Written Answers Nos. 681-705
681. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across her Department, by project, year and value; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51778/26]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
682. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across her Department, by project, year and value; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51796/26]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
683. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 23 June 2026, if she will provide a list of the potential projects and their locations, and the names of those who have proposed these projects including those from the local city and county childcare committees. [51828/26]
View answerI recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.
The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 with the funding provided through the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.
The Department has received project proposals from a number of sources since the programme was launched which, along with projects which the Department was aware of prior to the programme launching, includes 96 potential projects across the country as of 3 July 2026. This figure does not include projects that have been communicated informally to the Department but which require formal submission, via City/County Childcare Committees.
Projects come to the attention of the Department by a number of routes, including:
• Preliminary Appraisal Forms submitted to the local City/County Childcare committee - 33 projects
• Direct engagement by the Department with other public bodies such as the LDA or local authorities - 32 projects
• Engagement with Approved Housing Bodies who deliver early learning and childcare - 7 projects
• Projects which applied but were ineligible for a previous Building Blocks grant scheme - 3 projects
• Other projects brought to the attention of the Department before the programme was launched - 10 projects
• Projects identified through research conducted by the Department - 11 projects
|
County |
Number |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
|
Cork City |
9 |
|
Cork County |
3 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
|
Dublin City |
16 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown |
6 |
|
Fingal |
8 |
|
Galway |
9 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
|
Limerick |
5 |
|
Longford |
1 |
|
Louth |
1 |
|
Meath |
3 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
|
South Dublin |
2 |
|
Tipperarry |
1 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
|
Wexford |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
|
Grand Total |
96 |
These projects are in very different stages of development. Some relate to existing buildings ready to occupy or fit out, while others are longer-term prospects for future years. Not all proposals align with the programme objectives, and some may be funded by other means including Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2. Some projects are proposed by an existing early learning and childcare service provider, while others relate to a building/property only and a separate process to identify an operator would be required.
The Department is aware that this is not an exhaustive list of all projects that could form part of this programme of investment and will continue to seek potential projects for consideration. The Department is now assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme. To date, a number of projects have received approval-in-principle and are being developed.
No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
684. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 23 June 2026, if she will confirm whether proposals from private operators are being considered to run State-led childcare facilities given a recent new report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51829/26]
View answer€135 million will be made available between 2026 and 2030 for the State-led Early Learning and Childcare capital programme, providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare.
The process will begin this year with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements. The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design, open and operate services.
A suite of appraisal criteria and tools have been developed in order to assess the potential alignment of projects with Departmental goals of promoting quality, inclusion, accessibility and affordability, including a forward planning model which allows for detailed analysis.
The Department is now assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme.
Project proposals can be brought to the attention of the Department through completion of a preliminary appraisal form which is available from City and County Childcare Committees. The proposal can come from a building owner or a proposed operator or other interested party.
When a suitable project is brought to the Department, the Forward Planning and Delivery Unit develop a Preliminary Business Case for the project. The Preliminary Business Case assesses the building and the location associated with the project against the programme's appraisal criteria as well as analysing cost, value for money and the quality of the proposed building. The Preliminary Business Case is considered by a Capital Steering Group following which it may receive approval-in-principle.
It is important to note that this is not a guarantee of funding for the project as a whole.
After approval-in-principle, a Final Business Case is developed for the project which includes the selection of an eligible operator, agreement of investment/purchasing of buildings, and detailed building design and costing work. The Final Business Case is considered by the Capital Steering Group prior to seeking full approval. Only once a Final Business Case which provides full details of the project has been developed can final approval for funding be sought.
To date, a number of projects have received approval-in-principle and are being developed.
Services will be operated on a not-for-profit basis by third parties. Where a project is being considered without an operator already in place, the Department will run a process to identify an appropriate not-for-profit operator, with capacity to operate a high-quality service and, where works are required, to manage a capital project.
No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
Local City and County Childcare Committees are supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee.
685. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 740 of 30 June 2026, if she will provide a list of the 27 providers who have been found to be in breach of core funding management rules and a list of the 18 providers currently under active fee reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51830/26]
View answerI wish to thank the deputy for his question.
