Written Answers Nos. 166-188
166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2466 of 13 January 2026, the progress to date in developing a new service in Cavan/Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48295/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
167. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients from Counties Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan who were required to travel outside the northeast region for cardiac procedures in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52248/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
168. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that the current catch-up arrangements are sufficiently flexible for students who miss their routine HPV vaccination; and whether provision can be made to allow such students to access the vaccine free of charge. [51051/26]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is informed on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are selected, where possible, in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. The HPV vaccine is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection.
The HPV vaccine is currently offered, free of charge, to boys and girls in first year of secondary school and is administered through the School Immunisation Programme. It is critical that the HPV vaccine is administered early and before any likely exposure to HPV.
The Laura Brennan HPV Catch-up Vaccination Programme is offering HPV vaccination to 5th and 6th year students in secondary school for the 2025/2026 academic year, as a once off opportunity, for those who previously missed the HPV vaccine while in first year of secondary school.
Further plans are underway to offer a HPV catch-up opportunity to 2nd - 5th year students, in secondary school for the academic year 2026/2027, for those who previously missed the HPV vaccine while in first year of school. Delivery models are currently being considered for those who have left school and are under the age of 25.
169. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken by her Department to increase the number of public health nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48115/26]
View answer170. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the progression of the master plan for the redevelopment of University Hospital Galway 'timelines for the 1st phase'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51131/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
171. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health to clarify when the Model 3 Report (details supplied) at Letterkenny University Hospital will be published along with a plan to address the issues raised by the report. [51754/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
172. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Health for an update regarding the implementation of the Model of Care for Lipoedema. [47297/26]
View answerFollowing endorsement of the Lymphoedema /Lipoedema Model of Care (MOC) by the HSE in early 2019, approval was given by the HSE to move ahead with the planning for the MOC and initiate the implementation of the MOC through a Proof-of-Concept approach. This enabling approach has resulted in 3 Specialist Lymphoedema Clinics (SLC’s) in the community and 3 early detection services in the acute hospitals. The management of lipoedema is an integral part of the role of the current Specialist Lymphoedema Clinics. The Proof-of-Concept services are funded on a temporary year to year basis.
Funding in respect of all 3 of the current SLC’s and early detection services are continuing in 2026.
The HSE established the National Lipoedema Working Group in 2023. This group was tasked with developing a guideline for the diagnosis and management of lipoedema. The guideline has now been completed and focuses on diagnosis and non-surgical management. The guideline was developed following a review of the available research and expert consensus. It notes that the diagnosis and treatment of lipoedema remain an evolving area, with limited definitive evidence available. The guideline will be updated as new evidence emerges.
It also recommends a range of evidence-based treatments, including physical activity, weight management support, physiotherapy where appropriate, compression garments for symptom control, and psychosocial supports.
In terms of improving access to care, the HSE developed the guideline, a patient information booklet and education support for healthcare professionals and membership of the working group also included service users from the Lipoedema Association of Ireland throughout its development.
Surgical management of lipoedema i.e. liposuction, was not included in the clinical guideline for the diagnosis and non-surgical management of lipoedema as the role of liposuction was still under review by the HSE at the time of concluding the guideline.
More broadly, the HSE continues to develop lymphoedema services through specialist community clinics and early detection services. These initiatives have demonstrated improvements in patient outcomes, reduced hospitalisations and improved access to care.
The HSE will continue to review emerging evidence and support people living with lipoedema through evidence-based services and clinical guidance.
173. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the status of a new psychiatric unit at Cavan Hospital; the timeframe within which it is expected to be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52258/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
174. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the HSE assessment of a medication (details supplied) for inclusion under the drugs payment scheme; the current stage of the process; the timeline for decision, having regard to the prolonged assessment period; the ongoing cost to patients; the impact on women unable to access HRT; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52097/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for his question.
I recognise the importance of providing the best care possible to patients with this condition. Women’s Health has been and will be a focus of mine since taking this office. We have made real progress in improving the healthcare available to women in Ireland.
Veoza (Fezolinetant) is a treatment for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS, e.g. hot flashes, night sweats) associated with menopause.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines.
In terms of Veoza®, Astellas, the Marketing Authorisation Holder, submitted a pricing and reimbursement application to the HSE in April 2024 and a Health Technology Assessment was commissioned by the HSE in April 2024.
A completed health technology assessment (HTA) was received by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) Astellas, on the 20th August 2025, 16 months after it was commissioned by the HSE. This was following proactive engagements by the HSE to the company encouraging the submission of a fully completed HTA.
It is important to note that applicants must continue to engage through-out the process to ensure that the necessary evidence is available for the HSE to carry out its statutory role as a decision-maker with respect to the reimbursement of new medicines.
