Shay Brennan
Question:121. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the plan to increase ICU bed capacity by at least a further 100 beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48059/26]
View answerHealthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (121)
Written answers
The Government is committed to increasing critical care capacity for patients with life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
This is being achieved through the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Critical Care. The Plan aims to increase national capacity over two phases, from a baseline of 258, to 458 adult critical care beds.
To date, progress has been substantial. Under the Phase 1 of the Strategic Plan, over €80 million has been allocated and 88 additional critical care beds have been opened. These beds are supported by over 800 newly recruited, highly skilled staff.
Most recently, in January 2026 a new six-bed critical care ward in St. Vincent's University Hospital was opened. This brings national capacity to 346 beds, a 34% increase under the Strategic Plan. 6 further beds are included in the HSE Service Plan and this will complete Phase 1.
An additional 106 beds at five priority hospital sites are envisaged in Phase 2 of the Strategic Plan and these projects are at various stages of the capital planning processes.
These capital builds will be delivered over a number of years. This reflects the scale of these buildings, decant of existing accommodation, approval processes, construction, equipping and commissioning.
Their completion will bring capacity to 458 beds and exceed the recommendations of the 2018 Health Service Capacity Review.
Pharmacy Services
Questions (122)
Martin Daly
Question:122. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the total value of overpayments identified by the PCRS in respect of phased dispensing claims by community pharmacies in each of the past five years; the amount recovered to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47848/26]
View answerWritten answers
Referred to the HSE who have operational responsibility of payments to contractors and associated probity arrangements.
Health Services
Questions (123)
Sorca Clarke
Question:123. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the expected opening date for each of the promised perinatal mother and baby units; the current status of each project; whether any delays have arisen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51120/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services (SPMHS) is now available in all 19 maternity hospitals nationwide, providing support to pregnant women and women with a baby up to one year old, with an existing or new mental health problem. Funding of €5 million annually has established 6 consultant led multidisciplinary teams across major maternity hospitals (Coombe, NMH, Rotunda, Galway, Cork, Limerick), and 13 spoke sites staffed by perinatal mental health midwife posts. There are now over 75 funded posts in SPMHS nationally.
Under Budget 2026, I secured an additional €640,000 to recruit two additional consultant psychiatrists for the Programme’s busiest sites, the Rotunda and Holles Street, to meet growing demand for the service.
The HSE are progressing a review of the Model of Care for SPMHS, with a Steering Group due to be established shortly and a refreshed model published later this year. The key objective of this refresh is the provision of equivalent service to the major hospital sites as for the other 13 spoke sites, and this will be the focus of this second phase of the Model of Care.
A key priority for SPMHS is to develop a Perinatal Mother and Baby Unit (PMBU). Work is ongoing by the HSE to progress the development of an PMBU for Ireland, an inpatient mental health service with relevant maternity support to allow women to stay with their babies during their mental health treatment.
To meet the needs of new mothers with moderate to severe mental illness, the PMBU must be sited at a location with access to a maternity hospital as well as an acute mental health unit. This will ensure there is always mental health and maternity expertise available. As such, the PMBU will be developed on the grounds of St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, and a location has been determined within the campus. HSE Estates are working with HSE Mental Health Services on the next key decisions to progress the project as soon as possible.
In addition, HSE Mid-West are progressing plans for six-bed Perinatal Mental Health Unit on the St Joseph’s Hospital campus in Limerick.
With reference to the information requested as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (124)
Brian Brennan
Question:124. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the progress of the new Gorey Primary Health Centre; the current status of the project; the timeline for next steps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52221/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Ambulance Service
Questions (125)
Cathal Crowe
Question:125. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if she intends to establish an air ambulance service in the mid-west of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51847/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (126)
Cathy Bennett
Question:126. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the routes through which people in Monaghan can access mental health supports. [52260/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Questions (127)
Colm Burke
Question:127. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if, following increase in income thresholds for carer’s allowance eligibility, that the medical card income threshold eligibility for carers and those being cared for would rise in line with this increase to ensure that carers who are now eligible in light of this expansion are not disadvantaged when it comes to applying for medical cards or that those who now apply to become carers will not lose their medical cards upon being granted the allowance; whether she has discussed this with the Minister for Social Protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52150/26]
View answerWritten answers
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 a week and still qualify for a card.
Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account.
Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. However, it should be noted that those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high medical costs.
It should be noted that Carer’s Allowance is not included as an assessable income in the medical card assessment process.
I can assure the Deputy that, in order to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any proposals are considered in the context of any potential broader implications for Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and legislative requirements arising.