I cannot comment on individual Fee Review cases which are ongoing or have concluded. The decision to withhold this information is based on several factors. For example, the publication of information related to an ongoing fee review may create risks to the process itself, as well as to the parent/guardian and the Partner Service.
Similarly, to disclose information related to a concluded fee review process may cause unnecessary damage to the reputation of a Partner Service, even after they have taken the necessary remedial actions arising from the fee review process which were necessary to become compliant.
The objectives of the Core Funding fee review process is not to give rise to unnecessary or excessive sanctions to a Partner Service, but rather to safeguard affordability to parents/guardians.
The Department is conscious of the importance of promoting affordability for parents without compromising the viability of businesses in the sector. Fee management measures must not adversely impact the sustainability of the sector, and appropriate safeguards will be carefully considered during planning for future developments.
The Department is committed to continued engagement with parents and the sector to inform the further development of both the Core Funding fee management system and general Scheme policy.
Furthermore, a key objective of Core Funding is to support the sustainability of Partner Services, and this objective must be factored into every aspect of the design, including the fee review process, by ensuring that the process is aimed at establishing compliance with Core Funding’s terms and conditions, including through remedial actions where appropriate.
In the event that an individual wishes to raise a concern regarding a potential breach in fee conditions, the first step is to reach out to their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC).
Further detail on this process is available in the Guidelines on Fee Management section on the Early Years Hive: Guidelines on Fee Management - Service Provider Portal.
686. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the actions her Department takes in response to providers who are found to be in breach of core funding management rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51831/26]
View answerI wish to thank the deputy for his question.
In instances where an individual identifies a potential increase to fees charged or a potential breach of Fee Management rules by a Core Funding Partner Service, they may seek to have this examined and a conclusion reached through the Core Funding Fee Review Process. For the 2026/2027 Programme Year, this process is being conducted by the National Fee Review Team (NFRT), as well as members of the Department who will reach decisions on individual cases.
In instances where a fee increase is identified through a Fee Review process, sanctions will vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case. However, if a determination is made that there has been a breach of the Core Funding rules, a Partner Service may be asked to provide evidence of remediation of any breach of the Core Funding rules within the allowed time period of 60 working days. Evidence of remediation may include the provision of evidence that demonstrates that a Partner Service has:
• Restored fees to the correct level, if applicable.
• Informed and refunded all parents who have been overcharged the full amount that they have overpaid, or agreed a repayment plan with them, if applicable.
• Updated the relevant Fee Table and Parent Statement for Partner Services on the Early Years Hive, posted them in public locations on the premises, and emailed them to all parents as required by the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement, if applicable.
Failure to provide evidence of remediation may result in the Minister terminating the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement. Funding may remain suspended until such a time as a determination has been made and the Partner Service has provided a Declaration and supporting evidence to the Department and/or Scheme Administrator to demonstrate its compliance with the outcome of the Fee Review Process. Should the Partner Service fail to submit the Declaration and supporting evidence within the 60 days and by the end of the programme year, any suspended funding may be forfeited.
In the event that an individual wishes to raise a concern regarding a potential breach in fee conditions, the first step is to reach out to their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC). (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/).
Further detail on this process is available in the Guidelines on Fee Management section on the Early Years Hive: Guidelines on Fee Management - Service Provider Portal (www.earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/Fee-Review-Process-Guidelines-for-2026-2027-Programme-Year.pdf
687. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications that have been received for support under the Sustainability Fund within her Department in each of the years since it was introduced; the number in each year approved; and the associated monetary amount paid to each provider. [51887/26]
View answerSustainability funding is not accessed through a direct application process. The Department oversees a case management process, through which local City and County Childcare Committee (CCCs) and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to all Core Funding Partner Services experiencing difficulties, and through which Sustainability Funding may be granted should the need arise.
Under the direction of the Department, Pobal co-ordinate the overall case management process with the CCC administering on-the-ground case management assistance. This can include help for services with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.
