Written Answers Nos. 501-522
501. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health her views on the role of innovative medicines, national registries and other key system enablers in informing the development of the next National Cancer Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48649/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, supported by the reforms and investment delivered under Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past nine years.
My Department has invested heavily in the National Cancer Strategy and associated initiatives in recent years, enabling the further development of our national cancer services, and leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.
Survival rates for patients have improved greatly and OECD data shows that cancer mortality rates in Ireland are falling faster than the EU27 average and faster than our economic peers. Our strategic approach to cancer control has changed the landscape for people who are diagnosed with cancer. Today nearly 250,000 people in Ireland are living with or beyond cancer, 50% more than a decade ago.
It is essential that we continue to build on our investment and progress. Since the beginning of the National Cancer Strategy in 2017, the government has allocated more than €105 million to support cancer services and improve outcomes for patients.
Between 2021 and 2024, approval for reimbursement by the HSE was given for 74 drugs for cancer. The total spend on cancer drugs in this period exceeded €645 million. This is in addition to capital investment of more than €140 million, which has delivered new laboratory facilities, day wards and new radiation oncology facilities to support these innovative therapies.
We also have a strong track record of supporting cancer care with investment in research. Annual investment in cancer research by the Health Research Board has increased significantly in recent years, from €5.4m in 2017 at the start of the current strategy to €9.4m in 2025. Since 2020, the Health Research Board has awarded €43.7 million in cancer research funding, including €21.6 million for clinical trials infrastructure.
In the last ten years we’ve seen the rollout of cutting-edge therapies, including radiolabelled therapy, CAR T-cell therapy for adults and specialised radiotherapy treatments like Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) and Stereotactic Radio Surgery (SRS) which reduce the number of treatment sessions compared to conventional radiotherapy treatment.
As the current National Cancer Strategy comes to its conclusion, an evaluation on the current National Cancer Strategy will be carried out later this year. The evaluation will be informed by The National Cancer Strategy Implementation Reports which annually track the overall progress of the Strategy. The latest Implementation Reports are currently being prepared and finalised prior to publication shortly.
The evaluation will be carried out by my Department working closely with key stakeholders such as the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. Stakeholders also include patients and their families, healthcare professionals, government agencies, research institutions and advocacy groups among others.
The conclusion of this evaluation process will inform next steps to be taken and I will continue to work with the National Cancer Control Programme and other stakeholders to progress the actions contained in the strategy.
502. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of raising the medical card basic weekly rate for a married or co-habiting couple to €1,000, €1,250, €1,500, €2,000 and €2,500 and in proportional amounts for the other thresholds; the number of estimated eligible people in each bracket; the number of currently eligible people in the current brackets; and the estimated cost at expected uptake and at 100% uptake, in tabular form. [48651/26]
View answerEligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances. Current medical card income thresholds can be considered generally in terms of cohorts aged 70 or older, and under 70 years of age, with separate thresholds and assessment criteria for each.
With regard to the estimated cost of the Deputy's proposals, the information sought is not readily available and will need to be determined. Officials from my Department will be in further contact with the Deputy directly with relevant information as soon as available.
503. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of raising the GP visit card basic weekly rate for a married or co-habiting couple to €1,000, €1,250, €1,500, €2,000 and €2,500 and in proportional amounts for the other thresholds; the number of estimated eligible people in each bracket and the number of currently eligible people in the current brackets; and the estimated cost at expected uptake and at 100% uptake, in tabular form. [48652/26]
View answerUnfortunately, due to the complexity of the economic modelling required to provide the information requested, the information requested will not be available within the timeframe for replying to the Deputy's question. Officials in my Department will work on this and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
504. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of reducing the drug payment scheme threshold to €60, €40, €20, €15, €10, €5 and €0, in tabular form. [48653/26]
View answerThe 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.
505. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing universal primary care services in line with Sláintecare, by service, in tabular form. [48654/26]
View answerSláintecare set out a long-term vision of a universal health service, with a particular emphasis on strengthening primary and community care and improving access based on need rather than ability to pay.
Over a number of years, my Department and related bodies have considered the potential costs associated with expanding access to primary care services, including general practitioner (GP) services. This work includes analysis undertaken by the ESRI, the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), as well as earlier policy work such as the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing of the Health System (2010), the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance (2014), and the Sláintecare Report (2017).
While these studies provide valuable insights into the potential costs of expanding eligibility, it is important to note that it is not possible to provide a definitive costing for the provision of universal primary care to the full population. This reflects the fact that such a reform would involve fundamental changes to the current model of service delivery, including GP contracts, the scope of services to be provided, workforce capacity, and predictive modelling of future patterns of utilisation stemming from demographic shifts.
