Emer Currie
Question:506. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the potential to provide co-located state led early years provision at the location of a planned school (details supplied). [67188/26]
View answerEarly Childhood Care and Education
Questions (506)
Written answers
Improving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year.
This is particularly the case with school-age childcare services. Estimated enrolments in school-age childcare, based on Sector Profile data, have grown by 77% over the last three years.
The proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises which has reached an all-time high. In the 2021/22 programme year, 15.9% of early learning and childcare services were located on school premises, this increased to 16.8% in the 2022/23 programme year and 19.2% in the 2023/24 programme year. The proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises has further increased to 22.5% in the 2024/25 programme year.
The Programme for Government commits to planning the development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme.
Officials in Department of Children, Disability and Equality have met a number of times with officials from the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit with a view to sharing expertise and information between the Departments and identifying opportunities for future developments.
The Department of Education has informed officials in the Department that the site referred to by the Deputy is designated as a primary school site in the Adamstown Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) Planning Scheme, prepared by South Dublin County Council. The Department of Education and Youth has purchased this 1.2 Ha site with Outline Planning Permission for a 32-classroom primary school. The site will initially accommodate additional interim classrooms for an existing primary school in the area pending delivery of their new school building and will be used for future educational needs in the area. Given the current planning permission, SDZ designation and site size additional development on this site would not be feasible.
Disability Services
Questions (507)
Liam Quaide
Question:507. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in respect of safeguarding referrals or notifications relating to people in disability services, the number recorded under each category of safeguarding concern used by the HSE, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse, neglect, discriminatory abuse, institutional abuse, self-neglect and any other category recorded, in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67169/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
Disability Services
Questions (508)
Michael Cahill
Question:508. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the consideration that has been given to the impact of pay differentials between Section 38 and Section 39 disability service employees and equivalent HSE staff on the recruitment and retention of nursing and care staff; the measures are being taken to address any such recruitment barriers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67155/26]
View answerWritten answers
The March 2025 pay funding agreement for workers in community and voluntary health and social care organisations represents a significant investment in the sector and provides certainty for workers and their employers on the application of future pay adjustments in the public sector.
The agreement was negotiated between Government Departments and unions, with the involvement of relevant funding agencies and employer representatives, and the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission.
The agreement includes funding for a 9.25% pay increase for workers directly employed by these independently operated organisations. In funding terms, the deal amounts to an increase of approximately €70m per annum for the organisations delivering specialist disability services and supports funded by the HSE.
Taken together with the earlier October 2023 agreement, which provided for an 8% increase, this amounts to a 17.25% increase in available pay funding over a 3½-year period. The final increase provided for in the agreement, a 2% general round increase, is due to be applied from 1 October.
The level of funding increase for individual service providers is assessed and validated by the HSE with reference to the service agreements in place. This ensures the uplift takes account of pay related costs within each service agreement.
In a landmark step by this Government, the arrangements also include an automatic linkage for these workers to the general round increases in any future public sector pay agreements. This linkage is an important step forward for workers.
The Government’s priority is to protect vital services for those who rely on them while ensuring sustainable employment for the dedicated workers who provide quality supports and services. The phased increases recognise that staff should be fairly paid for the difficult work they do. Notably, the ability of organisations to actively recruit and retain staff has also improved as a result of these funding agreements.
As part of the agreement a comprehensive data gathering exercise is being conducted on pay and funding arrangements in the sector. This exercise is crucial in order to create a shared understanding of the sector. The outcome of the exercise can inform targeted measures on the low pay issues that affect the long-term sustainability of services. It is expected that this work will be finalised in the coming weeks.
These arrangements relate to services funded through statutory grant-aid arrangements. Funding for services commissioned through tendering arrangements is not covered by these negotiated agreements as these are separately contracted with relevant providers. Such contracts are awarded through competitive processes and therefore cannot be covered by the collective pay funding agreement. As noted in the 2025 agreement, related considerations can be dealt with through the existing procurement processes.
It is important to recognise that organisations funded under section 39 of the Heath Act 2004, while supported by the HSE, are independent entities. They are not public bodies and their staff are not public servants. The terms and conditions of employment for staff in these organisations are ultimately determined between the employer and their employees.
Disability Services
Questions (509)
Michael Cahill
Question:509. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the specific measures being taken to support an organisation (details supplied) in recruiting and retaining appropriately qualified nursing, social care and support staff for a facility on Valentia Island, given the ongoing difficulties in filling staffing rosters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67164/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this question refers to service matters, I have requested the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Services
Questions (510)
Michael Cahill
Question:510. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will respond to concerns raised by the HSE that, even if additional funding for staffing at a location (details supplied) were approved, there can be no guarantee that sufficient nursing and care staff can be recruited and retained to safely meet assessed needs on an ongoing basis; the action she is taking to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67160/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this question refers to service matters, I have requested the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Rights of People with Disabilities
Questions (511)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:511. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality is there any update on the ratifying of the second optional protocol of the UNCRC. [67217/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and work is ongoing to ratify the Protocol as soon as possible.