In some instances, financial supports through Sustainability Funding may be appropriate, in tandem with this case management process. Pobal undertake a detailed financial review of any service wishing to access sustainability funding to assess their financial eligibility and need for funding. At the conclusion of this process, Pobal decide based on the funding criteria and the information gathered whether to recommend sustainability funding. These recommendations come to the Department for decision.
Please see a breakdown of the financial supports received by Early Years and School Age Childcare Services since 2018 in tabular form.
|
Year |
Approved |
|
2018 |
3 |
|
2019 |
7 |
|
2020 |
7 |
|
2021 |
3 |
|
2022 |
2 |
|
2023 |
5 |
|
2024 |
20 |
|
2025 |
22 |
|
2026 |
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please see below breakdown of amounts paid out towards each funding request in each of the years named above.
|
Year |
Application No. |
Amount Paid |
|
2018 |
1 |
€2,921.25 |
|
|
2 |
€4,944.00 |
|
|
3 |
€4,700.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
1 |
€18,384.00 |
|
|
2 |
€5,362.80 |
|
|
3 |
€11,100.75 |
|
|
4 |
€8,000.00 |
|
|
5 |
€3,001.80 |
|
|
6 |
€16,795.00 |
|
|
7 |
€14,910.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
1 |
€18,725.00 |
|
|
2 |
€15,709.15 |
|
|
3 |
€17,679.58 |
|
|
4 |
€14,640.00 |
|
|
5 |
€17,027.00 |
|
|
6 |
€21,988.00 |
|
|
7 |
€9,936.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
1 |
€17,460.30 |
|
|
2 |
€17,253.42 |
|
|
3 |
€6,638.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
1 |
€21,024 |
|
|
2 |
€21,066 |
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
1 |
€3,750.00 |
|
|
2 |
€9,980.00 |
|
|
3 |
€31,762.00 |
|
|
4 |
€23,117.00 |
|
|
5 |
€564.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
1 |
€3,082 |
|
|
2 |
€13,378 |
|
|
3 |
€8,521 |
|
|
4 |
€37,643 |
|
|
5 |
€7,553 |
|
|
6 |
€8,379 |
|
|
7 |
€8,213 |
|
|
8 |
€11,563 |
|
|
9 |
€4,920 |
|
|
10 |
€20,143 |
|
|
11 |
€2,430 |
|
|
12 |
€17,483 |
|
|
13 |
€12,546 |
|
|
14 |
€9,708 |
|
|
15 |
€32,393 |
|
|
16 |
€8,000 |
|
|
17 |
€42,929 |
|
|
18 |
€26,302 |
|
|
19 |
€7,545 |
|
|
20 |
€3,063 |
|
|
|
|
|
2025 |
1 |
€44,679 |
|
|
2 |
€2,447 |
|
|
3 |
€12,000 |
|
|
4 |
€5,500 |
|
|
5 |
€3,709 |
|
|
6 |
€22,049 |
|
|
7 |
€7,380 |
|
|
8 |
€128,994 |
|
|
9 |
€10,080 |
|
|
10 |
€8,395 |
|
|
11 |
€5,670 |
|
|
12 |
€5,290 |
|
|
13 |
€8,934 |
|
|
14 |
€25,743 |
|
|
15 |
€4,487 |
|
|
16 |
€8,963 |
|
|
17 |
€4,500 |
|
|
18 |
€4,310 |
|
|
19 |
€12,319 |
|
|
20 |
€82,057 |
|
|
21 |
€15,510 |
|
|
22 |
€2,455 |
|
|
|
|
|
2026 |
Application No. |
Funding Allocated |
Funding Paid as at 06/07/2026 |
|
|
1 |
€6,210.00 |
€6,210.00 |
|
|
2 |
€3,605.25 |
€3,597.75 |
|
|
3 |
€15,000.00 |
€0.00 |
|
|
4 |
€10,000.00 |
€0.00 |
|
|
5 |
€3,000.00 |
€0.00 |
|
|
6 |
€15,182.00 |
€12,858.00 |
|
|
7 |
€16,489.00 |
€9,481.00 |
|
|
8 |
€73,626.00 |
€68,578.00 |
|
|
9 |
€44,308.00 |
€0.00 |
|
|
10 |
€57,793.00 |
€0.00 |
|
|
11 |
€16,000.00 |
€12,042.00 |
|
|
12 |
€19,689.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
|
13 |
€340.69 |
€340.69 |
|
|
14 |
€22,758.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
|
15 |
€14,557.00 |
€0.00 |
|
|
16 |
€193,490.78 |
€161,242.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
It should be noted that while some services do not meet the eligibility requirements for Sustainability Funding, all ineligible services can continue to avail of the non-financial supports through the Case Management Process should they choose to. If a services circumstances change, they may be re-assessed for Sustainability Funding and can seek this through their CCC.
