Written Answers Nos. 145-165
145. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of instances in 2023, 2024 and 2025 where ambulances in Cavan and Monaghan did not arrive within the targeted timeframe; and the longest period that a person waited. [52259/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
146. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the engagement with the HSE in relation to the provision of private maternity care in public hospitals by consultants under the new public contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51849/26]
View answerI and the Government are fully committed to the implementation and enforcement of the Public Only Consultant Contract. POCC holders are not permitted to engage in private practice within public hospitals. This position is unequivocal. There are no exemptions, arrangements or deviations from the terms of the contract.
The Office of the Chief People Officer in the HSE is currently carrying out a site-by-site review of compliance with the POCC and has committed to publishing that review once it has been complete. The HSE has also established a National Programme of Action to standardise and strengthen reporting on POCC and to accelerate implementation across all regions and services. Where deviations are identified, such as in the Rotunda hospital, I have been clear that immediate action must be taken to ensure full compliance.
My objective is clear: the Public Only Consultant Contract must mean more timely care, more senior decision makers on site, better access to services outside traditional hours, and improved service delivery for public patients. The Rotunda and Cork University Maternity Hospitals have confirmed Informal private financial arrangements between consultants, including payments or “gifts” for patient cover, has now ceased. When examples of a breach have come to light, they are and will continue to be stopped as quickly as possible.
147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health to outline her plans to invest in adult community mental health services in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50874/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
148. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if she will intervene to ensure that the HSE urgently prioritises a conclusion to the Skyclarys reimbursement negotiations, given that it is the only available treatment for this progressive disease, which currently can be classed as having an “unmet need” as outlined in the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30662/26]
View answer149. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the recruitment taking place to staff the regional orthodontic centre based at the Louth County Hospital in Dundalk; the number of category 5 patients who are currently waiting on treatment on this list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50984/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
150. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Health to provide a full update on the new 83 bed paediatric wing at Cork University Hospital; and the estimated timeline for construction and completion. [52170/26]
View answerCork University Hospital (CUH) has significant ambitions for the campus, including expanded inpatient bed capacity and Phase 2 of the paediatric unit. The new surgical hub is complete and due to open at the end of September 2026.
Phase 1 of the new Paediatric Department at CUH has been delivered and operational since 2017, providing dedicated paediatric outpatient accommodation, including dedicated facilities for paediatric cystic fibrosis outpatients.
Phase 2 will focus on Paediatric Inpatient Accommodation. When completed, the new paediatric unit will deliver 82 much-needed new and replacement inpatient beds. The paediatric development is part of the first phase of major campus developments at CUH of significant scale, cost, and complexity. A considerable amount of planning has been undertaken to ensure developments, such as the paediatric unit, are right-sized, clinically and health-planning informed, achievable and, ultimately, affordable.
The design of the building has been finalised for a five-storey extension to the existing paediatric unit, to provide, among other things, 82 paediatric in-patient bedrooms with high dependency units, palliative care suites, and haematology bed spaces. The tender process for a contractor to deliver the project closed on 10 July 2026.
Subject to the validation of the tenders and determination of a successful tenderer, it is expected that the construction work will commence in Q4 2026. The construction period will be determined by the successful contractor’s programme.
In parallel, a substantial package of enabling works has been under way since 2024 to support both the paediatric unit and the wider redevelopment of the CUH campus. These works included the design and construction of a new internal road with a large retaining wall at the rear of the site, and the introduction of a one-way traffic system so that construction traffic can be managed alongside the existing traffic on site.
Works are ongoing at present to clear existing structures on the location of the new paediatric unit. These works will include the demolition of an existing ward and storage wing. The laboratory and welfare accommodation will also be relocated to allow for construction of the new paediatric unit.
151. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the way in which she is continuing the transition to regular hospital care being available to patients seven-days-a-week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48060/26]
View answerThis Government recognises that people fall ill seven days a week and must be able to access key healthcare services when they need them.
There is a clear need to expand health services across weekends due to rising demand, demographic shifts and evolving healthcare practices. Providing a seven-day health service for the public is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and a major reform deliverable under the Productivity and Savings Taskforce.
By providing seven-day services in our hospitals, we can improve the patient experience, reduce trolley numbers and enable faster discharges across the healthcare system.
The Public Only Consultant Contract is a central part of this reform. As of June 2026, 3,483 consultants have signed the contract, including 1,266 new entrants and 2,217 consultants who have switched from older contracts. The contract provides the basis for consultant-led care across extended hours Monday to Friday and on Saturdays.
Implementation of extended day and week services has now begun in various forms across the six health regions. 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.