In Irish treaty practice, the State must be in a position to meet all of the obligations it assumes under the terms of an international agreement from the moment it enters into force. Often it will not be possible for the State to meet these obligations without first taking steps required by domestic law, or otherwise, enabling it to do so. As work towards ratification of the protocol continues, the State is obliged to ensure that all legislative provisions are in place for it to meet these obligations.
The Department has received confirmation from the Attorney General’s Office that the suite of measures taken to ensure that Ireland is in a position to meet its obligations under the Protocol are sufficient to overcome barriers to ratification which had been previously identified.
The Department is now working with the Departments of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and of Foreign Affairs and Trade to prepare the necessary measures required on ratification. Once this work is complete, Government approval will be sought to ratify the Protocol. Ratification remains a priority for me and this Government, and officials are working across a number of Government departments to achieve this as soon as is possible.
Childcare Services
Questions (512)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:512. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality If she will consider the salient points raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding a Kildare based childcare provider who is considering exiting the service. [67032/26]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware that a number of early learning and childcare services have recently received rates-payable notifications from their Local Authorities, where previously they had not been required to pay them.
Given the importance of early learning and childcare for children, families and communities across the country, I am giving this matter my full attention.
I wish to note that the matter of commercial rates payments for early learning and childcare providers does not fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department has no role in determining which properties are rateable.
The making of valuations for rating purposes is the sole responsibility of Tailte Éireann, formerly the Commissioner of Valuation. Tailte Éireann falls under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). Furthermore, the billing and collection of rates is solely a matter for the relevant local authority; the Department of Children has no function in that regard.
I have liaised extensively with Minister Browne, my cabinet colleague at DHLGH with a view to reaching a satisfactory conclusion on this matter. Additionally, officials in the Department continue to work with colleagues in DHLGH in the hope of finding a solution that provides clarity to the ELC & SAC sector.
I do not want any provider to be faced with financial sustainability issues in their delivery of early learning and childcare services and as such the Department has taken steps to ensure the Core Funding scheme continues to support the sustainability of the sector.
Core Funding is a supply-side grant to early learning and childcare providers towards their operating costs. It is designed to promote affordability for parents and sustainability for providers through increased funding to the sector, paid on a consistent and equitable basis.
When first introduced in 2022, Core Funding had an annual allocation of €259 million, of which, €210.8 million was entirely new funding to the sector.
That annual allocation has increased year-on-year and exceeds €482 million for the fifth, and current, year of Core Funding. This represents an increase of 86% in Core Funding since the scheme began in September 2022.
In addition to the year-on-year increases, the Department has made changes to improve the sustainability of providers through, for example, targeted measures for small and sessional services and a fee increase assessment and approval process for services with fees frozen at unsustainably low rates.
There are also wider financial supports available where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability. These supports can be accessed through the Department’s case management process, which can be accessed while remaining in Core Funding.
I would encourage any service experiencing financial difficulty and who would like support to contact their CCC to access case management supports. Contact details for the CCCs can be found at City and County Childcare Committees: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/campaigns/city-and-county-childcare-committees/
Question No. 513 answered with Question No. 487.
Child Abuse
Questions (514)
Emer Currie
Question:514. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the criteria used by the Government when deciding to establish a public inquiry into cases involving historical sexual abuse; whether this criteria is met in relation to an organisation (details supplied); and whether survivors of the organisation will be given the same opportunity for trust and accountability that has been afforded to victims in other abuse scandals. [67053/26]
View answerWritten answers
There are no set criteria for when the State will establish a public inquiry into cases involving historical sexual abuse.
It should be noted that St John Ambulance Ireland is not a body under the aegis of the Department. It is an independent registered charity, and the Department has no role in the governance or oversight of the organisation. The Department also has no contractual or funding relationship with the organisation.
However, like all community and voluntary organisations in Ireland, St John Ambulance Ireland is required to comply with relevant statutory requirements, including the Children First Act 2015, in relation to safeguarding and mandated reporting.
In relation to the historical allegations of child sexual abuse within St John Ambulance Ireland, the organisation commissioned an independent inquiry and review by Dr Geoffrey Shannon to examine the allegations and assess its current safeguarding practices. This inquiry and review resulted in the publication of a final report on 16 March 2023, which included Dr Shannon's independent recommendations.
St John Ambulance Ireland has advised that, in accordance with its obligations under Children First, it has developed and implemented a Child Safeguarding Statement. Tusla engaged with St John Ambulance Ireland regarding safeguarding practices during the period of Dr Shannon's review, and a revised Child Safeguarding Statement was developed following that engagement and with the assistance of Tusla.
I, and the previous Minister, have been clear that all of the recommendations contained in the Shannon Report should be implemented by St John Ambulance Ireland as soon as practicable. However, as an independent organisation, responsibility for implementing these recommendations rests with St John Ambulance Ireland.
To date, St John Ambulance Ireland has published four reports on the implementation of these recommendations, which are available on its website. These reports provide updates on progress against each recommendation and include the implementation status of each one.