In line with Sláintecare, the Government is continuing to take a phased approach to improving access and affordability, including expanding eligibility for GP visit cards and reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients, while progressing broader reforms to primary and community care services.
While consideration of any future changes to the eligibility framework to primary care services will need to be made in the context of current healthcare priorities and the budget available, my Department is currently undertaking a Strategic Review of Eligibility, which will consider how current eligibility arrangements align with population needs and will inform future policy development, including in relation to a move towards universal coverage for primary care services.
506. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing the Sláintecare report in full, by measure, in tabular form. [48655/26]
View answerThe implementation of Sláintecare is grounded in the all-party Oireachtas Committee Report on the Future of Healthcare (the "Sláintecare Report") and delivered through a series of multiannual strategies and annual action plans. The current multiannual strategy, the “Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government, comprises 23 individual Sláintecare Projects and the milestones to be achieved on the path to achieving universal healthcare across the three strategic priority areas of Improving Access, Improving Service Quality and Increasing Capacity, underpinned by a suite of critical enabling reform programmes.
Delivery of each individual Sláintecare project is now the responsibility of a member of the senior leadership teams of my Department and HSE, reporting to the Sláintecare Programme Board, co-chaired by the CEO of the HSE and the Secretary General of my Department. Membership of the Programme Board also includes senior officials from the Department of an Taoiseach and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The Board provides senior official interagency strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability for delivery of the Sláintecare reform programme.
The governance structures for Sláintecare reflect the manner in which its delivery is now fully embedded in the day-to-day work of the Department and HSE and how funding for Sláintecare is embedded within the overall Health Vote allocation, rather than being allocated a separate ring-fenced budget.
The previous Secretary General of my Department, in correspondence to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on 3 February this year, provided details of allocations under Budget 2025, where applicable, for each of the 23 projects in Sláintecare 2025+. The correspondence noted that providing details is easier in some areas than others to cost implementation of the projects. This reflects the fact that for some projects specific revenue or capital allocations are assigned while for others, Sláintecare commitments may comprise only one or more elements of a wider national plan or strategy and it has not been possible in all cases to break down the specific Sláintecare components.
My officials are currently undertaking a broader programme of work relating to the cost of implementation of Sláintecare and will forward the outcome of that work to you directly for information upon completion.
507. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of removing upfront car parking charges for hospital parking; and the amount raised by each statutory and voluntary hospital in car parking charges or otherwise raised by third parties providing car parking services on behalf of such hospitals. [48656/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
508. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated revenue and capital cost of providing 25 of each type of care bed (details supplied), in tabular form; and the typical staffing complement associated with each bed and its revenue cost. [48657/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
509. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of fully implementing the framework for safe staffing levels in all applicable settings, in tabular form. [48658/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
510. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of achieving the targets set in the National Ambulance Service strategic workforce plan, in tabular form; the number of workers required, by grade in whole-time equivalent; and the additional capital investment required. [48659/26]
View answerAs the Deputy's question refers to service and operational matters pertaining to the National Ambulance Service (NAS), I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to him directly, as soon as possible.
511. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the annual spend on transitional care purchased by health regions, community services, and hospitals from the private residential care sector; the number of beds leased, or the number of care episodes covered on an annualised basis; and the annualised cost of a single such bed. [48660/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
512. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of a 10% uplift in funding for local and regional drug and alcohol taskforces. [48661/26]
View answerMy Department and the HSE provides in the region of €28m in funding to approximately 280 projects under the remit of the 24 drug and alcohol task forces that operate throughout the country in defined geographical areas.
To meet the estimated cost of a 10% uplift in funding for local and regional drug and alcohol taskforces an additional €2.8 million would be required.
513. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing 100 of each health and social care profession, fully burdened, in tabular form. [48662/26]
View answerThis Parliamentary Question has been referred to the HSE for response as it relates to an operational issue.
514. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of a 10% uplift in spending on new medicines. [48663/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the importance of timely access to new medicines.
Supported by 158 million euros of funding in Budgets 2021-2025, the State has delivered access to 250 new medicines. 101 of these were for cancer and 70 of these were for rare diseases.
Budget 2026 allocated 217 million euro of additional investment in medicines, including 30 million euro for new medicines. This has, as of 15th of June 2026, delivered access to 26 new medicines, including 9 for cancer and 5 for rare diseases.
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.