If any service has viability concerns, the Department encourages them to reach out to their local CCC to start availing of supports through the case management process.
688. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the nature of funding support sought under successful applications under the Sustainability Fund within her Department in each of the years since it was introduced. [51888/26]
View answerThe sustainability fund for service providers is a support mechanism introduced to ensure the stability and viability of early learning and childcare services for those participating in the Core Funding model. The fund is accessed through a collaborative process involving the service, their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC), and Pobal, who assess financial eligibility and need.
Once a service engages with their local CCC they will be able to avail of sustainability supports through the case management process.
Please find below a list of supports issued to providers since 2018 along with a short explanation for each strand of support provided.
|
Year |
Types of Funding Supports Approved |
|
2018 |
• Early Intervention |
|
2019 |
• Rural and Isolated Services • Early Intervention • Over claim Regularisation |
|
2020 |
• Emergency Relocation • Early Intervention • Over claim Regularisation |
|
2021 |
• Emergency Relocation • Early Intervention • Over claim Regularisation |
|
2022 |
• Early Intervention • Over claim Regularisation |
|
2023 |
• Operational funding • Early Intervention |
|
2024 |
• Emergency Relocation • Early Intervention • Rural and Isolated Services • Operational funding • Over claim Regularisation |
|
2025 |
• Emergency Relocation • Early Intervention • Operational funding • Over claim Regularisation • Emergency Capital |
|
2026
|
• Emergency Relocation • Early Intervention • Operational funding • Emergency Capital |
Emergency Relocation Supports
Emergency Relocation Supports provide community not-for-profit services experiencing financial difficulty, due to a need to relocate on an emergency basis, with additional once off funding to support the costs of rent and associated moving costs.
Rural and Isolated Services Support
This is a support for ELC/SAC Services Providers experiencing threats to their sustainability that are already potentially critical. The funding is designed to support the continued provision of ELC/SAC Services Providers in rural communities and encourage efficiency by providing governance and business model supports to support the long-term sustainability and safeguard investment.
Early Intervention Supports
Early Intervention Support aid ELC/SAC Service Providers to effectively manage non-critical sustainability challenges. The funding is designed to prevent the further escalation of issues/concerns. Early Intervention Supports will target more self-contained issues concerning a specific problem e.g., legal advice or HR advice.
Transitional Support Consultant Support
The Transitional Support Consultant (TSC) strand is designed to support Community, not-for-profit ELC/SAC services experiencing critical sustainability challenges that require specialist external expertise to resolve. The TSC is an External Expert hired to work directly with the Board of Directors to address specific sustainability threats.
Overclaims Regularisation Support
The strand is intended to provide operational funding or a net off against a Programme Funding overclaim to ELC/SAC Service Providers with significant Overclaims who may be facing cashflow or sustainability challenges to support the continued provision of childcare.
Operational Funding Support
This is a transitional support for Community ELC/SAC Service Providers experiencing or at risk of a cash flow crisis intended to support them through a period of necessary change or reform or acute external pressure.
Operational Funding Support for Core Funding Beneficiaries
The purpose of the Sustainability Funding Strand 12 Operational Funding Support for Core Funding Beneficiaries is to support the sustainability of Early Learning and Care (ELC), School Age Childcare (SAC) services who are experiencing sustainability issues in the current programme year, by providing both financial and operational supports. Operational Funding Support for Core Funding Beneficiaries is available to both private and community based ELC/Sac partner services.
