Jen Cummins
Question:205. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the provisions being made for healthcare needs for the additional population in the Donore Avenue-South Circular Road area. [40364/26]
View answerHealth Services
Questions (205)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (206)
Jen Cummins
Question:206. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health if an assessment has taken place of capacity within existing GP and dental practices of the Donore Avenue-South Circular Road area; the measures being taken to increase capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40365/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Service Executive
Questions (207)
Ged Nash
Question:207. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE is not providing standard planning and environmental warranties and assurances to Louth County Council in respect of the proposed handover of lands known as Bully’s Acre in Drogheda (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40368/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (208)
Pa Daly
Question:208. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that there is no longer a paediatric dermatology service available in University Hospital Kerry, that paediatric patients with dermatology complaints are now being referred to Dublin and the team is reportedly not accepting referrals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40375/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Ministerial Communications
Questions (209)
Paul Lawless
Question:209. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will list the dates upon which she has met with or corresponded with the CEO of the HSE since she took office. [40376/26]
View answerWritten answers
Since taking office, I have had official meetings with the CEO of the HSE on 15 occasions, on the following dates; 28/01/25, 26/02/25, 28/02/25, 18/03/25, 21/05/25, 22/05/25, 26/06/25, 22/09/25, 15/12/25, 22/01/26, 02/03/26, 22/04/26, 26/05/26, 17/06/26, 29/06/26. In addition to these meetings, I am in ongoing and frequent communication with the CEO regarding all aspects of the health service.
Ministerial Communications
Questions (210)
Paul Lawless
Question:210. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will list the dates upon which she has met with or corresponded with the CEO of HIQA since she took office. [40377/26]
View answerWritten answers
I have met with the CEO of HIQA on four occasions since taking office. These meetings took place on the following dates; 04/05/25, 17/06/25, 30/06/25 and 25/09/25. In addition I corresponded with the CEO of HIQA on 04/12/25 and 04/03/26.
Ministerial Communications
Questions (211)
Paul Lawless
Question:211. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will list the dates upon which she has met with, or corresponded with the CEO of a company (details supplied) since she took office. [40378/26]
View answerWritten answers
Opening the National Children’s Hospital Ireland (NCHI) is a Government priority. Everything possible is being done to ensure this world-class hospital will open as quickly as possible, on behalf of children, young people, and their families.
I have been clear that the responsibility for committing to, resourcing, and delivering this project sits squarely with BAM Ireland, and the State will not reduce the pressure or dilute that accountability. The State cannot accept a hospital that is not completed to the correct contractual and clinical standards.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) holds statutory responsibility for the delivery of the National Children’s Hospital Ireland (NCHI) on behalf of the State and is the contracting authority under the construction contract with BAM Ireland. In this capacity, the NPHDB engages with BAM Ireland on a continuous basis, across all aspects of the project.
I have engaged directly with Senior officials, throughout my term of office – through both written correspondence and in-person meetings.
On 13 March 2026, I, along with HSE and NPHDB officials, met with senior representatives from Royal BAM Group nv including CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Ruud Joosten. On 31 March, I again met Senior BAM UK and Ireland executives at the NCHI site.
Throughout my engagements with BAM – whether written or in a meeting - I have reiterated the State’s position that the continued delays to the project are unacceptable and I unequivocally set out the urgent need to deliver and resource the project as committed.
In the course of these engagements with me, BAM has committed to increasing resources on site and across contractors, and to provide clarity on early-access dates previously promised to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). Despite multiple commitments, I have yet to receive a satisfactory response and or seen the fulfilment of these commitments.
My engagement with BAM to date is outlined in the table below.
The project is close to completion, but what is needed now is certainty, productivity, and delivery from BAM.
|
Form of Engagement |
Date |
To/From or Meeting Attendees |
|
Letter |
15 April 2025 |
Minister to Chair of Supervisory Board of Royal BAM Group |
|
Letter |
2 May 2025 |
Chief Operating Officer of BAM UK & Ireland to Minister Carroll MacNeill |
|
Letter |
9 Feb 2026 |
Minister to Chair of Supervisory Board of Royal BAM Group |
|
Letter |
9 March 2026 |
Minister to Chair of Supervisory Board of Royal BAM Group |
|
Letter |
12 March 2026 |
Chief Operating Officer of BAM UK & Ireland to Minister |
|
Meeting |
13 March 2026 |
Meeting with Royal BAM nv Officials at NCHI Attendees: Minister, Royal BAM nv officials including CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Ruud Joosten, DoH officials, NPHDB officials including Chair and Chief Officer |
|
Letter |
19 March 2026 |
Minister to Chair of Supervisory Board of Royal BAM Group |
|
Letter |
23 March 2026 |
Chief Operating Officer of BAM UK & Ireland to Minister |
|
Letter |
25 March 2026 |
Minister to Chair of Supervisory Board of Royal BAM Group |
|
Letter |
27 March 2026 |
Chief Operating Officer of BAM UK & Ireland to Minister |
|
Accompanied site visit |
31 March 2026 |
Site visit with Senior BAM Officials at NCHI Attendees: Minister, Royal BAM nv officials including Chief Operating Officer of BAM UK & Ireland, DoH officials, NPHDB officials including Chair and Chief Officer |
|
Letter |
8 April 2026 |
Minister to Chair of Supervisory Board of Royal BAM Group |
Medicinal Products
Questions (212)
Paul Murphy
Question:212. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the case (details supplied); the scrutiny HPRA applied to the necessity and proportionality of the numbers; the alternatives or reductions that were considered; where the animals will come from; how many have already been used; when they will be reflected in official animal-use statistics; and the information that can be disclosed in the public interest. [40380/26]
View answerWritten answers
This question relating to animals used for scientific purposes is more appropriate to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). Please send your question to pqsandbriefings@hpra.ie and the HPRA will reply to you directly.