The focus now is to ensure that this investment translates into consistent, visible improvements in scheduled and unscheduled care delivery for patients. The expanded working week is now possible across the system, and the priority is to ensure that extended-day and weekend services are delivered consistently across hospital sites.
152. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the proposed primary care centre in Portumna, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51669/26]
View answerAs 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.
153. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the specific targets in place to reduce waiting times for primary care occupational therapy services for children in Kildare North, given the current waiting time of 238 weeks and 753 children on the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52184/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
154. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if a 24-hour rapid response vehicle will be introduced at Tuam Ambulance Base; if an analysis of calls to Tuam Ambulance Base will be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51668/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
155. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the progress made towards the establishment of a public inquiry into failures and scandals at Children’s Health Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52160/26]
View answerI 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.
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.
156. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health for an update on the former HSE Clinic at Camolin, County Wexford. [51855/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
158. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the actions she will take following the publication of the Report on Traveller Health published by the Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community (details supplied); the steps she will take on recommendations to improve access through mobile clinics, lower screening ages for cervical check; to provide an update on the implementation of the National Traveller Health Action Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52268/26]
View answer159. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the efforts that are being made in Mayo to bring down the number of people on the waiting list for home support or receiving less than their allocated hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52283/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
160. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the progress made in the development of a nationally coordinated service model for the assessment and treatment of ADHD for children and adults; the steps being taken to implement improved assessment and treatment pathways; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52291/26]
View answerADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
This National Clinical Programme is based on multi-disciplinary community teams to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults. As Minister, I'm proud to have launched the Model of Care for Adult ADHD and to have resourced the establishment of the teams envisioned by the Model of Care. The ADHD Programme is funded with total funding of over €5 million on a recurring annual basis. As a result, there are 11 community based teams funded, with 8 teams are currently operational with the remaining teams in recruitment listed below. This includes an ADHD team which covers Cavan/Monaghan/Louth/ Meath which opened in November 2025. Funding was secured by myself as Minister in Budget 2025 to facilitate the rolling out of the total number of ADHD teams envisaged in the Model of Care.
Operational ADHD Teams
• Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal
• South Dublin/ Wicklow
• Limerick/Clare/North Tipperary
• Cork
• Kerry/West Cork
• South- West Dublin
• Midlands/Kildare/West Wicklow
• Cavan/Monaghan/Louth Meath ( opened since November 2025)
Community based teams in recruitment
• Waterford/Wexford/Kilkenny/Carlow/South Tipperary
• North Dublin and County
• Galway/Roscommon/Mayo
In terms of ADHD services for children, I have placed a significant focus on improving access to CAMHS, particularly for children and young people waiting for assessment for ADHD. CAMHS provides specialist mental health supports to children and young people who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties. Referrals to CAMHS have increased by almost 50% in the past five years.
While evidence shows that only 2% of children and young people should require the support of CAMHS due to the severity of their mental health condition, CAMHS is currently the service tasked with the assessment and diagnosis of almost all suspected cases of ADHD regardless of severity. CAMHS is only responsible for treating moderate to severe cases of ADHD.
While CAMHS teams nationally last year responded to 96% of all urgent referrals within 72 hours, often children awaiting assessment for ADHD will be impacted by the need to prioritise more severe or urgent cases.
I visited over 20 CAMHS teams last year, and identified the need for a distinct pathway for ADHD in CAMHS, given the vast majority of children waiting over 12 months to access CAMHS are waiting for an ADHD assessment. I hosted a roundtable with senior HSE officials last year to progress this new pathway, and the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Office is developing a new defined pathway for ADHD with separate staff, and ring-fenced time for the provision of ADHD services. If there are waitlists these will be separate waitlists to those who present with mental health concerns.
There are many examples around the country where separate pathways for ADHD assessment have already begun, supported by Wait List Initiative funding. This funding has now been added to the base funding for teams to sustain these service improvement initiatives. I have also written to REOs with long wait times for CAMHS requesting an immediate focus on those waiting over 12 months.
The PFG has a commitment to continue to expand a single point of access to simplify referrals to community paediatric services, including for CAMHS and ADHD, to ensure that no child is placed on the wrong waiting list. This is also a key objective of the Child and Youth Mental Health Office Action Plan 2025-27 now being progressed by the HSE.
Children and families will benefit from the new single point of access to services where ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders are suspected. Referrals will be jointly screened by primary care, CAMHS and disability services to determine the most appropriate pathway for each child. In relation to ADHD, various considerations such as age, the level of suspected ADHD severity, and the potential of other neurodevelopmental disorders or learning disabilities will help determine improved service pathways.
It is not proposed to replace existing referral pathways to primary care, CAMHS or CDNT service where suitability of referral to these services is already clear. Instead, the HSE is working to improve its multidisciplinary care approach overall. This involves all relevant services, particularly around referrals, assessment of need and early intervention, liaison, clinical governance and all other aspects relating to enhanced ADHD care.
