Written Answers Nos. 229-253
229. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to reduce the incidence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44368/26]
View answerFoetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and can lead to lifelong challenges with learning, behaviour, health, and social skills.
My Department raises awareness about the risks of alcohol, including during pregnancy. This work focuses on prevention and health promotion, helping to reduce alcohol use and limit harm to people, families, and communities. Initiatives include alcohol labelling, national guidance, and training for healthcare staff.
Under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, and new labelling rules introduced in 2023, all alcohol products must now carry health warnings. These include a clear symbol warning about the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant. The HSE provides training to help healthcare staff talk to women about lifestyle risks such as smoking, alcohol, drug use, poor diet, and physical inactivity.
A new HSE campaign is letting the public know that avoiding alcohol completely is safest when planning a pregnancy and during pregnancy. The campaign directs people to expert advice. It also encourages partners, family and friends to support women in their efforts to have an alcohol-free pregnancy.
As Minister for Health, I am committed to ensuring this Government delivers the appropriate services for each person with FASD in line with their needs.
230. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the measures that are planned to improve public understanding of the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44369/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
231. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason organ donation and transplantation activity fell to 202 transplants in 2025 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44370/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
232. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on organ transplant waiting lists, including the number awaiting a kidney transplant; the steps being taken to increase transplant activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44371/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
233. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to improve influenza vaccination uptake among healthcare workers, given that uptake stood at 34.6% in the 2025/2026 season against the backdrop of patient safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44372/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
234. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve influenza vaccination uptake among those aged 13 to 17 years, given that uptake in this group reached only 15.5% in the 2025/2026 season against a target of 50%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44373/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
235. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the number of influenza-related deaths, hospitalisations and intensive care admissions notified in the 2025/2026 season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44374/26]
View answerThe HSE-Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSE-HPSC) is Ireland's specialist service for the surveillance of communicable diseases, including influenza. The influenza season in the northern hemisphere runs from October (Week 40) of one calendar year to May (Week 20) of the next calendar year. Influenza is most likely to circulate at detectable levels during this time period however, the HSE-HPSC monitor influenza all year round.
During the influenza season, the HSE-HPSC publishes data each week on all notified cases of influenza, as well as COVID-19 and RSV, through:
• The Respiratory Virus Notification Data Hub https://respiratorydisease-hpscireland.hub.arcgis.com/.
• Integrated Respiratory Virus Bulletins www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/acuterespiratoryinfection/surveillance/integratedreports/.
The data contained in this response has been sourced from the latest HSE-HPSC Integrated Respiratory Virus Bulletin, published on 28 May 2026 which contains data up to Week 20 2026 (week commencing 17 May 2026).
Data is sourced from the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) system which is the source of statutory notification data on laboratory-confirmed influenza. Data are provisional and subject to ongoing review, validation and update.
• Data on hospitalised cases are inpatients with laboratory-confirmed influenza, including inpatients with incidental infections, where the infection is not the reason for their admission.
• For ICU admissions, the data refer to those admitted to intensive care where influenza was the primary or contributory cause of admission to ICU.
• Influenza deaths are defined as a death in a person with laboratory-confirmed influenza ([see case definition]) and this includes cases detected postmortem. Influenza may not be the underlying cause of death.
For incidence rates, the HSE-HPSC use Census 2022 as the population denominator.
During the 2025/2026 season (Week 40 2025 – Week 20 2026) there were 24,948 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza notified in Ireland which was an incidence rate of 484.5 per 100,000 population. There were 5,935 hospitalised cases of influenza over the same period, an incidence rate of 115.3 per 100,000 population. Table 1 provides a breakdown of the number and incidence rates of both total influenza cases and hospitalised cases by age, sex and HSE Health Region.