There are many challenges when estimating medicines costings as future expenditure depends on an unforeseen number of factors, including, but not limited to:
• the volume and type of new medicines approved,
• the size of eligible patient populations,
• clinical indications,
• treatment duration and
• the outcome of pricing and reimbursement negotiations.
Funding allocations for new medicines are made in the context of the annual Budget.
515. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of making the contraception scheme universal in scope. [48664/26]
View answerThe Free Contraception Scheme (FCS) for women ordinarily resident in Ireland, was launched in 2022. Its remit has been expanded gradually from 17-25 initially to include women aged from 17 to 35 inclusive currently. Approximately €45m is allocated to support the scheme in 2026 and approximately 2,450 GPs, primary care, family planning and student health centres and just over 1,900 community pharmacies across the country are participating in the scheme currently.
The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, primary care, student health and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Reimbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme.
Access to free contraception is also available on an emergency basis through the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), enabling maternity units, hospitals, postnatal clinics, and Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) to provide free contraception to patients who might have difficulty accessing the scheme through primary care.
These include individuals attending postnatal or post-termination of pregnancy (ToP) appointments, those accessing SATUs in emergency situations, and those facing barriers to accessing contraception through GPs and pharmacies or who may face other challenges that limit access through primary care. NWIHP advise that at least 3,000 women accessed free contraception through their services in 2025.
Similar supports for accessing contraception are in place with the Women’s Health Service, which supports people working in the sex trade. The Women’s Health Service supported over 330 women in 2025.
The Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, published in 2019 and available on the Department’s website, laid the foundations for the introduction of the Free Contraception Scheme. In addition to recommending the phased introduction of free contraception, the report also noted that policy proposals must also focus on accessibility, education and workforce capacity as well as cost.
In this regard, another initiative to expand capacity within the FCS is to make additional services available through pharmacies. The landmark Community Pharmacy Agreement, launched in 2025, supports expanding pharmacy services, delivering safe, efficient and accessible healthcare, across Ireland. The Common Conditions Scheme, allowing access to treatment for 8 common conditions through pharmacies, was publicly launched in January 2026. The Agreement supports pharmacy prescription of contraception, under defined clinical circumstances, for which some legislation, the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 2024 (the 2024 Act), is already in place.
In order to enable pharmacy provision of contraception to be delivered free of charge under the FCS, the legal framework for the FCS must be amended to include prescribing pharmacists. Drafting of the necessary legislation is almost complete and will be published as soon as possible. It is envisaged that this measure will support additional capacity for delivery of contraception care.
Research has been undertaken recently to support monitoring of the scheme. The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025, published last November, examined contraceptive choices, noting a rise in the use of LARCs, especially hormonal coils, after the age of 35. Work is ongoing within NWIHP develop and finalise a scheme to train more staff in the acute sector to fit LARCs, and the ICGP’s LARC training scheme continues to train more GPs.
The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025, also shows that awareness of the scheme was high in age-groups eligible to access it (86% in 18-25 and 74% in 26-34 year-olds). Qualitative research was published in April, 2026, in partnership with the National Women’s Council of Ireland and TCD, supported by the Women’s Health Fund, to assess awareness of, and access to the scheme amongst key groups. The current age limits and GP access were identified as significant barriers, along with issues affecting specific cohorts of the population. The Report can be accessed here: www.nwci.ie/learn/publication/an_investigation_into_womens_experiences_of_the_free_contraception_scheme .
The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, the National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035, the Sláintecare 2025+ Plan and the Women’s Health Action Plans all commit to further sequential expansion of the scheme, such that it eventually encompasses the full reproductive age-range. However, any decision relating to further expansion of the scheme must be considered through the Estimates process in advance of the annual Budget each year.
In terms of additional costs of expansion, there is reasonable certainty that 36-40 year-olds could be included at costs of approximately €5m, based on current service costs for women aged between 30-35 and Healthy Ireland Survey data on contraception use indicating reasonable consistency in use patterns between 25-44 (an age range in which 6-7% of respondents reported not using contraception as they were actively trying to conceive).
There is significantly more uncertainty beyond this age-range and indications of significantly higher LARC use beyond the early 40s; given the need to further expand HCP training, we recommend a continued phased approach. The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025 can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/healthy-ireland/publications/healthy-ireland-survey-2025/ .
While contraception provided through the FCS is very effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy, hormonal contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The National Condom Distribution Scheme supports both STI prevention and accessible contraception.
Free condoms can be accessed through the national network of STI clinics, participating charities and NGO partners and on participating 3rd level campuses. Since 2023, free condoms have also been supplied with orders for free home STI testing kits. The NCDS is open to those aged 17 and above. Over 1.2m condoms were distributed in 2025.
