Written Answers Nos. 743-762
743. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of intra-operative neuromonitoring devices available to hospitals in the Dublin area; and if the Minister is aware of surgeries being postponed due to a lack of availability and hospitals being forced to loan devices to others. [68233/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
744. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting for HSE home support in each month of 2025 and to date in 2026 in the east Clare HSE community health network. [68177/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
745. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting for HSE home support in each month of 2025 and to date in 2026 in the west Clare HSE community health network. [68176/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
746. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting one month or longer, three months or longer, six months or longer, and 12 months or longer for HSE home support in the west Clare HSE community health network. [68173/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
747. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting one month or longer, three months or longer, six months or longer, and 12 months or longer for HSE home support in the east Clare HSE community health network. [68170/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
748. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1184 of 15 September 2026, and staffing in Nenagh CMHT, for a further update on the mental health OT post; and if a date for interviews has yet been set. [68168/26]
View answerAs this is a specific service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
749. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health to what extent her Department was consulted on the potential health effects of the Planning Design Standards for Apartments: Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2025 in a warming climate; if a health impact assessment was applied; and what feedback or response, if any, was given by the Department on how these revised standards will contribute positively or negatively to the delivery of the National Strategic Outcome to transition to a climate-resilient society. [68328/26]
View answerMatters pertaining to the application of Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, fall within the jurisdiction of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and my Department has no role or function in this regard.
My Department was not involved in the drafting of the planning guidelines referenced by the Deputy. However, I understand that a public consultation is currently under way regarding a draft National Planning Statement on Apartments, which is intended to supersede the 2025 guidelines referenced.
750. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the rationale for tender applicants for the shop-café at Louth County Hospital (details supplied) being advised that the minimum acceptable revenue-sharing arrangement shall be 30% of net profit, not gross profit, payable to Louth County Hospital; whether this is standard across hospitals in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68194/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
751. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the level of fees collected by pharmacies for services provided under the common conditions scheme, in tabular form; the number of consultations and other measurable outputs this relates to; the extent of data collected on services operated under the common conditions scheme; if this data is not collected, the reason; and whether she intends to collect it. [68193/26]
View answerThe Common Conditions Service is a private service delivered through community pharmacies. More than 1,800 pharmacies had signed up to provide the service by 31 March 2026. A consultation fee applies for patients accessing the service. As the service operates on a private basis, pharmacy owners may determine their own fees and are not required to report these charges to the State.
As part of the evaluation framework for the Common Conditions Service, 150 Data Champion pharmacies have been appointed across the country. These pharmacies are due to submit specific service delivery data to the HSE in October 2026. The information gathered will support evaluation of the current service and help inform considerations regarding its future development and expansion.
In addition, a public survey is available on www.gov.ie to capture patients' experiences of the service. Feedback received through the survey will complement the data collected from participating pharmacies and contribute to the overall evaluation of the service.
752. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of newly qualified nurses and midwives who have been offered jobs in hospitals on completion of their studies this year; the number of newly qualified nurses and midwives who have not been offered roles due to the HSE hiring freeze; if there are vacancies in hospitals not being filled due to this hiring freeze; if she is concerned that vacancies could lead to substandard patient care in hospitals; her plans to ensure that these newly qualified medical professionals are offered jobs in our hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68322/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
753. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an orthopaedic appointment in Galway University Hospital; and if the person is on the routine or urgent waiting list. [68227/26]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
754. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant midwifery positions in University Maternity Hospital Limerick; and the timeframe for these vacancies to be filled. [68366/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
755. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals in child primary care psychology services since processing disabilities was introduced; and the number currently on waiting lists. [68372/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
756. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health if staffing levels differentiate between adult and child primary care psychology services; and the number of staff employed in each service. [68371/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
757. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for child primary care psychology in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [68370/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
758. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the current average waiting times statewide for psychiatric assessment where clinically required; the reassessment or interim supports that are available to a person who feels their mental health is deteriorating while on a waiting list for treatment; and her plans to reduce these waiting times. [68384/26]
View answerCrisis mental health supports, including those with 24/7 coverage, are currently provided across a number of settings and services, including hospital based services, out of hours services such as CAMHS on call, and non-governmental organisation services such as crisis phone and text supports, funded by HSE Mental Health Services.
The National Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020-2030) is currently overseeing work by the HSE Implementation Group to bring together the range of available out-of-hours and crisis services and supports, with a view to aligning and streamlining supports and identifying any potential gaps in service provision. It is envisaged that this work will form the basis of an Adult Crisis Response Framework. This project is currently in an advanced state of preparation and is expected to be initiated formally before end-2026.
