Written Answers Nos. 844-861
844. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the specific mechanisms in place for the treatment of the complex mental health condition of dissociative identity disorder in Mayo University Hospital and in the State as a whole; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53251/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
845. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health patients from Ireland currently getting residential treatment for mental health and associated conditions in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53252/26]
View answer846. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the governance in place for mental health patients who are currently getting treatment from outside the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53253/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 845 and 846 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
847. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the due diligence that is carried out before treatment centres are selected for treatment of Irish patients abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53254/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
848. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the total amount paid by the HSE for patients accessing mental health residential care in the UK for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53255/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
849. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the reason persons assessed as requiring home support are being refused or delayed due to funding being exhausted; the steps she will take to ensure that no person living with dementia is left without the care they have been assessed as needing (details supplied); if she will confirm the commencement date for the legislation and detail the barriers that remain to implementing this long-promised statutory entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53262/26]
View answerThe questions the Deputy has raised in relation to service provision for dementia patients would be operational matters for the Health Service Executive to respond to. I have forwarded your correspondence to the Health Service Executive and asked that they respond to you directly on this matter as soon as possible.
With regard to your questions raised concerning the Statutory Home Support Scheme, the Programme for Government commits to "Design a Statutory Homecare Scheme to allow people to stay in their own home for as long as possible." Enabling older people with care needs to continue to live independently at home for as long as possible, is a priority for the Government and as such it has committed to establishing a new Statutory Scheme for regulation of home support services, which the Department of Health is currently developing.
A critical first step has been ensuring that the home support providers are regulated. An important development in the home care sector has been the introduction of the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Act 2026 which introduces for the first time, the registration and regulation by HIQA and the Chief Inspector of Social Services of all of public, private and voluntary home support providers in Ireland. The Bill has been approved by Cabinet and was published on 22nd December 2025. It was signed into law by the President on 1st July 2026. Now that the Bill has been enacted, the Department will continue to work with HIQA and in consultation with the sector, on the legal drafting of the secondary legislation (the regulations).
The objective of the proposed registration system is to improve the safety and quality of home support services. It will ensure that registered home support providers do not operate below the standard set by Ministerial regulations. The new system of regulation for home support providers will ensure that the public can be confident that the services provided are of a high standard and will bring Ireland in line with best international practice.
This Act provides for the regulation of the sector by HIQA. Final amendments have been made to draft regulations for home support providers following public consultation and engagements with stakeholder groups.
Alongside this legislation, the Department is working to address the future financing of homecare, the reform of the model of service delivery and the breadth of issues relating to recruitment and retention in this sector; all in the context of a substantial expansion of the State-funded home support service.
How home support will be funded in the future will be an essential factor of the new Statutory Scheme. Currently, home support services are fully exchequer funded for those who have been assessed by the HSE as requiring the service. The Department is researching different funding models which will form an important part of the evidence base for the development of a sustainable funding model for home care services and has commissioned several reports from the ESRI and the European Observatory on Health Systems.
This research is being examined, as it forms an important part of the evidence base for the development of a sustainable funding model for home support services in the context of our ageing population. The Capacity Review was undertaken by the ESRI and published in June 2025. Regional projections were published in November 2025. This will help to inform the levels of service provision required into the future (out to 2040) and will be a key piece of research for this workstream.
It is important to note that no decision on future funding options has been made, and further research is underway.
850. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health if her Department has plans for people living with dementia to be assessed for disability services based on their individual needs rather than, or in addition to, being routinely referred for older persons’ services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53323/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
851. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients availing of the GMS medicines optimisation support service since its commencement on 1 June 2026; the number of patients previously in receipt of phased dispensing who have transitioned to the new service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53324/26]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the day-to-day operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health services is a matter for HSE. This query has therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
852. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the projected full-year cost of the GMS medicines optimisation support service, including the €0.35 fee payable per GMS item dispensed and the €32.50 monthly enhanced medicines optimisation support fee, as agreed under the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025; the amount paid out under each fee to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53325/26]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the day-to-day operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health services is a matter for HSE. The parts of this query which relate to the amount paid out under each fee to date in 2026 have therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. In relation to the projected full-year cost of the GMS medicines optimisation support service, including the €0.35 fee payable per GMS item dispensed and the €32.50 monthly enhanced medicines optimisation support fee, as agreed under the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025, please see the information below:
To support medicine optimisation programme development as outlined within the agreement, a dedicated annual funding allowance of €4,500,000 will be made available from 2026. This yearly budgetary allocation is ring-fenced for community pharmacy delivered optimisation programmes.