The NCDS is being expanded on a phased basis to pharmacy consulting rooms, to further enable contraception availability through pharmacies. Efforts to make NCDS condoms available through more GP consulting rooms are also ongoing.
516. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of doubling and trebling entitlements under public access to IVF. [48665/26]
View answerThe Model of Care for Fertility was developed by the Department of Health in conjunction with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme to ensure that fertility-related issues are addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.
The Model of Care comprises three stages of care. These begin in primary care (GPs), progress to secondary care through the six HSE-run Regional Fertility Hubs located across the country, and, where clinically indicated, advance to tertiary care.
Patients, following consultations in primary care, are referred by their GP to their designated Regional Fertility Hub for assessment and investigation. Before making a referral, the GP will provide appropriate advice and information on lifestyle factors, carry out relevant tests and examinations, and undertake any necessary initial interventions. The GP must also be satisfied that the couple has been trying to conceive naturally for an adequate period of time. The specific access criteria to avail of services provided at a Hub are less stringent than those required to be met in order to qualify for free assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment.
Referrals for publicly-funded, privately-provided AHR treatment – including IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) and IUI (intrauterine insemination) – commenced in September 2023, subject to patients meeting the criteria agreed by my Department and the HSE. €30 million has been allocated on an annual basis to deliver access to AHR treatment via HSE-approved private providers for those who meet all the relevant criteria.
The access criteria were developed by a multi-disciplinary group, with reproductive medicine expertise and followed consultation with experts in the field along with a review of the international evidence. These criteria are in keeping with those applied in other jurisdictions.
The terms of the publicly-funded AHR treatment initiative are underpinned by the primary policy principle of supporting couples experiencing fertility issues and, most specifically, those who have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive naturally at the time in question.
Just over 4,600 couples to date have been referred by a Reproductive Specialist Consultant for AHR treatment, following extensive investigations and/or secondary level treatment within the Regional Fertility Hubs. Furthermore, the Hubs have successfully and directly managed thousands more patients presenting with fertility-related issues who have been referred by their GP. Not all couples experiencing fertility challenges actually require such advanced and invasive interventions as IVF. In this regard, it should be noted that IUI represents a significantly less invasive and less complex form of treatment which can prove to be very effective for certain cohorts of patients.
The access criteria and the terms of the AHR treatment initiative are being kept under ongoing review. Further potential changes to the access criteria or expansion of the initiative require continued extensive consultation between Department officials, colleagues in the HSE, and also with relevant specialists in the field of reproductive medicine. This will include consideration of additional funding requirements which may ensue from any proposed expansion of the initiative.
It should be noted that supports previously available to patients who access IVF, or other AHR treatment, privately, whereby tax relief on the costs involved can be claimed under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme, continues to be provided.
In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Arrangements administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Arrangements must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and authorised for supply to the client’s nominated community pharmacy by the High Tech Hub managed by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the client’s eligibility, i.e., Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. The annual cost to the State of the financial support for these medicines is far from insignificant.
I want to reassure you that my Department and the Government are focused, through the full implementation of the Model of Care for Fertility, on ensuring that patients receive care at the appropriate level of clinical intervention and then those requiring, and eligible for, advanced AHR treatment such as IVF will be able to access same through the most effective deployment of finite public resources.
517. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing the rare disease action plan in full. [48666/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. As you may be aware, funding of €1.5m was provided in Budget 2025 for the development of supports and services for people living with a rare disease in Ireland. This includes the allocation of approximately 34WTE to support staffing services. An additional €5m in recurrent funding provided to support the implementation of the National Rare Disease Strategy, across all 11 of its recommendations. These funds were allocated to the HSE in 2025 for the development of rare disease services.
The HSE has published its National Service Plan for 2026, setting out how the HSE will operationalise the Department’s priorities funded in Budget 2026, including the key priorities of improved access, quality and safety for those who use our services and value for money for the public more broadly.
In line with the annual estimates and service planning process, specific operational detail and budgetary management of allocated funds is a matter for the HSE, and as such I have referred query to the HSE for direct response.
518. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing the HSE climate action plan in full. [48667/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
519. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing universal counselling in primary care; and the number of whole-time equivalents this would require, in tabular form. [48670/26]
View answerAs part of HSE Mental Health Services, the National Counselling Service provides free counselling therapy to adults who experienced childhood abuse or neglect, or are former residents of a mother and baby home. They also provide counselling to those with medical cards, through the Counselling in Primary Care service (CiPC). Outside of this, the HSE also funds many community partners to provide counselling and related services on its behalf. This is an area I have prioritised in recent Budgets, including €1m in Budget 2026 for a new talking therapies fund for providing Community Therapy Services.
