Written Answers Nos. 1146-1164
1146. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the work his Department has undertaken to recruit medical professionals for the Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2607/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1147. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting their initial speech and language appointment through the Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2608/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1148. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting their initial physiotherapy appointment through Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2609/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1149. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting their occupational therapy appointment through the Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2610/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1150. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting their initial psychologist assessment through the Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2611/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1151. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for paediatric speech and language therapy through Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2612/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1152. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for paediatric occupational therapy through Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2613/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1153. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for paediatric psychology assessment through Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2614/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1154. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for paediatric physiotherapy through Phoenix Centre-Longford Primary Care Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2615/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1155. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a child in Cork (details supplied) will receive the support he needs from the child and adolescent mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2632/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1156. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Health when orthodontic treatment can be provided to a child (details supplied) in County Cork, particularly in light of their medical history and circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2633/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1157. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of the chiropody services available in the public health system, including to those with a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2634/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1158. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the status of the funding approval for the development of the health centre in Ballyhale, County Kilkenny; and the timeline for the delivery of the project. [2638/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
1159. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the medical card application for a person (details supplied). [2673/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1160. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the number of persons removed from waiting lists through the outpatient waiting list management protocol in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively; the number of those removed that were adults; the number that were children; to provide a further breakdown by hospital, and by type of appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2692/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeriodic validation forms an essential part of best practice in relation to the management of hospital waiting lists.
Validation is a process whereby hospital administration contacts patients on waiting lists at pre-planned intervals to ensure that patients are ready, willing, suitable and available to attend a hospital appointment, or if they wish to be removed from the waiting list.
For a number of years validation was conducted at individual hospital level in Ireland but in 2018, the Minister for Health approved the establishment of a validation function within the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The establishment of a centralised function has facilitated the introduction of a standardised approach to validation of waiting lists across all hospitals and across Inpatient, Day Case and Outpatient waiting lists.
In relation to the data requested by the Deputy, the NTPF has provided the figures in the table at the following link, which outlines the number of patients removed from outpatient waiting lists through validation in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The NTPF has advised that the information it currently collates in respect of validation does not include a breakdown by adult and child, or information about the type of appointment.
National Waiting List Validation 2022 to 2024 - Removals Outpatient Summary by Year
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total OP |
|
CHI |
8,817 |
10,929 |
10,333 |
30,079 |