Mental Health Services
Questions (213, 214)
Albert Dolan
Question:213. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to reports that an organisation (details supplied) may be forced to cease operations due to funding difficulties; if her Department or the HSE are currently engaged with the organisation regarding funding or service continuity; the assessments made of the potential impact on access to low-cost counselling and gambling addiction supports should the service close; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40399/26]
View answerAlbert Dolan
Question:214. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to support the long-term sustainability of community-based and low-cost mental health counselling services, including gambling addiction services; if additional funding supports are under consideration in light of reported financial pressures facing organisations in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40400/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.
I acknowledge the valuable work undertaken by community based counselling services across the country, such as Helplink.
Funding to voluntary and community organisations is arranged through the section 39 process via local HSE Mental Health Services, once necessary criteria are met and where a need has been identified. All such organisations must make an application for Section 39 funding, which is then assessed by local HSE Mental Health Services and will be advanced or not depending on a variety of conditions, such as the organisation supplying the required information, local operational and clinical considerations, and HSE budgetary constraints.
In any negotiations between HSE and any charity or organisation, information such as audited accounts, governance arrangements and independent board of directors details are required, so that HSE can undertake necessary due diligence. Local HSE are always available to provide guidance to any organisation on the necessary work to comply with the requirements ahead of consideration of HSE funding of their organisation.
Prior to any funding arrangement, the HSE need full and complete details on the corporate governance of an organisation, such as information on the board responsible for independent oversight of the management of an organisation, along with an organisation's annual financial statements which comply with the most recent statutory deadlines, as well as details of what clinical governance structures are in place.
These are essential and appropriate steps on the road to providing funding to any organisation. The HSE is not in a position to provide funding in the absence of information necessary to provide assurance on corporate and clinical governance. These are the same requirements of all bodies to whom the State provides public funding.
On 19th May I met with Helplink, along with Minister Grealish and my officials, to discuss the situation and various options to support them will be explored. Any HSE funding support could only occur subject to the requirements outlined above.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (215)
Aidan Farrelly
Question:215. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Health if a schedule of contracts will be provided that her Department and bodies under her aegis have had with an organisation (details supplied) and/or its subsidiaries; the value of each; the type and-or name of each project; if any project has been abandoned, paused, put on hold and completed; if any projects over ran on cost and delivery; and if so, the details of same. [40420/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not procured any services from the organisation detailed. It does not hold information on corporate ownership in respect of subsidiaries.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
Departmental Data
Questions (216)
Pat Buckley
Question:216. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of delayed transfers of care and bed days lost from Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, in each full year 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40434/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Funding
Questions (217)
Louis O'Hara
Question:217. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if her Department funds the services provided by an organisation (details supplied); if there have been changes to the level of funding her Department provides to the organisation for 2026 when compared to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40439/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Questions (218)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:218. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of specialists in the area of Ehlers Danlos syndrome currently accepting patients through the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40441/26]
View answerWritten answers
Hospital Staff
Questions (219)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:219. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health if there is an active recruitment process for a specialist consultant in the area of Ehlers Danlos syndrome underway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40442/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Questions (220)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:220. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health if consultant rheumatologists are effectively qualified to treat patients with Ehlers Danlos syndrome on a long term basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40443/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (221)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:221. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently on waiting list for diagnostic services in relation to suspected Ehlers Danlos syndrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40444/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (222)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:222. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have availed of the cross-Border directive for treatment abroad in relation to symptoms or complications of Ehlers Danlos syndrome. [40445/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disease Management
Questions (223)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:223. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health if genetic testing targeting diagnosis of those types of Ehlers Danlos syndrome identifiable by such tests will become available to the general population under the Rare Diseases Strategy 2025-2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40446/26]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the Deputy for raising awareness of Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS). Genetic testing for known genetic forms of EDS is readily available through the relevant genetic testing panels (tests that examine several genes simultaneously) that can be ordered by patients' clinicians. For example, the National Centre for Clinical Genetics can receive referrals nationally and order such tests, and this service is available to all. Individual clinicians also have the flexibility to organise the tests directly themselves, via their own local hospital laboratories.