Sustainability Fund for Emergency Capital Support
The sustainability fund for emergency capital support was made available to community childcare services in 2025. The purpose of sustainability funding for emergency capital support is to assist the completion of minor essential or emergency capital works in Community Early Learning & Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) settings that are Core Funding Partner Services.
689. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount set aside for the Sustainability Fund in her Department in each of the years since it was introduced; and the amount paid out in each of those years, in tabular form. [51889/26]
View answerPlease see a breakdown of the budget allocations and financial supports received by Early Years and School Age Childcare Services via the Sustainability fund since 2018. The table also includes expenditure on Sustainability Fund Emergency Capital programme since 2025 in tabular form.
|
Year |
Budget |
Paid |
|
2018 |
€1,700,000 |
€12,565 |
|
2019 |
€1,700,000 |
€77,554 |
|
2020 |
€2,200,000 |
€115,704 |
|
2021 |
€2,200,000 |
€41,352 |
|
2022 |
€2,150,000 |
€42,090 |
|
2023 |
€1,778,000 |
€69,173 |
|
2024 |
€1,565,000 |
€285,795 |
|
2025 |
€1,275,000 |
€126,986 |
|
2025** |
€1,100,000 |
€289,336 |
|
2026 |
€775,000 |
€125,267 |
|
2026** |
€600,000 |
€174,083 |
** Sustainability Fund Emergency Capital. Funding to support the completion of essential/emergency capital works in Community Early Learning & Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) settings that are Core Funding Partner Services.
If any service has viability concerns, the Department encourages them to reach out to their local CCC to start availing of supports through the case management process.
690. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the grounds on which applications for funding under the Sustainability Fund were refused in each application since the fund was introduced. [51890/26]
View answerThe Department oversees a case management process, through which local City and County Childcare Committee (CCCs) and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to all Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Care (SAC) services experiencing difficulties, and through which Sustainability Funding may be granted should the need arise.
Under the direction of the Department, Pobal co-ordinate the overall case management process with the CCC administering on-the-ground case management assistance. This can include help for services with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.
In some instances, financial supports through Sustainability Funding may be appropriate, in tandem with this case management process. Pobal undertake a detailed financial review of any service wishing to apply for sustainability funding in order to assess their financial eligibility and need for funding. At the conclusion of this process, Pobal decide on the basis of the funding criteria and the information gathered whether or not to recommend sustainability funding. These recommendations come to the Department for decision.
Partner Services not approved for Sustainability funding.
|
Year |
Number of Services |
Grounds for not receiving sustainability funding |
|
2018 |
0 |
|
|
2019 |
0 |
|
|
2020 |
0 |
|
|
2021 |
0 |
|
|
2022 |
2 |
Did not meet the financial Eligibility Criteria |
|
2023 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
3 |
Did not meet the financial Eligibility Criteria |
It should be noted that while these services did not meet the eligibility requirements for Sustainability Funding, all ineligible services can continue to avail of the non-financial operational supports through the Case Management Process should they choose to. If a services circumstances change, they may be re-assessed for Sustainability Funding and can seek this through their CCC.
If any service has viability concerns, I would encourage them to reach out to their local CCC to start availing of supports through the case management process.
691. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has engaged, or intends to engage, with An Post regarding the future of the former delivery service unit on Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9; whether consideration has been given to the site for childcare, disability or family support services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51894/26]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
692. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Health the safeguards that exist to prevent vulnerable adults being effectively excluded from routine medical and financial decisions due to overly rigid interpretations of consent requirements in everyday settings such as GP surgeries, dental clinics, and financial institutions. [51595/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
693. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the percentage of all CervicalCheck samples that will be now processed in the National Cervical Screening Laboratory; the percentage that will be sent abroad; and the laboratories they will be sent to, in tabular form. [50772/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
694. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the percentage of all CervicalCheck samples over the past five years that have been processed in Ireland; the percentage that have been sent abroad; and laboratories they have been sent to, in tabular form. [50773/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
695. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the contingency arrangements that exist if the Dublin CervicalCheck lab experiences cyberattack, staff shortage, or equipment failure. [50774/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
696. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the percentage of CervicalCheck slides that undergo double reading or secondary review. [50775/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
697. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the recommendations of the Scally Report that have been fully implemented, are currently being implemented, or are yet to begin implementation. [50776/26]
View answer698. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to increase public confidence in CervicalCheck. [50777/26]
View answer699. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the reason the CervicalCheck centre is not working at capacity; and her plans for future staffing and resources. [50778/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 697, 698 and 699 together.