|
CHI at Connolly |
35 |
233 |
1,633 |
1,901 |
|
CHI at Crumlin |
4,760 |
5,420 |
4,713 |
14,893 |
|
CHI at Tallaght |
806 |
2,088 |
1,552 |
4,446 |
|
CHI at Temple Street |
3,216 |
3,188 |
2,435 |
8,839 |
|
Dublin & Midlands |
18,906 |
26,315 |
20,061 |
65,282 |
|
Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital |
4 |
25 |
29 |
|
|
Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar |
2,685 |
2,674 |
2,032 |
7,391 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise |
1,912 |
1,947 |
1,537 |
5,396 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore |
4,002 |
2,658 |
2,354 |
9,014 |
|
Naas General Hospital |
1,916 |
2,288 |
2,250 |
6,454 |
|
St. James's Hospital |
3,467 |
5,464 |
4,976 |
13,907 |
|
Tallaght University Hospital |
4,920 |
11,259 |
6,912 |
23,091 |
|
Dublin & North East |
8,815 |
12,235 |
20,760 |
41,810 |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
4,930 |
4,930 |
||
|
Cavan General & Monaghan Hospitals |
6 |
6 |
1,522 |
1,534 |
|
Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown |
731 |
1,211 |
1,942 |
|
|
Louth County Hospital |
12 |
69 |
215 |
296 |
|
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital |
6,273 |
8,966 |
6,859 |
22,098 |
|
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh |
497 |
712 |
818 |
2,027 |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda |
18 |
45 |
3,232 |
3,295 |
|
Our Lady's Hospital Navan |
1,622 |
1,376 |
1,366 |
4,364 |
|
Rotunda Hospital |
387 |
330 |
607 |
1,324 |
|
Dublin & South East |
12,488 |
12,700 |
15,189 |
40,377 |
|
National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street) |
44 |
384 |
580 |
1,008 |
|
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital |
4,482 |
3,389 |
3,183 |
11,054 |
|
St. Columcille's Hospital |
1,129 |
1,569 |
2,517 |
5,215 |
|
St. Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny |
556 |
852 |
1,321 |
2,729 |
|
St. Michael's Hospital |
222 |
283 |
664 |
1,169 |
|
St. Vincent's University Hospital |
2,687 |
4,497 |
5,805 |
12,989 |
|
Tipperary University Hospital |
767 |
1,064 |
601 |
2,432 |
|
University Hospital Waterford |
2,292 |
165 |
2,457 |
|
|
Wexford General Hospital |
309 |
497 |
518 |
1,324 |
|
Mid West |
12,316 |
10,308 |
7,530 |
30,154 |
|
Croom Orthopaedic Hospital |
999 |
1,217 |
1,106 |
3,322 |
|
Ennis Hospital |
434 |
320 |
309 |
1,063 |
|
Nenagh Hospital |
222 |
285 |
208 |
715 |
|
St. John's Hospital Limerick |
489 |
391 |
205 |
1,085 |
|
University Hospital Limerick |
10,172 |
8,095 |
5,702 |
23,969 |
|
South West |
15,417 |
14,457 |
15,223 |
45,097 |
|
Bantry General Hospital |
541 |
153 |
156 |
850 |
|
Cork University Hospital |
6,669 |
6,407 |
6,155 |
19,231 |
|
Cork University Maternity Hospital |
115 |
59 |
174 |
|
|
Mallow General Hospital |
441 |
694 |
75 |
1,210 |
|
Mercy University Hospital |
1,681 |
1,716 |
1,539 |
4,936 |
|
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital |
3,083 |
2,883 |
4,580 |
10,546 |
|
University Hospital Kerry |
3,002 |
2,489 |
2,659 |
8,150 |
|
West & North West |
32,234 |
28,397 |
26,215 |
86,846 |
|
Galway University Hospital |
16,809 |
13,531 |
14,665 |
45,005 |
|
Letterkenny University Hospital |
4,631 |
4,134 |
4,113 |
12,878 |
|
Mayo University Hospital |
2,890 |
3,562 |
2,244 |
8,696 |
|
Portiuncula University Hospital |
961 |
769 |
591 |
2,321 |
|
Roscommon University Hospital |
1,895 |
1,782 |
982 |
4,659 |
|
Sligo University Hospital |
5,048 |
4,619 |
3,620 |
13,287 |
|
Grand Total |
108,993 |
115,341 |
115,311 |
339,645 |
Please note: Blank fields within the data set indicate hospitals not validating for the reporting period outlined.
1161. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health her plans to make a drug (details supplied) free; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2694/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMenopause is an important health and wellbeing issue which has been prioritised as part of the Government’s commitment to improved women’s health outcomes.
Much important work has been done in this area, driven by the Women’s Health Taskforce and the Women’s Health Action Plans, launched in 2022 and 2024.
The new Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future continues to emphasise this important commitment to improving women’s health outcomes and experiences. This new HRT measure represents another step to widen access to menopause related treatments and services and follows on from all the other developments that have taken place over several years.
Budget 2025 announced the intention to fund the medicine cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) products prescribed to a woman to help manage the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause.
To enable this initiative, the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024 was signed into law in November 2024.
This legislation means that where a woman has been prescribed a HRT product by her healthcare provider to alleviate the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products will be met by the State.
For the purpose of this measure, menopause means, in relation to a woman, the various stages for the treatment of menopause symptoms and includes perimenopause, post menopause, early menopause, premature menopause and medically induced menopause.