While the decision on whether there is a need for a specific genetic or genomic test in relation to a particular condition would be made at a clinical level, actions are being taken by my Department to create a more inclusive healthcare service that meets the complex needs of people living with rare diseases.
My Department is working closely with the HSE's National Genetics and Genomics Office as it works to implement the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland. Our 2025 Programme for Government includes a commitment to resource the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine, and this will put in place the resources, processes, and infrastructure to deliver future-proof and equitable genetic and genomic services to the entire population of Ireland.
A number of key deliverables within the strategy are directly relevant: Firstly the National Genomic Test Directory was launched at the end of 2024 with a specific focus on rare diseases, and EDS is considered a rare disease. The Test Directory will reduce pressure on testing services by limiting unnecessary test requests, returning results more rapidly to clinicians, and helping to speed up the diagnosis of rare disease patients. Furthermore, the National Genomic Processing Service launched earlier this year, which will support significantly more efficient management and movement of patient samples between the clinic and testing laboratories, again contributing to a faster and more streamlined system.
The HSE is also expanding the clinical genetics workforce, and enhancing our bioinformatics infrastructure to handle the ever-growing volumes of genetic and genomic testing data. Together, these actions will support increased quality of care and improve the rate of diagnoses for patients living with rare diseases, regardless of location or background.
The Deputy may wish to note that I launched the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025-2030 on 27th August 2025. This landmark strategy sets out a vision to improve the lives of the estimated 300,000 people living with rare diseases in Ireland. It outlines a comprehensive framework designed to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and support for people living with rare diseases, aiming to improve quality of life, promote equitable access to healthcare, and foster innovation in rare disease research and treatment.
The National Rare Disease Strategy's 11 recommendations also emphasise the importance of developing and enabling earlier diagnosis, integrated care, data and registries, research and innovation, and access to orphan medicines. By addressing these areas, the Strategy aims to create a more inclusive healthcare service that meets the complex needs of people living with rare diseases.
Furthermore in Recommendation 3, in relation to Screening and Diagnosis, the Steering Group recommends the expansion of screening, diagnostics and genetic counselling services in line with best practice to reduce the time to diagnosis, allow timely access to treatment and research/trial opportunities, and ensure people living with rare diseases and their families are fully informed. This includes supporting the implementation of the 2022 National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland as it relates to rare diseases.
Hospital Staff
Questions (224)
Joanna Byrne
Question:224. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the total number of posts unfilled at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, across all departments, including the accident and emergency department; how long each post has been vacant; and if there are any specific initiatives being considered to fill these posts [40459/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Funding
Questions (225)
Joanna Byrne
Question:225. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health to confirm the funding investment provided to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda from 2020 to 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40460/26]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (226)
Joanna Byrne
Question:226. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding future expansion plans at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital which will assist to in addressing challenges in the emergency department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40461/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (227)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:227. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress being made by HSE south-west on creating new residential respite services for Cork; when she anticipates these additional services will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40468/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Death Certificates
Questions (228)
Mark Wall
Question:228. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position with the issuing of a death certificate for a person in County Kildare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40476/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Questions (229)
John Connolly
Question:229. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure compliance by the HSE with the statutory requirement (details supplied) under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 to make reimbursement decisions within 180 days of receiving an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40477/26]
View answerWritten answers
There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and / or reimbursed. The HSE is the statutory decision maker for the pricing and reimbursement of new medicines under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE considers the criteria set out in the Act.
The HSE has advised that once a medicine is approved by the European Medicines Agency, the HSE is dependent on a pharmaceutical company making an application to Ireland for its drug or new indication to be assessed for reimbursement. Medicines are considered for pricing of reimbursement in order of application.
While many companies engage proactively with the HSE, Ireland, by virtue of its size and market share, may not always be prioritised by some companies in the first stages of marketing a new medicine. Reports describing timelines for reimbursement from EMA approval to HSE reimbursement approval do not consider this important factor, as statutorily the HSE are not able to add a new medicine to the reimbursement list until an application is received. The HSE will continue to assess and progress applications as efficiently as possible.
Additional resources provided in 2024 have strengthened the pricing and reimbursement system, including additional staffing to increase capacity and the development and launch of a new HSE application tracker to enhance transparency.
In new Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, which have been agreed with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), the State commits to achieving a 180-day timeline for completing health technology assessments (HTA) and reimbursement decisions.
The agreements outline a structured process towards achieving this 180-day commitment by Q1 2029, accelerating patient access to new treatments. The agreements also include a commitment from IPHA member companies to aim to shorten the timeline to submit reimbursement applications in Ireland to within six months of marketing authorisation of medicines by the European Commission.
The State, IPHA, and MFI agree to establish a strategic partnership on the development of a sandboxed early access programme for rare diseases. This will be a proof-of-concept initiative, aligned with the commitments in the Programme for Government and recommendations in the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030. The Department of Health are examining early access mechanisms across the EU for the Minister for Health’s further consideration.