Written Answers Nos. 445-467
445. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals received by Primary Care Psychology services in counties Roscommon and Galway during each of the past three years and to date in 2026; the number accepted; the number rejected; and the average waiting time for a first appointment, in tabular form. [52473/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
446. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting endoscopy procedures in counties Roscommon and Galway, broken down by hospital and by waiting time bands, in tabular form. [52474/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
447. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently awaiting CT scans in counties Roscommon and Galway, broken down by hospital and by length of wait, in tabular form. [52475/26]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
448. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients from counties Roscommon and Galway referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund in each of the past three years and to date in 2026, broken down by speciality, in tabular form. [52476/26]
View answerThe National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable, long waiting patients who are on an Inpatient/Daycase or Outpatient waiting list.
Treatments are commissioned for patients on public hospital waiting lists in public hospitals (insourcing) and private hospitals (outsourcing).
Outsourcing enables patients to be treated in Private Hospitals where capacity has been procured through NTPF tendering processes.
Insourcing is where the NTPF provides funding directly to a public hospital for IPDC treatment or OPD consultations. The hospital must confirm that the activity is outside core activity and is additional to HSE funded activity.
In relation to the specific query raised the NTPF has provided the attached table in relation to patients on waiting lists in hospitals in Galway and Roscommon.
449. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if a radiotherapy machine (details supplied) has been left sitting unused in UHG; the length of time this has been the case; the cost of the machine; the cost of ongoing maintenance of the machine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52477/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
450. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients from counties Roscommon and Galway who travelled outside their county for outpatient appointments or procedures in each of the past three years and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [52478/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
451. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the average ambulance response time for Category 1 and Category 2 emergency calls in counties Roscommon and Galway during each of the past three years and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [52479/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
452. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions during 2026 on which no ambulance was immediately available to respond to an emergency call in counties Roscommon and Galway, in tabular form. [52480/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
453. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to confirm the exact date at which she and the Minister of State for Older People were presented with a copy of a review (details supplied) into the effectiveness of Ireland's nursing home regulatory and inspection framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52486/26]
View answerThis report was received by the Minister for Health, and I on the 9th of June 2026.
On 2nd July 2026, the Health Information and Quality Authority (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.
454. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the date at which a review (details supplied) into the effectiveness of Ireland's nursing home regulatory and inspection framework was presented to HIQA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52487/26]
View answerOn 2nd July 2026, the Health Information and Quality Authority (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.
As HIQA is an independent statutory body, any queries regarding its operational functions, inspection activities or published reports are therefore best addressed directly to the HIQA Board.
455. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the reasons a review (details supplied) into the effectiveness of Ireland's nursing home regulatory and inspection framework was not published until 2 July 2026; if she or the Minister of State for Older People made the decision not to publish it until July; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52488/26]
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.
At the outset of the review, publication was anticipated during the first quarter of 2026. However, given the scale and complexity of the review, including the detailed examination of HIQA's inspection and monitoring processes and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, the review process continued beyond the original indicative timeframe. This report was received by the Minister for Health and I on the 9th of June 2026.
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. Ann implementation plan is now being developed.
As HIQA is an independent statutory body, any queries regarding its operational functions, inspection activities or published reports are therefore best addressed directly to the HIQA Board.
The health, safety and wellbeing of nursing home residents is of paramount importance to the Government.
456. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultants in emergency medicine, registrars in emergency medicine and senior house officers in emergency medicine posts filled at Tipperary University Hospital as of 1 July 2026; if she will provide the same figures as of 31 July 2023, in tabular form. [52492/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
457. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health whether any business case has been submitted seeking additional ENT staffing resources for University Hospital Limerick since 2022; if so, the details of such submissions; and the outcome of each. [52493/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
458. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health given the ongoing delays to the building of the National Children’s Hospital, if she will outline the changes that have been made to procurement rules and practices within her Department and the HSE to ensure such delays do not occur again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52517/26]
View answerThe National Children's Hospital Ireland (NCHI) project is the most significant capital investment programme undertaken in the healthcare system in the history of the State. Timely completion of the project is a Government priority, everything possible is being done to ensure this world-class hospital will open as quickly as possible, on behalf of children, young people, and their families.
The main cause of delay has been the contractor BAM’s failure to adequately manage and resource the project and maintain effective quality assurance processes in the delivery of the works. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), on behalf of the State, continues to engage with BAM across all aspects of the project and is utilising all available contractual and legal levers to secure timely completion and protect the State’s interests.
Lessons learned from the project have been arrived at and captured from the findings of commissioned project reports, most notably the independent 2019 PwC report, the HSE’s experience, and direct engagement with the NPHDB. These lessons have been shared with the Department, across Government and the wider public sector. This has included strengthening the Public Spending Code and its subsequent replacement the Infrastructure Guidelines (2023), updates to the PW-CF1 contract and in the progression of other major capital projects, including revised approaches to establishment the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) project.
Public procurement rules are set through a combination of EU law, Irish legislation, and Government procurement policy. The foundation of Irish public procurement law comes from European Union Directives i.e. Directive 2014/24/EU (general public sector procurement), Directive 2014/25/EU (utilities sector), Directive 2014/23/EU (concessions). These directive establish principles such as Transparency,
Equal treatment, Non-discrimination, Proportionality and Competition.
These directives are given legal effect in Ireland through statutory instruments, including:
European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 284 of 2016)
European Union (Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 286 of 2016)
European Union (Award of Concession Contracts) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 203 of 2017).
These regulations set out the legal procedures public contracting authorities, including the Department of Health and HSE must follow when purchasing goods, services, or works above the relevant EU thresholds.