Home Care Packages
Questions (128)
Liam Quaide
Question:128. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if she will intervene to prevent reported restrictions on HSE home support services in Dublin South City, Dublin South-West, Dublin West, Kildare and West Wicklow; whether people assessed as having high levels of need are now being refused home support unless they are deemed to be in critical urgent need or require palliative end-of-life care; whether similar formal or informal restrictions, prioritisation thresholds, waiting-list pauses or reductions in home support approvals are currently operating in any other HSE region; the number of older people and disabled people affected, broken down by HSE region; the additional funding and staffing required to ensure that people can continue to live safely at home rather than being pushed into hospitals or nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52223/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (129)
Paul Murphy
Question:129. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she believes that sick children should be treated equally irrespective of their parents’ ability to pay for healthcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52179/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides for two categories of eligibility for people ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical cards holders) and limited eligibility (all others). Full eligibility is assessed by the HSE and determined primarily by reference to income limits. Apart from prescribed drugs and medicines, which are subject to a prescription charge, public health services are provided free of charge to medical card holders.
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.
It should be noted that all children for whom a Domiciliary Care Allowance is paid and children under 18 diagnosed with cancer qualify automatically for a medical card. Furthermore, GP visit card eligibility was extended from all children under 6 to children under 8 and public inpatient charges in public hospitals have been abolished.
Laboratory Facilities
Questions (130)
Edward Timmins
Question:130. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to ensure adequate oversight of the increase in the outsourcing of routine laboratory tests to commercial laboratories (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48296/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (131)
Keira Keogh
Question:131. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to improve access to crisis mental health services in rural areas of Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44123/26]
View answerWritten answers
Crisis 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.
As the question raises operational issues, I have also referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Health Service Executive
Questions (132)
Erin McGreehan
Question:132. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that the HSE is fully implementing its National Guidelines on Accessible Health and Social Care Services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48258/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (133)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:133. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Health for an update on the development of a primary care centre for Kanturk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52174/26]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (134)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:134. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health when a sexual assault treatment unit will be established in the mid-west; if Nenagh primary care centre will be the location for the unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48221/26]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (135)
Willie O'Dea
Question:135. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the way in which she will ensure greater access to diagnostics in the evenings and weekends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48061/26]
View answerWritten answers
This Government recognises that timely access to diagnostics is essential to ensuring patients receive the care they need, when they need it.
There is a clear need to make greater use of diagnostic capacity across evenings and weekends to improve patient access, support earlier diagnosis and treatment, and contribute to reduced waiting times.
Providing services across a broader working week is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and a major reform deliverable under the Productivity and Savings Taskforce. The expansion of diagnostic capacity outside traditional working hours forms an important part of this work.
The Public Only Consultant Contract provides the contractual basis for consultant-led care across extended hours Monday to Friday and on Saturdays. In respect of non-consultant staff, a Framework Agreement is in place for extending working hours with trade unions, supporting the broader adoption of extended services.
Implementation of extended day and weekend services has now begun in various forms across the six health regions. For example, at University Hospital Limerick, additional rostering of consultants, radiographers and porters over an extended ten-day period delivered 272 additional CT scans, 60 additional MRI scans and 86 additional ultrasound examinations.
The focus now is to ensure that extended-day and weekend diagnostic services are delivered consistently across hospital sites so that patients can benefit from faster access to diagnostics and treatment.
Emergency Departments
Questions (136)
Tom Brabazon
Question:136. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health for an update on the proposed new emergency department for Beaumont Hospital; and the current stage this proposal is at and the expected timeline for the delivery of this essential project. [47946/26]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Dental Services
Questions (137, 199)
Barry Ward
Question:137. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the options available to medical card holders over the age of 18 who require orthodontic treatment but cannot afford private care; and whether she will outline plans to address unmet orthodontic needs among adults in the public health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51540/26]
View answer
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:199. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health her plans to tackle the waiting list for orthodontist care for children now not being seen throughout primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48000/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 199 together.
At present, the HSE Oral Healthcare Service aims to provide an oral examination and necessary treatment for children at up to three intervals, targeting ages approximating to second and sixth class and, in some cases, fourth class. Emergency care is provided for children of all ages up to 16. Orthodontic treatment is offered to those who have the greatest level of need and have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. If a child is determined to be grade 4 or grade 5 on the modified IOTN index, they will be placed on a waiting list and offered treatment through the HSE, regardless if they are over the age of 16 when treatment begins.
There are challenges in the provision of dental services, including for children, and patients are waiting longer than they should have to, to access care. The Government has invested €20 million between 2022 and 2025 to support access to children’s orthodontic treatment. This funding has seen the creation of a new initiative supporting access to jaw surgery for orthodontic patients and the transfer of over 5500 patients into private, community-based orthodontic treatment. A further €2.85m is being invested this year to continue these successful orthodontic treatment waiting list initiatives and enable children to access orthodontic care.