Following ongoing engagement between the NCPE and the company the HTA was completed by the NCPE on the 17th April 2026 and a HTA report submitted to the HSE. The NCPE recommended that Veoza® be considered for reimbursement if cost effectiveness could be improved relative to existing treatments.
The HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit (CPU) is the interface between the HSE and the Pharmaceutical Industry in relation to medicine pricing and reimbursement applications.
The HSE CPU has advised that they met with the applicant to discuss this application and have recently received a commercial proposal from the applicant.
Once the commercial negotiations are completed, the next steps in the process involve the HSE’s Drugs Group—the national expert committee, which includes public interest members. The HSE’s Drugs Group will consider all evidence, including outputs of commercial negotiations and recommendations of the NCPE, and issue a recommendation to the HSE Senior Management Team, which holds final decision-making authority on the reimbursement of a medicine.
The application remains under consideration with the HSE. The HSE cannot make any comment on possible outcomes from the ongoing process.
There are a suite of measure in place that my Department will seek to progress over the lifetime of this Government to improve the access to medicines.
175. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on plans to increase hospital bed capacity in Cork City. [52171/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
176. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to issue a discretionary medical card to all cancer patients during their illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48109/26]
View answer177. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to reduce outpatient waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47999/26]
View answer178. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of a new maternity unit at University Hospital Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48108/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
179. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Health the current number of designated dementia care beds in the HSE Mid-West region, broken down by county; the number of people currently on a waiting list for a dementia specific bed in County Clare; her plans to increase capacity in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52216/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
180. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health whether there will be a full inquiry and survivor centred redress for those who were abused in Ireland’s psychiatric institutions; if not, the reasons; whether a timeline has been set for any such inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51115/26]
View answerThe involuntary admission of persons to a psychiatric hospital or unit prior to the introduction of the Mental Health Act 2001 was governed by statute, in this case the Mental Treatment Act 1945. The 1945 Act specifically allowed for the admission and detention without their consent, of a person as a ‘temporary patient' or a 'person of unsound mind'. Such admissions took place following an application made in this regard and required a medical certificate signed by a doctor and also a reception order signed by a consultant psychiatrist.
The Act also provided patients with the right to contact the Minister for Health, the Inspector of Mental Hospitals or the President of the High Court in relation to their detention. In addition, it also required the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, in the course of his inspections, to visit any patient "the propriety of whose detention he had reason to doubt".
Mental health legislation has evolved over the last decades to ensure that it reflects the modern, person-centred ethos of our services and broader mental health policies.
Since 2001, the Mental Health Act has provided safeguards for persons involuntarily admitted and detained in mental health approved centres and puts in place mechanisms for the regulation and inspection of these centres. It also provided for the establishment of the Mental Health Commission, who have an independent role in the inspection and regulation process. The establishment of the tribunal process under the 2001 Act also provides an automatic review process of the person’s detention, within 21 days of their admission, ensuring that the rights of those admitted under the Act are vindicated and recognising the importance of safeguards in relation to deprivation of liberty, in all circumstances.
In relation to any redress to patients of psychiatric hospitals who feel they have an historic claim, it is open to any person to raise such concerns in the first instance either with the HSE or to seek legal advice, as appropriate.
181. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the progress to date towards the new proposed elective hospital for Cork; the current status of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52149/26]
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.
Planning is underway, alongside delivery of the Surgical Hubs, for the new national Elective Treatment Centres in order to provide capacity to sufficiently meet the country’s longer term elective care capacity needs out to 2045 and beyond.
In Cork, the project is progressing through detailed design and statutory planning. Engagement is ongoing with Cork City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to agree appropriate road access to the site. The HSE’s objective is to submit a planning application this September.
With respect to the Surgical Hubs, three are now operational, with a further four expected to open this year, and a further two hubs are at design stage. The Hubs will improve access in multiple specialties for large numbers of routine day case patients, freeing up hospital capacity for more complex procedures and helping people get treatment sooner. Once fully operational, the Surgical Hub in Cork will include 4 day-case theatres, 2 minor-ops rooms and a number of OPD/treatment rooms. The Hub is scheduled to open this September.
182. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken by her Department and the HSE to reduce waiting times for community mental health services, including counselling services, particularly for young people and persons presenting with moderate mental health difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52292/26]
View answerA key priority for myself as Minister is to improve access to mental health services. This includes counselling supports and talk therapies.
The National Counselling Service provides free counselling therapy to adults who experienced childhood abuse or neglect, are former residents of a mother and baby home. They also provide counselling to those with medical cards, through the Counselling in Primary Care service (CiPC).