In addition, as Minister, I have also overseen the rollout of a range of out of hours supports for people experiencing mental health difficulties as alternatives to Emergency Departments.
Crisis Resolution Services
The model of care for Crisis Resolution Services was developed as a direct recommendation of Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy. It recognises that people who are experiencing a mental health crisis need specialist services to provide timely brief intensive supports to keep people safe.
• Crisis Resolution Teams: These comprise of teams of mental health professionals who work out of hours to meet people in a crisis and provide rapid assessment and intensive intervention. There are 7 pilot Crisis Resolution Teams currently operational in Galway, Sligo/Leitrim, Cork city (two teams), Waterford City, County, South Dublin/Wicklow, and Limerick.
• Crisis Cafés: Solace Cafes provide a welcoming, non-clinical safe environment in the style of a café where people can go at evenings and weekends. The Cafés provides a range of support for those who needed to use its services including crisis support, signposting, peer support, and community support. The Cafes are now open in Cork City, South Dublin and Sligo and Waterford. An additional Solace Café has opened this year in Limerick.
Additional funding has been provided for more Crisis Resolution Teams and Solace Cafes in Budget 2026, for Donegal, Kerry and the Midlands (Tullamore/Westmeath).
Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) Service
The Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service is critically important safety net for people in suicidal crisis and the Minister fully supports the intention within the second Sharing the Vision implementation plan to expand these services to provide full coverage nationwide. These services provide a timely response to requests for assessment of patients in suicidal crisis from GPs, and the assessments often take place in primary care settings.
The SCAN service was originally developed under the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation (NCPSHI) which was introduced in Irish public hospital emergency departments in 2014. Primarily delivered by clinical nurse specialists with support from a consultant psychiatrist in each hospital area, the programme supports people presenting with suicidal ideation as well as self-harm.
The model of care for the service envisages a dedicated mental health assessment room within hospitals to provide a more appropriate environment for assessments to take place. Even when the full network of alternative Crisis Resolution Services is in place, we know people in distress will still present to emergency departments for support. Given most acute mental health in-patient units are co-located with our acute hospital network, it’s important people in distress are assessed in clinically appropriate environments when they present for support. I have allocated funding for the recruitment of additional SCAN nurses in 2026.
Specialist Crisis Nurses in hospitals
Under funding which I allocated in Budget 2026, the HSE will establish specialist nursing teams in the emergency departments of all Model 4 hospitals out-of-hours, made up of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists to support people in crisis. By placing specialist nursing teams in our emergency departments out-of-hours, coupled with the expansion of community alternatives such as crisis resolution teams and crisis cafes, we are fundamentally changing how we respond to the needs of people in distress.
As your question raises operational issues, I have also referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
759. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if there is a significant issue with the modular bathrooms in the new children's hospital; the total number of bathrooms affected; whether this issue is related to the insulation used; if this issue can be outlined in detail; to clarify if the issue with insulation in the modular bathrooms will cause a delay in the delivery of the hospital; and if so, to provide a timeline. [68430/26]
View answerOpening the National Children’s Hospital Ireland (NCHI) 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.
I have been clear that the responsibility for committing to, resourcing, and delivering this project sits squarely with the project’s main contractor, BAM Ireland. The State will not reduce the pressure or dilute that accountability.
It is critically important that the hospital is delivered and fully compliant with all building regulations and contract requirements. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has advised that it has had to significantly increase the size of its site inspectorate team to provide the necessary level of assurance. This has been required because BAM has not implemented its Quality Management Plan effectively. As a result of persistent quality shortcomings, 100% of rooms and other key elements are now being inspected by the NPHDB’s site inspectorate team, compared with the industry-standard approach of sampling approximately 20%.
To date, 88% of the rooms in the NCHI have been delivered to the contractual standard. Over the past 15 months, the need for BAM to extensively rework initial installations to meet contractual standards has affected progress. Examples include all 316 manual sliding doors requiring remediation; 126 of the 244 bathroom pods requiring floor remediation to ensure proper drainage to outlets; and 11 of the 22 operating theatre floors requiring remediation, three of which had to be redone for a third time. Approximately 40% of the ventilation system was also found to contain dust because BAM carried out rework in rooms without adequate dust-protection measures.
Since the project began, BAM has addressed 198,500 defects, including the remediation of more than 2,000 fire doors.