Service users may also avail of private healthcare services at any time. However, the HSE is not able to reimburse patients once they have begun treatment privately. Patients or parents who pay for dental services from a private practitioner may claim tax relief for non-routine dental treatment such as orthodontics via Revenue's Med2 Scheme.
I acknowledge that the current system, which was developed in the 1990s in response to the identified oral healthcare needs at that time, needs to be modernised and aligned with current needs.
I am determined to ease the pressure people are facing now in accessing oral healthcare services, including orthodontics. In practical terms, that means improving access to oral healthcare through the public system—especially for children and adult medical card holders. My Department and the HSE are finalising a focused two-year action plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.
The plan will focus on a small number of clear priorities:
• Cut waiting lists in the School Dental Programme and orthodontics
• Strengthen and expand the Special Access Programme
• Reviewing and improving the Dental Treatment Services Scheme
• Support recruitment, education and training
• Support innovation and new ways of delivering care
Over the next two years, the aim is to stabilise services, reduce waiting times, and make access measurably better for patients—while laying the groundwork for longer-term reform.
Hospital Equipment
Questions (138)
Seán Kyne
Question:138. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if she is aware there is no PET scanner located in University Hospital Galway; her plans to ensure this is rectified; whether she accepts that a PET scanner is vital in a model four hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50876/26]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE have advised that while there is no PET scanner on site at University Hospital Galway, there is an agreement to provide PET scans to patients at other sites. At present, patients in the HSE West and North West region are referred to the local private hospital (Blackrock Health Galway Clinic) or to a Dublin Hospital for PET scans.
Options to deliver additional PET scanning capacity are being examined, this includes sourcing additional services by third party suppliers.
A Development Control Plan for the Merlin Park Campus is currently being developed and PET scanning facilities are being considered as part of the overall radiology brief to be included in the Development Control Plan. The phased sequencing for delivering individual projects on the Campus has yet to be finalised. This phasing will factor in Department of Health and HSE priorities, the urgency of clinical and service needs and affordability including speed of delivery.
Hospital Overcrowding
Questions (139)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:139. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the action she will undertake to address the serious overcrowding concerns highlighted by HIQA during its recent summer inspection of Mayo University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52284/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (140)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:140. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the specific targets in place to reduce waiting times for gynaecology services over 2026 and 2027, in light of the continued increase in referrals; the factors informing these targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52183/26]
View answerWritten answers
It is acknowledged that many women are waiting too long for gynaecology appointments. I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I published the Waiting Time Action Plan (WTAP) for 2026 as part of this Government’s ongoing commitment to improving access to hospital care and reducing waiting times for all patients.
Since the commencement of the multi-annual Action Plan approach in September 2021, significant progress has been made in reducing the length of time patients are waiting.
With the 2026 plan, we will continue to build upon the progress delivered to date under the multi annual action plan approach, moving towards the ultimate vision of a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
To improve access to services and ensure a more sustainable gynaecology service, the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) has developed an Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care which centres on the establishment of a network of one-stop “see and treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics. The development of ambulatory gynaecology clinics is:
• helping to improve access to gynaecology services;
• reducing the requirement for multiple gynaecology appointments;
• ensuring sustainability of service provision into the future given the very significant waiting lists for this specialty;
• and importantly, helping to improve clinical outcomes.
It is estimated that approximately 30%-40% of general gynaecology referrals are suitable for management in the ambulatory setting. Developing ambulatory clinics is integral to help reduce the need for women to have multiple gynaecology appointments for a single episode of care, as is currently the case with the traditional model of care following GP referral.
In 2024 there were 20,097 new patients seen in ambulatory clinics, increasing by 21% to 24,336 new patients in 2025 which will increase further in 2026 as the service expands.
There are currently 19 “see and treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics open and more in development, which will ultimately result in 21 ambulatory gynaecology clinics nationally.
These clinics are having a direct impact on overall gynaecology waiting lists and times.
In May 2026, 77% of women were waiting six months or less for a gynaecology outpatient appointment in comparison to 55% in September 2021. This is despite overall general gynaecology referrals more than doubling from just over 50,000 in 2020 to almost 110,000 in 2025.
The waiting time targets for gynaecology appointments for 2026, and for all specialities, as set out in the 2026 WTAP include:
• Increasing the proportion of patients waiting less that the Sláintecare wait time targets to 50% for outpatient appointments and inpatient & day case procedures; and to 65% for GI Scopes.
• Reducing the weighted average wait time to < 5.5 months for outpatients and inpatient & day case and to < 3.5 months for GI Scopes; and
• Having 90% of patients waiting less than 12 months for first access to outpatient services.
