Michael Cahill
Question:901. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expedite the digitalisation of the health service in Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53595/26]
View answerTuesday, 14 July 2026
Questions (901)
Written answers
Digitalisation of the health service is essential to delivering Sláintecare and improving access, quality, safety and efficiency across the healthcare system. The Government recognises digital health as a key enabler of health service reform and is committed to accelerating the digital transformation of health and social care services through sustained investment and the delivery of major national digital health programmes. This work is being progressed through Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024–2030, which sets out the strategic roadmap for the digital transformation of health and social care in Ireland.
Significant progress is already being made across a number of major programmes. The HSE Health App continues to expand, with over 200,000 registered users as of June 2026, providing patients with greater access to health information and digital services. A major release was delivered in March 2026, with further releases planned during 2026 to enhance functionality and support more convenient access to services through digital channels.
The National Shared Care Record is being rolled out on a phased basis, enabling healthcare professionals to securely access important patient information across care settings. Government approval of the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) Programme Preliminary Business Case in February 2026 has enabled the programme to progress through Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines and into procurement. This represents a significant milestone towards the delivery of a nationally governed Electronic Health Record system and one of the largest digital transformation investments ever undertaken in the State. The National Electronic Health Record will be transformative in supporting more integrated, efficient and patient-centred healthcare services across Ireland. Together, these initiatives will support safer, more connected and patient-centred care by ensuring that critical health information is available to healthcare professionals when and where it is needed.
Digital technologies are also supporting wider service reform and improved patient access. The expansion of virtual care services and virtual wards is helping to reduce avoidable hospital attendances and admissions while enabling more patients to receive care closer to home. Digital solutions are improving referral pathways, information sharing and the coordination of care across healthcare settings. Virtual wards are now operating across all six health regions and continue to expand.
The Government is also progressing the development of a national ePrescribing solution, with procurement expected to conclude later this year. Alongside investments in interoperability, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, these initiatives are helping to build the foundations of a more connected, efficient and digitally enabled health service.
While significant work remains, substantial progress is already being made. Through the implementation of Digital for Care, the rollout of the National Shared Care Record, the procurement of the National Electronic Health Record, the continued expansion of the HSE Health App and the development of a national ePrescribing solution, the Government is accelerating the digital transformation of health and social care. These investments will support safer and more integrated care, improve patient access to services, and help deliver the broader reform objectives of Sláintecare.