There is a strong evidence base for the clinical effectiveness of CiPC, as demonstrated by Changing Lives for the Better: A National Evaluation of the Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) Service (2022). This was the first national evaluation of the service and analysed data collected across all HSE Community Healthcare Organisations between 2015 and 2020, using routinely collected clinical outcome measures, follow-up data at 6 and 12 months, and feedback from clients and GPs. The evaluation found that 72% of clients improved or recovered following counselling, with large effect sizes, and that the proportion of clients assessed as being at risk reduced from 26.7% before counselling to 8.5% afterwards. Improvements in psychological distress, functioning and quality of life were largely maintained up to one year after counselling ended, and both clients and GPs reported high levels of satisfaction with the service, describing it as effective and beneficial.
I continue to invest in CiPC and other State funded counselling supports, including €2 million in funding announced in 2025 to provide access to a suite of new talk therapies and counselling supports specifically tailored for men. Access to the services began from September 2025 and to date over 2,000 men have been supported.
The funding is targeted at assisting with stigma reduction and to actively encourage men who otherwise would not usually avail of counselling to seek help with their mental health, to assist men in accessing mental health services, and to provide much-needed support for men experiencing a mental health crisis.
The HSE have recently established a therapeutic interventions service improvement programme board (TISIP). The programme board will provide consolidated leadership and governance for therapeutic interventions across the whole health system, with the aim of increasing capacity, and facilitating access to, high quality integrated supports and services for all who require them.
Specifically, the TISIP will provide
* The means to align efforts towards universally accessible talk therapies
* Greater consistency of approach and standards in service provision
* Stronger oversight and leadership
* Delivery models that are better integrated and coordinated from the outset, and can remove obstacles associated with levels of care if required and clinically appropriate
* Potential to further assess and develop partnership and multi-agency working, and shared-care arrangements
* A programme board to consider and review proposals for further investment in this area.
Future additional investment in counselling provision will be guided by a mapping of current services provided directly by the HSE or through organisations funded by HSE Mental Health and HSE NOSP. This investment will target identified gaps in service provision and take account of priority groups across the population.
As your question relates to operational matters, I have referred it to HSE for direct reply to you.
520. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of fully funding and delivering each national clinical programme, model of care, and national strategy, by measure, in tabular form; and the requisite staffing complements required for each. [48671/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
521. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing two whole-time equivalent consultant psychiatrists in each emergency department; the number already employed in this regard; the net cost for the additional number required; and the number required, in tabular form. [48672/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
522. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing a crisis resolution team. [48673/26]
View answerCrisis mental health supports, including those with 24/7 coverage, are currently provided across a number of settings and services, including hospital based services, out of hours services such as CAMHS on call, and non-governmental organisation services such as crisis phone and text supports, funded by HSE Mental Health Services.
The National Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020-2030) is currently overseeing a piece of work by the HSE Implementation Group to bring together the range of available out-of-hours and crisis services and supports, with a view to aligning and streamlining supports and identifying any potential gaps in service provision. It is envisaged that this work will form the basis of an Adult Crisis Response Framework. This project is currently in an advanced state of preparation and is expected to be initiated formally before end-2026.
In addition, as Minister, I have overseen the rollout of a range of out of hours supports for people experiencing mental health difficulties as alternatives to Emergency Departments.
Crisis Resolution Services
The model of care for Crisis Resolution Services was developed as a direct recommendation of Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy. It recognises that people who are experiencing a mental health crisis need specialist services to provide timely brief intensive supports to keep people safe.
Crisis Resolution Teams• : These comprise of teams of mental health professionals who work out of hours to meet people in a crisis and provide rapid assessment and intensive intervention. There are 6 pilot Crisis Resolution Teams currently operational in Galway, Sligo/Leitrim, Cork city (two teams), Waterford City and County, South Dublin/Wicklow. The Limerick Crisis Resolution Team is due to commence operations this year.
Crisis Cafés• : Solace Cafes provide a welcoming, non-clinical safe environment in the style of a café where people can go at evenings and weekends. The Cafés provides a range of support for those who needed to use its services including crisis support, signposting, peer support, and community support. The Cafes are now open in Cork City, South Dublin and Sligo and Waterford. An additional Solace Café has opened this year in Limerick.
Additional funding has been provided for more Crisis Resolution Teams and Solace Cafes in Budget 2026, for Donegal, Kerry and the Midlands (Tullamore/Westmeath).
As the question raises operational issues, I have also referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