Table 1: Number and incidence of notified laboratory-confirmed cases and hospitalised cases of influenza by age, sex and HSE Health Region, from week 40 2025, to week 20 2026. Data source: CIDR; HSE-HPSC, Integrated Respiratory Virus Bulletin, Ireland, Week 20 2026.
|
|
Number (All Cases) |
Incidence per 100,000 population (All Cases) |
Number (Hospitalised) |
Incidence per 100,000 population (Hospitalised) |
|
Cases |
24,948 |
484.5 |
5,935 |
115.3 |
|
Age groups (years) |
|
|
|
|
|
<1 |
860 |
1,488.0 |
247 |
427.4 |
|
1-4 |
3,060 |
1,287.8 |
768 |
323.2 |
|
5-14 |
3,020 |
421.3 |
742 |
103.5 |
|
15-44 |
5,899 |
285.4 |
726 |
35.1 |
|
45-64 |
3,131 |
242.1 |
644 |
49.8 |
|
65-79 |
4,689 |
787.7 |
1,411 |
237.0 |
|
>80 |
4,287 |
2,368.2 |
1,396 |
771.2 |
|
Median age |
42 |
|
62 |
|
|
Sex |
|
|
|
|
|
Male |
11,325 |
445.1 |
2,772 |
108.9 |
|
Female |
13,609 |
522.5 |
3,161 |
121.4 |
|
HSE Health Regions |
|
|
|
|
|
Dublin and North East |
5,721 |
481.9 |
683 |
57.5 |
|
Dublin and Midlands |
4,533 |
420.6 |
953 |
88.4 |
|
Dublin and South East |
5,637 |
580.5 |
1,363 |
140.4 |
|
South West |
3,416 |
461.2 |
768 |
103.7 |
|
Mid West |
1,776 |
430.0 |
835 |
202.2 |
|
West and North West |
3,863 |
508.5 |
1,332 |
175.3 |
During the 2025/2026 season (Week 40 2025–Week 20 2026) there were 183 admissions to ICU due to influenza (Table 2). This was 3.1% of all hospitalised influenza cases.
Table 2: Number and incidence of ICU admissions due to influenza in Ireland from week 40 2025 to week 20 2026. Data source: CIDR; HSE-HPSC, Integrated Respiratory Virus Bulletin, Ireland, Week 20 2026
|
Number of ICU admissions |
ICU admissions per 1,000 hospitalisations |
% of hospitalised cases admitted to ICU |
|
183 |
30.8 |
3.1 |
During the 2025/2026 season (Week 40 2025 – Week 20 2026) there were 301 influenza deaths. As noted above, this is defined as a death in a person with laboratory-confirmed influenza. 271 of these deaths occurred in persons aged 65 years of age or older, with 30 among persons aged under 65 years of age.
Table 3: Number and incidence of influenza deaths in Ireland, for the season to date (from week 40 2025 to week 20 2026). Data source: CIDR; HSE-HPSC, Integrated Respiratory Virus Bulletin, Ireland, Week 20 2026.
|
Age (years) |
Influenza: Number of deaths |
Influenza: Incidence per 100,000 population |
|
<65 |
30 |
0.7 |
|
65 |
271 |
34.9 |
|
Total |
301 |
5.8 |
236. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason Ireland ranked as the slowest of all EU member states for the time from EU Clinical Trial Regulation approval to the first clinical trial site being ready, at 213 days, for studies commenced between 2023 and 2025; the steps being taken to reduce clinical trial set-up times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44375/26]
View answer237. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of pharmaceutical industry-sponsored clinical trials commenced in Ireland in each year since 2021; her views on the fact that Ireland initiated far fewer trials than comparable countries such as Denmark over the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44376/26]
View answerI propose to take Question No. 236 and question No. 237 together.
I apologise for the delayed response and thank the deputy for this opportunity to highlight progress towards expanding the number of clinical trials taking place in the State.
Although Ireland is growing in terms of clinical trials activity, my Department has worked with stakeholders to identify a number of challenges for companies and organisations wishing to set up trials in the State, including long start-up times, regulatory and site-specific challenges. The expert National Clinical Trials Oversight Group (NCTOG) thoroughly explored clinical trial approval timelines and site readiness throughout 2024-2025 and I published their Final Recommendations at the end of 2025.
