’s University Hospital such as Administrative and HR functions to facilitate future development on the campus including the acute bed expansion plan.
In addition, there is significant demand from existing HSE services to be accommodated within this area, the planning of which is supported by ongoing feasibility studies and spatial planning process.
As part of the feasibility assessment and spatial planning process, the HSE is currently in the process of offering the available accommodation at Elm Park Green to internal HSE stakeholders (service providers).
1160. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Health for an update on timelines and funding for the planned move of the National Maternity Hospital from Holles St., Dublin 2, to St. Vincent's in Dublin [37298/26]
View answerGovernment is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) at Elm Park.
It is a major infrastructural investment by the State for women’s health, providing much needed facilities for women and babies for generations to come. The extra capacity to be provided at the new NMH will help safeguard national neonatal, maternity and gynaecology service provision.
The overall budget of the new NMH will be made up of several factors including programme costs, inflation and contingencies. The main cost will be the actual construction cost.
The procurement and tender process concluded in 2025, and the outcomes were incorporated into a Final Business Case. This Final Business Case has been submitted to officials in the Department of Health and is being finalised in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Concurrently, the successful tenderers entered a non-binding pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) with the HSE. This PCSA process brings contractors and suppliers together to agree detailed delivery programmes, de-risk sequencing, and mobilise supply chains.
This approach, drawn from lessons in other large projects, ensures greater programme certainty. A final completion date for the project and programme of works will also be validated through the PCSA. The PCSA process will conclude shortly and, together with the final business case, will inform a Memorandum for Government seeking approval for the HSE to proceed to sign main works contracts and commence full construction.
Enabling works remain ongoing at the site of the new development and are due for conclusion at the end of Q2 2026. These works include upgraded electrical and water infrastructure, junction improvements, service diversions, and construction of new facilities required to decant services from the footprint of the new NMH. These new facilities include a neurology ward, dermatology facilities and a staff canteen.
1161. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 3 December 2025, if the National Survey of the Experience of Home Support Workers and Nursing Home Healthcare Assistants has been completed; the date at which a final report of the Strategic Workforce Advisory Group on Home Carers and Nursing Home Health Care Assistants will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37305/26]
View answer1162. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if her Department will review the exclusion of fezolinetant from the drug payment scheme, particularly for patients undergoing cancer treatment, as many rely on this medication for quality of life and ongoing care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37306/26]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1163. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 382 of 11 February 2026, to instruct the National Ambulance Service to answer the question (details supplied). [37315/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy in the matter, as soon as possible.
1164. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health to outline the proposal for progressing the primary care centre for Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon which the HSE was given planning permission for 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37332/26]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1165. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review a letter (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37349/26]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1166. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the total number of public health nurses, by funded WTE and filled WTE; the number of public health nurses per community health network; the number of public health nurses per 10,000 of population; the number of public health nurses per integrated healthcare area from 2020 to end of 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37371/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1167. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a case at Mayo University Hospital (details supplied) where a patient tested positive for ESBL on 6 April 2026, but was not informed of this result for approximately 20 days; if her Department or the HSE has established the reason the patient and the patient’s GP were not notified as indicated on the laboratory report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37372/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1168. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health whether appropriate infection-prevention and control measures, including patient notification and isolation protocols, were followed at Mayo University Hospital in respect of a patient who tested positive for ESBL on 6 April 2026 (details supplied); and if not, the corrective actions that are being taken to ensure patient and public safety. [37373/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1169. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the assessment that has been carried out by the HSE regarding any potential risk posed to other patients arising from the failure to notify and appropriately manage a confirmed case of ESBL at Mayo University Hospital (details supplied); and whether a review of potential exposure to other patients has been undertaken. [37374/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1170. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health whether she is satisfied that the processes in place ensured the timely and accurate transfer of infection-related clinical information when a patient was transferred from Mayo University Hospital to Sacred Heart Hospital for rehabilitation (details supplied); if shortcomings were identified; and the actions being taken to address them. [37375/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1171. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if guidelines exist regarding patient dignity and access to bathroom facilities for patients with infections such as ESBL; and if she will comment on the differing approaches taken to a patient’s infection-control management and use of facilities at Mayo University Hospital and at Sacred Heart Hospital (details supplied). [37376/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1172. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE has initiated or intends to initiate a formal investigation into the handling of a confirmed ESBL case at Mayo University Hospital (details supplied), including failures in communication with the patient and GP, infection-control measures and discharge procedures; and if she will ensure that the patient receives a full written explanation and apology where appropriate. [37377/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1173. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health the supports available to people in need of hearing aids; the steps that can be taken to ease the financial burden; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37382/26]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of hearing services free of charge to children under the age of 18. This includes screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and devices, as needed, including hearing aids and cochlear implants. These services are provided to children referred from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have hearing problems.
The HSE also offers assessment and rehabilitation for adult medical card holders, free of charge. This includes the provision, fitting and repair of appropriate hearing aids.
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, primarily based on an assessment of means. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment.
The Treatment Benefit Scheme is funded by the Social Insurance Fund and administered by the Department of Social Protection. The scheme provides certain dental, optical, and medical appliance benefits to qualified people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. This includes up to €1,000 for a pair of hearing aids, and up to €100 toward repairs, within a 4-year calendar period. Changes to the Treatment Benefit Scheme, including the level of the grant etc, would be a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
The National Hearing Care Plan Working Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Membership of the Working Group is drawn from relevant stakeholders, including clinicians, the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (ISHAA), the Irish Academy of Audiology (IAA), and the Department of Social Protection. The Working Group has been tasked with developing recommendations for a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland. A public consultation has recently concluded, and this will inform the drafting of the National Hearing Care Plan.
1174. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health the actions her Department is taking to increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine in the Dublin north area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37385/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1175. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health if her Department will consider awarding medical cards to cancer patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37386/26]
View answerMedical card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn per week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
People under 70 are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after deduction of tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Detailed guidelines are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/applying/assessment/
People aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. However, those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high medical costs. Details are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/over-70s/
The issue of granting medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card - in particular, to take full account of difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In such circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, for example:
• Discretionary medical cards issued to patients with significant medical expenses but who do not satisfy the means test.
• Emergency medical cards are issued to patients that are terminally ill, or are seriously ill, and in urgent need of medical care that they cannot afford. Further information regarding emergency medical cards can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/emergency-medical-cards/
Separately, I can advise the Deputy that, since 2015, medical cards are awarded without the need of a financial assessment to all children under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer. Further information can be found on the HSE’s website: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/children-with-cancer/
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of any potential broader implications for Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and legislative requirements arising.
1176. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 5 March 2026, to provide an update on the Strategic Review of General Practice; the timeline for publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37387/26]
View answerThe Department of Health with support from the HSE is currently undertaking a Strategic Review of General Practice. With input from key stakeholders, the review is examining the range of issues affecting general practice, focused around five themes: GP Training, GP Capacity, eHealth Agenda, Out-of-Hours Reform, and Support Model for General Practice. The Review will identify the arrangements necessary to improve the current system of GP care as part of a primary care-focused health service.
Work on the review has been ongoing and significant progress has been made, with the report to be completed this year. Following its completion, the report will be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice into the future. The report will be published subsequently.
1177. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1138 and 1205 of 6 May 2026, to provide a timeline for a role to be filled (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37419/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1178. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1138 and 1205 of 6 May 2026, the date this role became vacant; the date this role was advertised, the closing date for applications; when a successful candidate will be decided, in tabular form (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37420/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1179. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the reason qualified behavioural psychologists are not recognised by the HSE as a chartered profession. [37435/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