In March 2026, I announced a significant reform of phased dispensing arrangements alongside the introduction of a new patient-centred medicines optimisation support framework. The reforms are designed to strengthen supports for vulnerable GMS (medical card) patients.
€24 million will fund the new GMS medicines optimisation fee which will be provided for each GMS item dispensed by the pharmacist. This will be €0.35 per GMS item dispensed.
An additional up to €4.5 million from the CPA medicines optimisation fund will support a €32.50 Enhanced Medicines Optimisation Support Fee: a targeted monthly fee paid per patient who clinically requires their medicines to be dispensed more frequently than weekly (e.g. daily or several times per week).
853. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she will publish the PCRS-approved list of medicines that qualify a patient for the enhanced medicines optimisation support fee under the GMS medicines optimisation support service; the clinical criteria used to compile that list; whether the list will be kept under review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53326/26]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the day-to-day operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health services is a matter for HSE. This query has therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
854. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the eligibility criteria applying to the GMS medicines optimisation support service for patients with cognitive or physical impairment, intellectual disability, or experiencing social exclusion including homelessness; the method by which eligibility is assessed and by whom; the appeal mechanism available where a patient is refused access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53327/26]
View answerVulnerable patients who hold a medical card, including those with diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia, intellectual disability, physical impairment or those experiencing social exclusion including homelessness can be supported with optimisation aids where clinically indicated.
If, after an assessment, a pharmacist determines, using their professional and clinical judgement, that a GMS (medical card) patient requires a blister pack (or other medicines optimisation supports) for clinical or patient safety reasons, it will be provided without charge.
I encourage all patients to talk to their pharmacist about any difficulties they may have in managing their medicines. Pharmacists will be able to advise patients of the different options that are available to help with managing their medication.
Supports to help patients take their medicines are varied and include interventions such as reminder charts, easy open lids and reminder alarms. In line with international evidence, blister packs should only be used as a last resort.
855. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the rationale for treating monitored dosage systems, commonly known as blister packs, as a last-resort option under the GMS medicines optimisation support service which commenced on 1 June 2026; her response to concerns that patients in residential care settings will no longer receive blister packs free of charge; the assessment her Department has carried out of the impact on nursing home residents and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53328/26]
View answerIn March 2026 I announced the introduction of a new patient-centred medicines optimisation support framework which commenced on 1 June 2026.
This framework is designed to strengthen supports for medical card holders in vulnerable patient groups, including those with diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia, intellectual disability, physical impairment or those patients at risk of medication misuse. These patients will be supported where appropriate with a range of tailored supports including:
• adjustments to facilitate use of original packaging.
• medication reminder systems.
• administration charts.
• instalment dispensing; and
• blister packs where clinically necessary.
Blister packs remain a last resort in line with the international evidence due to associated risks including reduced patient autonomy and potential safety concerns. Where clinically required, and deemed appropriate, blister packs will be provided free-of-charge to eligible medical card patients, in identified cohorts.
Medications for those living in residential care settings are managed in line with HIQA standards, through the residential service’s policies and procedures for medicines management. Pharmacists providing services to residential care settings should also refer to the relevant Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland guidance. Blister packs for medical card patients living in residential care settings will not be provided free of charge under this new Agreement.
856. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether patients in receipt of free phased dispensing or blister packs in August 2025 will retain that support indefinitely under the GMS medicines optimisation support service; the arrangements for new patients who would previously have qualified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53329/26]
View answerIf a medical card patient was receiving their medicines as phased dispensing or in a blister pack free-of-charge in August 2025 they can continue to receive their medicines in this way. They will not be charged for this service.
Under the GMS medicines optimisation support service, vulnerable GMS patient groups including those with diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia, intellectual disability, physical impairment or those patients at risk of medication misuse will be supported where appropriate with a range of tailored supports including:
• adjustments to facilitate use of original packaging.
• medication reminder systems.
• administration charts.
• installment dispensing; and
• blister packs where clinically necessary.
Blister packs will remain a last resort in line with the international evidence due to associated risks including reduced patient autonomy and potential safety concerns. Where clinically required, and deemed appropriate, blister packs will be provided free-of-charge to eligible medical card patients, in identified cohorts.
857. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of community pharmacies onboarded to date to the national unused medicines return and disposal scheme provided for under the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025; the target date for all pharmacies to be participating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53333/26]
View answerThe landmark Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) 2025 supports the delivery of safe, equitable and efficient healthcare. Under the CPA, a new Unused Medicines Return and Disposal national service is being established which will enable patients to return their unused medicines to their local community pharmacy. Under the Agreement, a yearly allocation of €4,500,000 is being made available to provide for a HSE-tendered medicine disposal service from community pharmacies nationwide.
This is not an opt-in service. All pharmacies who sign up to the new CPA will provide the service for patients.
My officials, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Irish Pharmacy Union are finalising preparations for commencement of this service. Onboarding of over 1,900 community pharmacies for the service commenced last week and will continue through the month of July. A campaign to raise public awareness will follow in early August once onboarding is complete.
858. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason Ireland did not operate a national collection system for unused medicines despite the obligation under Directive 2004/27/EC, in place since 2004; the steps taken to ensure the new scheme achieves full compliance with that Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53334/26]
View answerWhile heretofore no formalised national service was available for patients to dispose of their household medical waste at their community pharmacies, several amenities were operational across the country.
Previous Disposal of Unused Medication Properly (DUMP) campaigns have been successfully run locally by the HSE and facilitated by local community pharmacists.
Mywaste.ie, operated by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, also provides information to the public regarding sites at which waste can be safely disposed of, including medical waste. A tool available on this website allows users to locate civic amenity sites at which certain kinds of waste are excepted.
The recent introduction of Mediback is a significant step forward in making the disposal of unused or expired medication more accessible and convenient for patients. The service is currently being rolled out to 1900 pharmacies, and will be a valuable contribution to achieving Sláintecare objectives of expanding the role of primary and community care and bringing healthcare closer to home for patients throughout the country.
859. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when the planned public awareness campaign on the return of unused medicines to pharmacies will launch; the budget allocated to that campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53335/26]
View answerMy officials, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmacy Union are finalising preparations for commencement of this unused medicines return and disposal service at pharmacies nationwide. Onboarding of over 1,900 community pharmacies for the service commenced last week and will continue through the month of July. A campaign to raise public awareness will be launched in early August (once onboarding is complete), with a paid media spend of €50,000.
860. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether the review of the national unused medicines return and disposal scheme scheduled after nine months of operation will be published; the metrics that will be used to evaluate the scheme, including tonnage of medicines collected and pharmacy participation rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53336/26]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the day-to-day operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health services is a matter for HSE. This query has therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
861. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the assessment her Department has made of the contribution of unused medicines in the home to accidental poisoning of children, self-harm and suicide risk; whether data on hospital presentations linked to accidental ingestion of medicines by children will be used to evaluate the impact of the national unused medicines return scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53337/26]
View answerThe Health Research Board (HRB) has provided funding for a research project entitled RESTRICT – Reducing intentional overdose: a mixed-methods study of means restriction interventions. This research project is concerned with intentional drug overdose, which is recognised as the most common form of hospital-presenting self-harm and a significant contributor to suicide.
The overall aim of the research is to reduce intentional overdose by evaluating the impact, and informing the implementation, of interventions that restrict access to means.
The study adopts a mixed-methods approach and is structured across three work packages:
• Work Package 1 examines national trends in intentional overdose and associated suicide risk and includes a systematic review of the international evidence on effective means-restriction interventions.
• Work Package 2 focuses on the evaluation of the implementation and outcomes of the proposed Unused Medicines Return and Disposal service. This includes an evaluation of the potential impact on behaviours and risks associated with intentional overdose.
• Work Package 3 will translate the findings of the research into practical guidance and evidence-based outputs for policymakers, clinicians and service providers.
The project is intended to produce findings that will inform national policy and support the development of evidence-based approaches to reducing self-harm and suicide.
It is important to note that the current research is focused specifically on assessing the impact of the unused medicines return service on reducing intentional overdoses. It will not have accidental poisoning of children in its scope.
As the unused medicines return service has broader objectives beyond self-harm and suicide prevention, a wider evaluation of its overall impact would also be valuable. The scope of this broader evaluation is still under development and remains subject to further discussion. A number of options are currently being considered in relation to the most appropriate approach and data sources to support such an evaluation.