We are now finalising the appointment of the Clinical Trials Advisory Council (CTAC) to oversee the implementation of the NCTOG’s Final Recommendations. The CTAC will include expert membership drawn from across the sector, and will commence activities in the coming weeks. These activities will have a forward-facing, long-term, and sustainable focus, and include the establishment of a National Clinical Trials Body to oversee our clinical trials sector. The NCTOG's 20 key recommendations, across six priority areas, will create a more agile and streamlined regulatory system for clinical trials whilst maintaining the highest standards of data and patient protection, in addition to supporting the expert workforce needed to administer growing numbers of clinical trials. The resulting reduction in start-up times for clinical trials, and standardisation of the regulatory processes, will enable greater numbers of clinical trials to be conducted in Ireland, also helping strengthen Irish participation in multinational trials and increasing Irish patients' access to innovative life-changing treatments.
The COVID-19 pandemic, alongside reduced regulatory approvals being granted, and the transition to the EU Clinical Trials Regulation, are the likely contributors to the slowing of research activity between 2021 and 2023. The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association produces an annual Clinical Trial Activity Comparison Report which includes numbers of pharmaceutical industry-sponsored clinical trials commenced each year. There were approximately 61 industry-sponsored clinical trials in Ireland in 2021, 37 in 2022, 41 in 2023, 51 in 2024, and 73 in 2025. (https://www.ipha.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IPHA-Clinical-Trials-Activity-comparison-report-2026.pdf and https://www.ipha.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IPHA-Clinical-Trials-Activity-Comparison-Report-2024.pdf).
Our current efforts are in alignment with measures proposed in the European Commission's Biotech Act (Part 1), as well as commitments in our 2025 Programme for Government. Countries such as Denmark and Spain have made considerable progress in growing their clinical trials sector through national-level approaches, focusing on cross-sector partnership and collaboration with industry, and it is our ambition to similarly expand the clinical trials sector in Ireland.
238. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of websites, e-commerce listings and social media pages selling illegal medicines that were shut down or amended by the Health Products Regulatory Authority in each year since 2021; whether the authority has sufficient resources for this work given the increase to 4,762 such actions in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44377/26]
View answerAs part of its enforcement remit, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) conducts ongoing monitoring to identify illegal online activity promoting prescription medicines and other substances to consumers. It routinely intervenes to disrupt this online promotion through website closures and social media page removals and actively works with e-commerce platforms and social-media companies to identify illegal content.
In 2025, the HPRA shutdown or amended 4,762 such websites, e-commerce listings and/or social media pages. This compares to 2,553 websites shutdown or amended in 2024; 2,348 websites shutdown or amended in 2023, 639 websites shutdown or amended in 2022 and 461 websites shutdown or amended in 2021.
With regard to the increase of activity, of the 4,762 websites, e-commerce listings and/or social media pages shutdown or amended in 2025, 2,755 of these were linked to warnings the HPRA issued in relation to fraudulent websites and adverts promoting illegal websites.
The HPRA continually warns the public that sourcing prescription medicines outside of a registered pharmacy and without appropriate medical supervision poses a significant risk to health. Products obtained through online or other unauthorised channels fall outside the regulated supply chain, meaning their quality, safety, and origins cannot be assured. These medicines may be counterfeit, mislabelled, or contain harmful or ineffective ingredients. Using such products can result in serious adverse effects and represents a real but fully avoidable danger to public health.
239. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the quantity of falsified and illegal medicines, by dosage unit, detained in the State in each year since 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44378/26]
View answer247. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of detentions of anabolic steroids and other image and performance enhancing drugs by the Health Products Regulatory Authority, by dosage unit, in each year since 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44403/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 247 together.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the agency with responsibility for the regulation of medicines in Ireland and have an enforcement role with regard to falsified and other illegal medicines. The HPRA uses a range of enforcement powers to tackle this activity including detaining product.
In 2025, the HPRA detained 763,027 dosage units of falsified and other illegal medicines. These dosage units included tablets, capsules and vials. This compares with 1,000,984 dosage units detained in 2024, 874,945 dosage units detained in 2023, 956,263 units detained in 2022 and 1,604,589 units detained in 2021.
Products detained include anabolic steroids, prescription only medicines under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003. These products are being sourced in particular by individuals for body enhancement who are unaware of the serious health complications posed by these products. Anabolic steroids can cause serious physical and psychological health issues. The potential physical side effects include heart failure, liver issues, kidney damage, and infertility.