As Minister for Health, I am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
All actions arising from the 58 recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into CervicalCheck are completed and integrated into standard programmes and governance structures. The final progress review i.e. Review of the Implementation of Recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme (2022)(www.assets.gov.ie/static/documents/b4a27a68-review-of-the-implementation-of-recommendations-of-the-scoping-inquiry-into-t.pdf) stated that: “women can have confidence in and should take full advantage of the cervical screening programme. It has saved many women's lives and will continue to do so.”
A key element of the Government's commitment to enhancing CervicalCheck services has been the establishment of the National Cervical Screening Laboratory (NCSL), which was allocated funding of over €20m. Currently, the NCSL processes approximately 25% of CervicalCheck screening samples taken in primary care, representing a significant increase from 13.5% in 2024. Over time, it will become the main provider and a centre of excellence for screening, education and research.
The HSE has indicated that staffing expansion is planned, subject to approval and funding, to support its continued phased growth and development. Any funding requirements will be considered in the context of the budgetary processes.
A second laboratory will continue to be key to the delivery of a quality-assured national population screening programme. This approach ensures the necessary safeguards and is endorsed by the Review of the Implementation of Recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme (2022). In that final report, it was noted that an “excellent system of Quality Assurance for laboratories” is now in place. It also states that “it will be essential to have at least two providers of laboratory services” to ensure continuity of service and mitigate risks from having just one provider.
CervicalCheck provides free primary HPV cervical screening for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 29 every three years, and every five years for those aged 30 to 65. The programme is operating effectively, and screening invitations are issued in line with scheduled intervals. Participation rates remain high, with uptake consistently above 75%, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 70% as part of its global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer. Building on this progress, CervicalCheck is now working towards an ambitious target of 80% coverage. Ireland was among the first countries to commit to the WHO’s global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer (www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nss/cervical-cancer-elimination/). Ireland is on track to reach this target by 2040, demonstrating leadership in this area. We are in a strong position to meet the global targets, reflecting the strong progress achieved in HPV vaccination, cervical screening and cancer treatment services. Ensuring public confidence in these services, and that women’s voices inform policy development and implementation, is embedded in the implementation of Ireland’s Roadmap for Cervical Cancer Elimination. This work is underpinned by extensive stakeholder engagement, particularly with patients and advocacy groups, ensuring that lived experience is central to policy development and service reform.
The National Screening Service continues to undertake significant work with communities to build trust, address barriers to access and support informed participation in screening (www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nss/equity-in-screening/), which contributes to improved awareness and increased participation, particularly among underserved populations.
Cervical screening is for people without symptoms, any women experiencing symptoms, regardless of age, should contact their GP for appropriate follow-up.
700. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health to consider introducing measures to assist nursing home residents who need to attend hospital appointments but can only be transported by ambulance due to their medical condition, given the significant cost of ambulance transfers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50779/26]
View answerAs this question pertains to an operational matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
701. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the additional funding allocated to adult mental health services in County Cavan in each of the past three years; and the extent to which this funding has resulted in increased staffing and service capacity. [50780/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
702. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulatory assessment spaces currently within the accident and emergency department of Mullingar Regional Hospital. [50785/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
703. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the WTE staff by job title posts currently filled at regional endometriosis services at Coombe Hospital, in tabular form. [50782/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
704. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the level of investment in mental health infrastructure in County Kilkenny for each of the years from 2023 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [50783/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
705. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant haematologists based at St. James's Hospital as of 29 June 2026; if she will provide the same figures as of 1 July 2023, in tabular form. [50784/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