BAM is responsible for ensuring that quality standards and compliance are met across all aspects of the NCHI. Where a contractor is unable to demonstrate compliance with the standards set out in the Works Contract with the appropriate documentation, they are required to conduct testing to demonstrate compliance with the technical and contractual requirements.
A BAM compliance issue with the certification of the 244 prefabricated bathroom pods has arisen. BAM has full responsibility for that procurement, including purchasing materials and installing the bathroom pods in accordance the Contract.
BAM has undertaken independent testing to ascertain compliance with the required standards. A detailed remediation plan, based on the outcome of the tests performed, is awaited from BAM. The NPHDB has advised that it stands ready to fully engage and assist in any way possible to advance BAM’s resolution of the matter in a way that achieves the necessary compliance.
This is not a fire risk, but rather a compliance matter BAM. The NCHI is one of the most protected buildings in Europe as it relates to fire safety. It is a fully sprinklered building with a robust and extensive fire compartmentation and fire-stopping strategy, as detailed in the granted Fire Safety Certificate. When the NCHI opens, it will be compliant with the Fire Safety Certificate and Building Control Regulations.
760. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if there are funding streams within the palliative care sector for volunteer support and volunteer support programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68447/26]
View answerThe valuable role that volunteers play in palliative care is reflected in recommendation 19 of the 2024 National Adult Palliative Care Policy, which aims to promote and support volunteering in palliative care.
A national Volunteer Coordinator Network for volunteer coordinators was established in 2025 and is facilitated by the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care. Currently, there are six paid volunteer co-ordinators and one voluntary volunteer co-ordinator which cover 10 of the hospices nationally. Policy funding was allocated for this purpose. An in-person event for volunteer coordinators was supported through funding of €1,500 in 2026. €5,000 was provided in 2026 to support a review of the existing Codes of Practice with members of the Volunteer Community of Practice, and to co-design a standard code of conduct for volunteers. This is intended to provide protection and clarity around expectations for volunteers and to support best practice.
Building on this progress and in recognition of the significant contribution of volunteers, the HSE 2027-2028 Implementation Plan will focus on expanding and strengthening volunteering within palliative care.
€27,000 will be allocated next year to develop and implement a nationally coordinated public information and engagement approach to volunteering in palliative care. This will aim to improve public awareness, accessibility and participation, including among underrepresented and diverse communities. This funding will support the achievement of the following deliverables:
• completion of a national mapping exercise and stakeholder engagement process to identify current specialist palliative care volunteering models, existing community volunteering initiatives, gaps, barriers and opportunities for collaboration and replication;
• co-design and implementation of a national public information and engagement campaign linked to Palliative Care Week 2027.
An additional €6,000 will be allocated in 2027 to support the development, visibility and accessibility of task-based and role-based volunteering opportunities within palliative care. This will be delivered through collaboration with specialist palliative care providers and volunteer coordinators, enabling a broader range of meaningful and flexible volunteering opportunities for potential volunteers.
This funding will support the completion of a review of volunteer role descriptions, volunteering models and examples of good practice. It will also provided for the development and promotion of guidance on volunteering opportunities.
Taken together, all these activities will help strengthen community participation, improve public awareness of palliative care, increase volunteering opportunities, and contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable model of palliative care support across communities.
761. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the publishing of the national plan for hearing care. [68468/26]
View answerThe National Hearing Care Plan Working Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Membership of the Working Group is drawn from relevant stakeholders, including clinicians, representative bodies, and other agencies.
The Working Group has been tasked with developing recommendations for a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland. To support this, a structured workstream has been developed, focused on progressing priority issues. Significant progress has been made to date.
An important milestone in progressing the development of the Plan was a public consultation process. The views and opinions gathered through this process will directly inform the development and finalisation of the National Hearing Care Plan. The draft Plan produced by the Group will be presented to the Minister by the end of the year for approval prior to publishing.
762. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health her plans to roll out a statewide hearing screening programme for over-50s similar to other health screening programmes. [68470/26]
View answerI am dedicated to enhancing Ireland’s population screening programmes, which are a vital component of our health services. They enable early treatment and care for many people, thereby enhancing the overall health of our community.
I would note that any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes, will be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister for Health.
It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured, validated and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to propose changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC’s 2026 Call for Submissions closed on 28 August. The next annual call is expected to be launched in mid-2027. Further information on NSAC can be found at its website at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie.
Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.