Hospital Transfers
Questions (515)
Paul Lawless
Question:515. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of patients from County Mayo transferred from Mayo University Hospital to other hospitals due to bed capacity constraints in each of the past three years and to date in 2026; the hospitals to which patients were transferred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66335/26]
View answerWritten answers
“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.”
516. Reply not received from Department.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Questions (517)
Cathy Bennett
Question:517. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the total number of people waiting for MRI scans, by county, by duration of wait, zero to three months, three to six months, six to 12 months, 12 months plus, by age that is 16 and under; 18 and under and 18 plus. [66300/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
518. Reply not received from Department.
Health Services
Questions (519)
Joe Neville
Question:519. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Health if her Department will provide an update on the HSE EEPR review on Hip Dysplasia; and if she will provide a timeline on when it may be completed. [66340/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Cancer Services
Questions (520)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:520. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the way in which oncology service provision at Naas General Hospital aligns with the objectives of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 regarding integrated and patient-centred care delivered closer to home. [66352/26]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Questions (521)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:521. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce recruitment delays at Naas General Hospital; and the average time taken from advertisement to appointment for nursing posts during the past three years. [66351/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Questions (522)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:522. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce recruitment delays at Naas General Hospital; and the average time taken from advertisement to appointment for nursing posts during the past three years. [66350/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Questions (523)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:523. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health if she will provide details of the current oncology nursing complement at Naas General Hospital; whether a dedicated oncology nurse coordinator post existed at the hospital; if that post has been discontinued, reconfigured or left vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66349/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (524)
George Lawlor
Question:524. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the waiting list for speech and language therapy in CAMHS Wexford South, CAMHS Enniscorthy and North Wexford, in tabular form; and if she will make the statement on the matter. [66347/26]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond direct to the Deputy as soon as possible in relation to the detailed operational information sought.
Medicinal Products
Questions (525)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:525. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health if her Department will assess a medication (details supplied) for availability and reimbursement here as a viable treatment option for phenylketonuria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66346/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE robustly assesses applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure that it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver the best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to Irish citizens and patients.
There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and / or reimbursed. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds.
To commence the pricing and reimbursement process, a pharmaceutical company must submit an application for a new medicine or a new use of an existing medicine to the HSE’s Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit. European Medicines Agency (EMA) or Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) authorisation is required for the medicine prior to submission to the HSE for reimbursement as reimbursement only applies to licensed uses (indications) of the medicine.
Ireland is ‘open for business’ and all pharmaceutical companies are encouraged to submit applications for reimbursement for new medicines that are granted marketing authorisation in Europe.
Further information on the progress of assessment and approval processes is available via the Pricing and Reimbursement Application tracker available at HSE - PCRS: www.sspcrs.ie/portal/rdt/pub/application/home
As of the 20th September 2026, no pricing and reimbursement application has been received by the HSE for sepiapterin (Sephience®). The national assessment and decision process cannot commence in the absence of a pricing and reimbursement application submission.
Health Services
Questions (526, 617)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:526. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health whether she will introduce a no wait card for those with medical conditions requiring urgent access to toilets; and if so, when she expects that it will be available. [66345/26]
View answer
Robert Troy
Question:617. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the Government’s position regarding the Equal Status (Access to Toilet Facilities) Bill 2026 (details supplied); if she will support the progression of the Bill to Second Stage and engage with the relevant stakeholders to progress a national “No Wait Card” initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66878/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 617 together.
In the Dáil on 15 January, 2026 Deputy Wall sought leave to introduce the Equal Status (Access to Toilet Facilities) Bill 2026: First Stage. At the time, and following a request from the Leas Ceann Comhairle, Minister of State Brophy confirmed that the Government did not oppose and leave to introduce the Bill was therefore granted. The Leas Ceann Comhairle noted that as it was a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.
More recently, and following his request, I was pleased to arrange a meeting between Deputy Wall and my Department’s Chief Medical Officer ( CMO). This took place in June and during the meeting the CMO suggested that the Department would look into the possibility of advancing the initiative under the Healthy Ireland Framework.
My Department is currently developing a new Healthy Ireland Framework. The new Framework is being informed by an extensive review and consultation process and will provide a broad strategic direction for improving population health.
While still in the drafting process, central to the Framework will be a drive to reducing health inequalities in all forms. While the Framework is a high level document and a specific action would not be appropriate, the "No Wait Card" proposal will be considered as the actions for the Healthy Ireland Action Plan are developed. The Framework is expected to be published by year end and the Action Plan shortly thereafter.
The “no wait card” proposal is an innovative one and I believe it merits further exploration. Over the coming period, my Department will engage with relevant stakeholders and organisations to better understand the potential opportunities, practical considerations and implementation challenges associated with such an initiative.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (527)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:527. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health to review the case of a person (details supplied) who requires an MRI scan and has yet to receive this appointment. [66388/26]
View answerWritten answers
“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.”
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (528)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:528. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health to review the case of a person (details supplied) who has been referred to Croom Orthopaedic Hospital Limerick for knee surgery; and when the person will receive an appointment date. [66382/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.