The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) is the Government's framework for managing the procurement and delivery of public works projects. It provides a standardised set of contracts, guidance, templates, and procedures for public sector bodies spending public funds on construction projects. Health capital projects follow the CWMF processes and guidance.
The relocation of the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) from Holles street to Elm Park project is a large and complex capital investment project. Design of the NMH is complete and NMH main works will be delivered as an employer-designed contract under the CWMF PW-CF1 form of contract in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Learnings from the experiences of the NPHDB, the HSE and my Department on the NCHI project brought about proposed amendments to the PW-CF1 contract for the NMH project. In February 2024 these proposed changes were brought to the Government Construction Contract Committee (GCCC) for approval. Changes and revised approaches agreed by the GCCC included:
• Implementation of a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for the period between the identification of the preferred main contractor tenderer and the signing of the construction works contract. This process recently concluded on the NMH project.
• A time limit of 60 days within which to refer disputes to arbitration.
• Different rates of delay costs applicable to the contractor for different periods or parts of the Works.
• A minimum value of cost before a claim can be triggered has been increased from €500 to €2,500. This should limit the volume of minor claims.
My Department and the HSE continues to use experience gained from the NCHI capital project on other projects including the NMH project. There is continued ongoing engagement between the NMH project team and the NCHI Project Director. The NMH project team has established an NCHI Lessons Learned register to ensure recommendations from its ongoing engagement with the NCHI team are recorded and addressed, as appropriate.
No major infrastructure project can be entirely free from risk. The experience from the NCHI project and the changes it informed are intended to strengthen governance, improve project oversight, enhance risk management, and support more effective delivery of major health infrastructure investments in the future.
459. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on plans to improve regulation on vaping and nicotine products and to consider the points made on public health grounds (details supplied). [52520/26]
View answerA great deal of legislative and non-legislative work is underway to tackle youth vaping, smoking and nicotine use.
The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 introduced a suite of measures to tackle the rise in youth vaping including prohibiting the sale of nicotine inhaling products to persons under the age of 18, a new licensing system for the retail sale of nicotine inhaling products, a ban on self-service vending machines and a ban on the advertisement of nicotine inhaling products on public transport, in cinemas and near schools.
The Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025 will ban the sale of single-use or "disposable" vapes, in recognition of the dual health and environmental impact of these products. This Bill passed all stages in the Oireachtas on the 7th of July and I intend to commence this law as soon as possible.
The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 will ensure that nicotine inhaling products such as vapes do not have eye-catching imagery or colours. Flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names will be prohibited, and the range of possible flavours significantly restricted. Furthermore, all nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, will be subject to a minimum age of sale of 18 and advertising will be banned in all retail settings. Retail sale includes the free supply of these products. Display of nicotine products will also be prohibited in mixed retail premises, as is currently the case for cigarettes.
This Bill has completed all stages in the Dáil. It must complete the EU notification process on the 7th of October before it can be brought to enactment.
In addition to legislation, work is ongoing within the HSE to increase access to information on nicotine products for young people, parents and schools:
• Funding was allocated in Budget 2025 and continued in Budget 2026 for a youth vaping prevention media campaign. This campaign has been developed by the HSE and provides evidence-based information to young people and their guardians.
• Junior Cycle SPHE resources were published in 2023 on the impact of nicotine, tobacco use, second-hand smoke, e-cigarettes and vaping.
• The HSE’s guidance for schools on vaping includes information on the impact of nicotine on adolescents.
• The HSE has recently updated public-facing resources on recreational nicotine products (such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches) and made these available to schools and parents.
The above measures in combination are designed to greatly reduce the appeal and accessibility of vapes and other nicotine products to young people.
The Tobacco Free Ireland policy is currently being updated. It will set out a pathway to end the epidemic of smoking-related harm in Ireland and to continue to protect young people from the harm of nicotine products.
460. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position with a capital project in County Kildare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52540/26]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
461. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health If she plans to add Crohn's disease to the long-term illness card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52541/26]
View answerThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions to be covered by the Scheme. Further information, including the list of conditions, can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/about/.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
Individuals and families in Ireland may be entitled to the following schemes:
• General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme (medical card). Eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, in accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.
• In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
• Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.
The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
462. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health the entitlement cancer patients have to acquiring a full medical card; if there are plans to change this entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52542/26]
View answerMedical 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 per week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
People under 70 are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after deduction of tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Detailed guidelines are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/applying/assessment/.
People aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. However, those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high medical costs. Details are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/over-70s/.
The issue of granting medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
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: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/emergency-medical-cards/.
• 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. Further information regarding emergency medical cards can be found at
Furthermore, I can advise the Deputy that, since 2015, medical cards are awarded without the need of a financial assessment to all children under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of any potential broader implications for Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and legislative requirements arising.
463. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health her plans to extend accident and emergency services in accident and emergency department at Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52543/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
464. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the lack of availability of GP services in the Kildare south area; the plans she is putting in place to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52544/26]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients, and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in any area.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,604 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. A further 642 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the delivery of health services.
The Government is committed, as per the Programme for Government, to increase the number of GPs practicing across the country and thereby increase access to GP services for 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.
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.
In addition, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. As of end 2025, there were 111 IMG GPs within the programme placed in general practice and a further 58 had completed the 2-year programme. The placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas.
Also, 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.
465. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health if she will give an update on extending an out of hours GP service in County Kildare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52545/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
466. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health the list of services available at a primary care centre in County Kildare (details supplied); if these services are fully staffed; the plans in place to extend the services at this centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52546/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
467. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an assessment of need; when they will access the other supports and services needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52555/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