In 2026, through extended service hours and additional capacity, we will continue to reduce the length of time people are waiting for planned care, bringing us closer to the Sláintecare target of no patient waiting more than 10 weeks for an OPD appointment or more than 12 weeks for an IPDC procedure.
Patient Safety
Questions (141)
David Cullinane
Question:141. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health whether she will establish an independent external review of the governance and patient safety concerns arising from alleged incidents in the ambulance service which have been highlighted to her by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52163/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health was contacted last year in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy. Given the nature of the correspondence, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the HSE was requested to examine the matter and meet with the person raising the concerns. That meeting took place in November 2025. Following that, the former CEO confirmed to the Department that he was satisfied that he had appropriately enquired into and taken action in relation to the concerns expressed to him. My Department considers that this matter has been examined at the most senior level in the HSE and appropriately addressed through the relevant processes.
Hospital Services
Questions (142)
Mark Ward
Question:142. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the inquiry in children’s care in CHI; the number of groups representing scoliosis care that have withdrawn from the inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52156/26]
View answerWritten answers
I appointed Mr Remy Farrell, Senior Counsel as the independent facilitator for the Children’s Health Ireland Inquiry into Spina Bifida and Complex Scoliosis Services Scoping Exercise. I remain committed to supporting the facilitation process and encourage all stakeholders to engage fully with the facilitator as his work continues.
The scoping exercise is considering existing information, consulting with stakeholders, seeking to avoid duplication with other relevant reports or statutory processes and will make recommendations regarding the scope, breadth and format of an inquiry and the content of potential terms of reference.
Work commenced on Tuesday 3 March 2026 initially running for up to 16 weeks. The facilitator wrote to me last week requesting an extension to conduct his scoping exercise, in particular, to attempt to further reengage with stakeholders. I granted this request until 18th August. The facilitator has engaged with a number of patient advocate groups, CHI and HSE management, and the Department of Health.
I am aware that the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group and the Scoliosis Advocacy Network have indicated that they are withdrawing from the process. I am also aware that Scoliosis Ireland has indicated to the facilitator that they will not be participating in the exercise.
Once the scoping exercise is complete, further Government approval will be sought for the final terms of reference. The inquiry will form a part of the wider reflection on paediatric services in CHI.
Community Care
Questions (143)
Michael Murphy
Question:143. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health for an urgent update on the proposed new 60-bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) in Cashel, County Tipperary; to outline the current status of the site selection process; whether the site option appraisal and architect’s report referenced in correspondence of November 2025 have now been finalised; if a preferred site has been identified; the reasons for the delay in progressing beyond draft stage as indicated in January 2026; the status of any property acquisition process being undertaken by the HSE; when local public representatives will be briefed on the outcome of the appraisal process; and the expected timeline for progression to design, planning, and construction stages. [41535/26]
View answer
Reply not received from Department.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (144)
Brian Brennan
Question:144. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health the measures she is taking to incentivise GPs and dentists to enter into private practice in communities to meet current demand and provide a service for people who do not have access to general medical and dental services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52225/26]
View answerWritten answers
GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. GMS GPs also provide GP services to patients who do not hold a medical card or GP visit on a private basis. Furthermore, as per the GMS contract, GMS GPs must ensure there is no discrimination or differentiation between the treatment of medical card or GP visit card holders and private patients within the practice.
As per the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to increasing the number of GPs practicing across the country and thereby improving access to GP services to all patients.
Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The Agreements provide for, amongst other things, increased GP capitation fees, increased and new supports for practices, as well as new fees for additional services. Specific supports are available for eligible practices in rural areas and in areas of urban social deprivation. These measures make working in general practice in Ireland more attractive.
The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. The number of new entrant training places is to increase again this year by 50 places to 400. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years. Furthermore, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme, which targets the placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas.
Looking forward, a Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway, led by my Department and with support from the HSE. The review is examining the issues effecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will consider further possible mechanisms to attract GPs to rural and underserved areas. When completed the review will set out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.
In terms of incentivising dentists to enter into private practice, I am determined to improve access to dental services for patients. This will be done by utilising public and private capacity. My Department and the HSE are finalising a focused two-year Oral Health Action Plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.
It will focus on a small number of clear priorities:
• Cut waiting lists in the School Dental Programme and orthodontics
• Strengthen and expand the Special Access Programme
• Reviewing and improving the Dental Treatment Services Scheme
• Support recruitment, education and training
• Support innovation and new ways of delivering care
Over the next two years, the aim is to stabilise services, reduce waiting times, and make access measurably better for patients—while laying the groundwork for longer-term reform.
In terms of longer-term reform this will be achieved through implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte, which sets out a number of actions that will help establish and support oral healthcare services in the community and throughout the country. One of these actions is to develop a programme to support dentists and/or other oral healthcare professionals serving rural and other underserved areas.