This measure will cover any HRT medications and products which are currently reimbursable by the HSE, which have been prescribed for the purposes of alleviating the symptoms of menopause. The cost of GP consultation fees and pharmacy dispensing fees are not included in the measure.
The Department of Health is working to introduce it as soon as possible.
There are a variety of non-HRT strategies and medicines, both over the counter and on prescription, which can be accessed by women who cannot or prefer not to use HRT. These options should be discussed with a GP, or in some cases an oncologist, to decide the best course of action. Some women experiencing complex symptoms may be referred to one of six Specialist Menopause Clinics for continued care.
The new state supported HRT measure relates only to HRT products for the treatment of menopause symptoms. The drug mentioned is not on the list of these HRT products.
However, there exist two schemes, administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) which assist people with their medical costs – these are the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, and the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS).
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under these schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Reimbursable claims under both schemes are based on prescriptions which are transmitted to the pharmacist. The drug mentioned falls within the scope of these schemes.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the GMS Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
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 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 DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for those who are not eligible for a medical card but incur ongoing expenditure on medicines.
There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the DPS threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
1162. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health her plans to make a drug (details supplied) free. [2695/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMenopause is an important health and wellbeing issue which has been prioritised as part of the Government’s commitment to improved women’s health outcomes.
Much important work has been done in this area, driven by the Women’s Health Taskforce and the Women’s Health Action Plans, launched in 2022 and 2024.
The new Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future continues to emphasise this important commitment to improving women’s health outcomes and experiences. This new HRT measure represents another step to widen access to menopause related treatments and services and follows on from all the other developments that have taken place over several years.
Budget 2025 announced the intention to fund the medicine cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) products prescribed to a woman to help manage the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause.
To enable this initiative, the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024 was signed into law in November 2024.
This legislation means that where a woman has been prescribed a HRT product by her healthcare provider to alleviate the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products will be met by the State.
For the purpose of this measure, menopause means, in relation to a woman, the various stages for the treatment of menopause symptoms and includes perimenopause, post menopause, early menopause, premature menopause and medically induced menopause.
This measure will cover any HRT medications and products which are currently reimbursable by the HSE, which have been prescribed for the purposes of alleviating the symptoms of menopause. The cost of GP consultation fees and pharmacy dispensing fees are not included in the measure.
The Department of Health is working to introduce it as soon as possible.
There are a variety of non-HRT strategies and medicines, both over the counter and on prescription, which can be accessed by women who cannot or prefer not to use HRT. These options should be discussed with a GP, or in some cases an oncologist, to decide the best course of action. Some women experiencing complex symptoms may be referred to one of six Specialist Menopause Clinics for continued care.
The new state supported HRT measure relates only to HRT products for the treatment of menopause symptoms. The drug mentioned is not on the list of these HRT products.
However, there exist two schemes, administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) which assist people with their medical costs – these are the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, and the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS).
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under these schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Reimbursable claims under both schemes are based on prescriptions which are transmitted to the pharmacist. The drug mentioned falls within the scope of these schemes.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the GMS Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
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 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 DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for those who are not eligible for a medical card but incur ongoing expenditure on medicines.
There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the DPS threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
1163. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health her plans to reduce the cost of breast cancer and endocrine medication. [2696/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
There are two schemes, administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) which assist people with their medical costs – these are the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, and the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS). Reimbursable claims under both these schemes are based on prescriptions which are transmitted to the pharmacist.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the GMS Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
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. Medical cards may be subject to review and medical reports may be needed to support the renewal or continuation of the eligibility.
Under the Drug 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 DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for those who are not eligible for a medical card but incur ongoing expenditure on medicines. In some cases, when applying for a DPS card, a medical report for any family member who cannot maintain themselves may be required.
In 2023, further measures have facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for adults.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
1164. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the medical card application of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2710/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