In 2025, HPRA detentions included 94,647 units of anabolic steroids. This compares to 203,088 units of anabolic steroids detained in 2024, 250,922 units of anabolic steroids detained in 2023, 207,220 units of anabolic steroids detained in 2022 and 204,843 units of anabolic steroids detained in 2021.
The HPRA has continuously warned of the serious health risks associated with sourcing prescription medicines online or through any unauthorised channels. It has emphasised that the supply of such products into or within Ireland is illegal and warned that consumers have no assurance regarding the safety, quality, or authenticity of prescription medicines obtained outside the regulated pharmacy setting. The HPRA advises consumers not to take risks with their health and to stop using any prescription medicines obtained from unregulated sources immediately. Anyone with concerns about their health is urged to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
The HPRA works in close co-operation with colleagues from An Garda Síochána and Revenue’s Customs Service. There continues to be significant inter-agency collaboration to combat the illegal supply of health products into and within Ireland. The HPRA also co-operates and shares intelligence with other regulatory and law enforcement agencies across Europe and worldwide to prevent the illegal manufacture, importation and distribution of medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics.
240. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve the uptake of bowel cancer screening among men, given that uptake under BowelScreen is consistently lower among men than women and contributes to later diagnosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44379/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
241. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to address undiagnosed and uncontrolled high blood pressure among older adults (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44380/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
242. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to expand the primary and community care workforce (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44381/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
243. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to the national drug treatment reporting system recording 15,422 cases presenting for treatment in 2025, an increase of 16%; the steps being taken to respond to the rise in cocaine-related treatment demand, given that crack cocaine cases increased by 90% and powder cocaine cases by 282% between 2017 and 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44382/26]
View answerThe www.euda.europa.eu/publications/european-drug-report/2025_en [], has reported that cocaine use remains high across Europe, with approximately 4.3 million European adults (15–64 years) reporting use in 2025. The growth in cocaine use is part of a volatile and global drugs market, with increased sources of supply of drugs across European countries. Ireland is an integral part of this drugs market. Responding to the growth in cocaine requires a joined up international approach alongside national policy initiatives.
There are over 460 services providing treatment for problem drug use across the country. These services can be accessed through a map of all services provided by the Health Research Board. People can access the Drug and Alcohol Services Map (https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie) to find local supports, and the national helpline (1800 459 459) provides confidential advice
The latest published data from the Health Research Board on Ireland’s National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS), shows an increased uptake of drug treatment services in 2025. The NDTRS shows a record figure of 15,422 cases presenting for treatment for problem drug use, representing an increase of 16% on 2024, and a 73% increase in the annual number of cases entering treatment since the commencement of the current national drugs strategy in 2017. This increase in treatment numbers reflects ongoing increases in investment by the Govt.
Cocaine was the most treated and main problem drug in 2025, accounting for 42.4% of all cases. The number of cocaine related treatment episodes increased by 23.6% compared with 2024. Cocaine use is increasingly widespread across all regions, including in the nighttime economy, in towns and rural areas, and among people in employment. The continued rise in cocaine-related treatment demand is also a positive signal of more people seeking treatment for drug use. This trend underlines the need for early intervention and accessible addiction services to prevent more serious drug use.
In 2022 and 2023, the Department of Health provided €1.35m on a recurring basis to the HSE to expand drug services for people with problematic cocaine use. In 2025, approx. €170 million was provided by the Department of Health and the HSE for drug services. This is an increased investment of €54 million since 2017 and has resulted in greater availability of drug treatment services for those who need them.
My department is also investing in preventative initiatives that seek to reduce the extent of cocaine use. In particular, the HSE is developing a digital self-help project to support people to reduce their drug and alcohol use.
I am developing a successor National Drugs Strategy that will reflect a health-led response to drug use. I intend to bring the finalised strategy to Government for approval and publication in September 2026.
244. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the current estimated timeframe for the release of medical records in the case of a person (details supplied). [44383/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
245. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason sufficient paediatric dermatologists have not been allocated by Children’s Health Ireland to provide cover for all regions; the plans in place to address the absence of paediatric dermatology in all areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44392/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
246. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to address the use of anabolic steroids and other image and performance enhancing drugs in gym and non-elite settings;the public health response or harm-reduction services available to users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44402/26]
View answer248. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the supports available to self-employed individuals who are unable to work due to cancer treatment; the way in which they can obtain additional financial assistance to help cover the costs of medical treatments, even with spouses who make over €538 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44406/26]
View answerPeople who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card.