This is better for the young person and their family, and also prevents duplication of health service effort and duplication of neurodevelopmental referrals. A new integrated digital assessment and record keeping system will underpin the service improvements outlined above.
161. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to confirm when the report into midwifery and nursing numbers, commissioned by the National Women and Infants Health Programme will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52271/26]
View answerA key pillar of the National Maternity Strategy was that maternity services should be appropriately resourced, underpinned by strong and effective leadership, management and governance arrangements, and delivered by a skilled and competent workforce, in partnership with women. The National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) was established to facilitate greater oversight and support for service providers.
As part of their oversight role, NWIHP has been carrying out an annual baseline assessment of midwifery and nursing staffing since 2023. This analysis uses the employment data supplied by each of the 19 maternity services across the maternity networks and compares against the staffing levels determined by the Birth Rate + work force tool in 2016.
The purpose of this review is to give a comprehensive picture of the number of midwives and nurses in frontline services. The analysis looks not only at funded posts, but also considers a wider assessment of funded posts that may be vacant due to leave.
NWIHP's most recent staffing review is nearing completion. This review was not intended for external publication, but once all the data is compiled, it will be shared with all 19 maternity services to assist with service planning.
162. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Health her views on the public health risks posed by Brazilian beef, particularly given that, despite plans for its removal from the EU safe food list, it continues to be imported in large volumes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52296/26]
View answerThe safety of food placed on the Irish market, irrespective of its country of origin, is a priority for the Government.
All food imported into the European Union, including beef from Brazil, must comply with the EU's stringent food safety, animal health and public health requirements. Imported products are subject to a comprehensive system of official controls and checks, including documentary, identity and, where appropriate, physical inspections at designated Border Control Posts. Goods that do not meet EU requirements may be refused entry, destroyed or returned. These controls are provided for under Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and operate across all Member States.
I am aware of recent concerns regarding findings from European Commission audits of certain Brazilian beef production systems and the Commission's decision to remove Brazil from the list of third countries authorised to export certain food-producing animals and animal products to the EU from September 2026 in relation to compliance with EU antimicrobial requirements. Reports indicate that the European Commission has taken this action as part of its ongoing enforcement of EU food safety and animal health standards.
There is no evidence currently available to me indicating a specific public health risk to consumers in Ireland from Brazilian beef that is legally imported and placed on the EU market in compliance with EU requirements. Where food safety concerns arise, the EU operates rapid alert and risk management systems to identify, investigate and address potential risks, including product recalls, increased controls and notifications to Member States.
Ireland, through the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the competent authorities responsible for official controls, continues to work closely with the European Commission and other Member States to monitor developments and ensure that all imported food products meet the high standards required to protect consumer health.
Accordingly, consumers can be assured that food placed on the Irish market is subject to robust EU and national food safety controls, regardless of its origin.
163. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Health if her Department have plans for secondary locations for Naas Hospital services, given the current population growth in the area and the lack of space on the hospital grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52290/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
164. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the proportion of the health budget spent on primary care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48057/26]
View answer165. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the current projected timeline for the completion and opening of the surgical hub and ambulatory oncology unit at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51753/26]
View answerGovernment is fully committed to increasing day-case capacity through the Elective Ambulatory Care Programme. This is being delivered in two phases: a national network of Surgical Hubs to meet medium-term demand, and then a network of Elective Treatment Centres (also known as Elective Hospitals) in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
A total of nine Surgical Hubs are being delivered across the country. The Hubs comprise operating theatres, procedure rooms, consultation and assessment rooms, recovery bays and functional support space. They will improve access to day surgery in multiple surgical specialties for large numbers of routine day case patients, freeing up hospital capacity for more complex procedures and helping people get surgery sooner.
The development of the Surgical Hub at Letterkenny was announced by the Minister for Health in July 2025. A further Surgical Hub will also be developed in Sligo, to provide additional elective care capacity in the Northwest. I understand that the HSE is appointing a design team to progress design for both sites. The Hub in Letterkenny will include 2 day-case theatres and 2 minor-ops rooms. The HSE is due to complete Stage 1 design (initial design stage) for these Surgical Hubs in 2026. Tender processes are also underway for the various site surveys required.
The National Cancer Strategy 2017 – 2026 and the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 (NDP) are committed to major capital investment in cancer infrastructure nationally with investment in quality infrastructure in the West North West region specifically called out for in the National Development Plan.
The HSE has noted that development of the Surgical Hub and Ambulatory Care Centre at Letterkenny will need to be planned and designed in the context of the overall Development Control Plan for the Letterkenny University campus to ensure their optimum location on the site.