As Minister I announced €2 million in funding in 2025 to provide access to a suite of new talk therapies and counselling supports specifically tailored for men. Access to the services began from September 2025.
This initiative is embedded within Ireland’s approach to mental health policy implementation. Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and Connecting for Life, Ireland’s national strategy for suicide prevention, clearly state that talk therapies should be considered a first-line treatment option for most people who experience mental health difficulties.
The funding is targeted at assisting with stigma reduction and to actively encourage men who otherwise would not usually avail of counselling to seek help with their mental health, to assist men in accessing mental health services, and to provide much-needed support for men experiencing a mental health crisis. Recent HSE data indicates that since the service launched there has been over 2,000 referrals to this counselling service for men.
In the most recent Budget, I also allocated funding for a new €1m talking therapies fund for providing Community Therapy Services. I am currently finalising the plan for the fund, some of which will be targeted at supporting young people to access counselling.
Outside of mental health services, HSE Primary Care services also provide key mental health supports for young people, including psychology services.
In relation to your PQ, as it raises operational issues it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
183. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if she will examine the case for the establishment of an urgent care centre and minor injury clinic at Our Lady’s Hospital, Manorhamilton (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51864/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
184. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health if she has considered the provision of CT scans at Monaghan Hospital. [52262/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
185. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 434 on the 25 March 2026, if the programme for Phase 2 of the Finglas Primary Care Centre project will be developed through 2026 as indicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48183/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
186. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Health if her Department has reviewed the independent review assessing the regulatory processes of the Health Information and Quality Authority's inspection of nursing homes, which highlighted the need for regulatory reform in a number of key areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52295/26]
View answerPoor care, mistreatment, neglect or any form of abuse of a person living in a long-term residential care setting is completely unacceptable.
The Forvis Mazars review was initiated by the Minister for Health and I, as the Minister of State for Older People and Housing, following the RTÉ Investigates programme broadcast in June 2025, which highlighted serious concerns relating to care, staffing and oversight in a number of nursing homes. The review was subsequently commissioned by the Board of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and undertaken by Forvis Mazars.
On 2nd July 2026, HIQA published the independent review of its nursing home regulatory inspection and monitoring processes, undertaken by Forvis Mazars and this is publicly available to view on the HIQA website.
The Minister for Health and I welcome the publication of this independent review. The findings and recommendations of the review will now be considered in detail alongside ongoing policy, regulatory and legislative reforms aimed at strengthening governance, safeguarding and quality across long-term residential care settings. A detailed implementation plan is now being developed.
The health, safety and wellbeing of nursing home residents is of paramount importance to the Government.
187. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health her views on the urgent need for capital investment in the department of psychiatry, Kilkenny. [52297/26]
View answerAs Minister, I have previously set out my priorities for capital projects for 2026, with over €40m allocated to initiate and progress mental health infrastructure projects this year.
The funding represents another record level of investment in 43 separate mental health capital projects across the country, with annual investment set to increase further over the next four years.
The investment for 2026 is the first tranche of funding to be allocated from an overall total of €470m earmarked for mental health projects in the National Development Plan 2026-2030. The Department and the HSE are working together as part of a Working Group to progress a 10-year Capital Plan for Mental Health shortly which will set out a strategic investment plan to maximise the unprecedented level of investment in the mental health capital estate.
The Mental Health Capital Plan for 2026 also includes the Acute Mental Health Unit, St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.
As this relates to an operational matter, it has been forwarded to the HSE for direct reply to you.
188. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health when the contract for SouthDoc will be readvertised. [51022/26]
View answerThe GMS contract requires GPs to make suitable arrangements to enable contact to be made with them for urgent GP care outside of normal practice hours. It is a matter for each GP to determine how to meet this obligation, but most GPs do this by participating in GP out of hours co-operatives.
In counties Cork and Kerry, GPs generally meet this obligation by arrangement with South-West Doctor-on-Call Limited, known as SouthDoc. The HSE does not contract SouthDoc to provide out of hours GP services, although it does support GPs providing out of hours services through SouthDoc with funding to support service delivery. A Service Level Agreement determines the governance arrangements in place for oversight of this support and service provision.
Of note, a Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway. The Review is examining the issues affecting general practice including GP training, GP capacity, Out of Hours services reform, and the financial support model for general practice. The Review will identify the arrangements necessary to be put in place a sustainable general practice model, including out of hours, as part of a primary care focused health service and in line with the Sláintecare vision on access.
Out of hours services are a function of the GP GMS contract, ensuring an effective and integrated service approach across day–time and out of hours GP services. GPs themselves determine whether they participate in an out of hours co-operative. While the review may identify reforms in how out of hours GP services are delivered, while it is being completed existing arrangements will remain in place.