Medical 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: https://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: https://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.
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: [https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/emergency-medical-cards/]
Furthermore, 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. Details are available at: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/children-with-cancer/
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
249. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health to review the criteria regarding financial assistance for cancer patients; the measures that are being taken to prevent patients and their families from experiencing financial hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44407/26]
View answerMaximising the quality of life of those living with and beyond cancer is one of the four pillars of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026.
Recommendations in the current Strategy aim to further survivorship supports and services. This includes the establishment of psycho-oncology services, provision of treatment summary and care plans, and the development of survivorship programmes.
The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) established the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres (CCSC) in 2022, an initiative aimed at developing a collaborative framework for community-based cancer services. The Programme for Government commitment to the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres is demonstrated through dedicated funding and the operational framework provided by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme. This includes an annual €5.5 million allocation to support survivorship programs, community services and integration with national cancer services.
There are a number of resources available for patients to access financial advice:.
• The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) collaborates with the Irish Cancer Society to establish "Life and Cancer - Enhancing Survivorship" (LACES) workshops in designated cancer centres since 2021. These workshops allows patients to access quality information on topics such as diet, exercise, wellbeing, finance, and self-management while directing them to further supports to empower them and enhance their quality of life. The NCCP encourages patients to attend the workshops so that they can get the value of signposting to other services. More information on the LACES workshops can be found here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/survivorship-programme/laces%20programme.html
• The Cancer Thriving & Surviving (CTS) programme was launched in 2021 by the National Cancer Control Programme. The CTS programme is designed to help patients rebuild a sense of confidence and a chance to learn self-management skills when moving on from cancer treatment back into work, school, and everyday life. More information on the CTS programme can be found here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/survivorship-programme/cts.html
• The Irish Cancer Society also runs its Daffodil Centres, which are a walk in service for any member of the public who is affected by cancer. Their Cancer Nurses can support patients and provide them with a wide range of advice and supports including advice on financial and practical supports. More information on Daffodil Centres can be found here: https://www.cancer.ie/our-services/our-daffodil-centres
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card.
Medical 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: https://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: https://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.
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: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/emergency-medical-cards/
Furthermore, 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. Details are available at: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/children-with-cancer/
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
250. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she will commit to implementing the Labour Court recommendation to restore the pay link between perfusionists and medical scientists; the reason this recommendation has not been implemented to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44419/26]
View answerOfficials from my Department and the HSE are aware of the issues and our working to resolve the matter. As this is an ongoing Industrial relations matter it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.
251. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of reducing all prescription charges to €0.50, with a cap of €5 per month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44421/26]
View answer252. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of reducing the drugs payment scheme maximum payment to €60 per month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44422/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
The State recognises the importance of timely access to innovative medicines for patients in Ireland. Budgets 2021-2025 allocated an additional €158 million for new drugs, which has facilitated the introduction of 270 new medicines. Budget 2026 allocated €30 million of funding available for new drugs to be allocated from the overall additional €217 million in funding allocated for medicines.
The Year 1 cost of a new drug comes from the allocation for new medicines, but it should be noted that once these medicines are approved for reimbursement the full cost of providing them can reach multiples of this initial cost as their uptake increases.
Ireland is among the highest spenders on health across the EU (OECD), with the third-highest rate of State coverage of pharmaceutical expenditure in Europe.
In line with the commitments set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will continue to prioritise improving the affordability of healthcare and medicines, including through ongoing review of community drugs schemes such as the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS).
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
There has been a significant focus in recent years on improving access to, and the affordability of, healthcare services.
This includes reductions in the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold, reductions in the prescription charges per item and maximum monthly prescription charges under the GMS scheme, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to support affordable access to quality healthcare.
There are many challenges when estimating costings; consideration of any future changes to the eligibility for medicines will be made in the context of current healthcare priorities and the budget available.
253. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the delivery of additional elective orthopaedic services in the South Infirmary of Victoria University Hospital; if this is being delayed due to the availability of staff (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44425/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
