Written Answers Nos. 541-563
541. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the sanctions, penalties, suspensions, termination of contract, etc. that are in place, if any, to safeguard the general public and residents when a private nursing home company failed miserably to implement a decision by HIQA to cease taking in new residents when serious concerns were raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31546/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra546. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if she can provide a number of updates on a scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31568/25]
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.
547. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health in view of the very welcome roll-out of free HRT, whether additional supports will be provided to the small cohort or perimenopausal and menopausal women, such as those with certain cancers and women with blood clotting disorders, who cannot take HRT; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31569/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2025, a €20 million allocation was secured for the introduction of a state-funded Hormone Replacement Therapy measure for women experiencing symptoms of menopause.
Under this new measure, which came into effect on 1st June 20205, where a woman has been prescribed a Hormone Replacement Therapy product by her healthcare provider to alleviate the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products, and the dispensing fees will be met by the State.
At present, the current provision is for free HRT products for the treatment of menopause symptoms as this is the most commonly used treatment for managing menopausal symptoms and has shown to be the most effective intervention.
It is important to acknowledge that there are women who are contraindicated for the use of HRT in treating their menopause symptoms, and there are women who choose not to take HRT in some instances. In these cases, it is important to discuss options with a GP, or in some cases an oncologist, to decide the best course of action for the treatment of these symptoms.
Some women experiencing more complex symptoms, including those who are contraindicated for the use of HRT, may be referred to one of our Specialist Menopause Clinics for continued care free of charge.
548. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health for a list of recognised asthma centres that specialise in severe asthma that have and do not have a leading Advanced Nurse Practitioner in post. [31588/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis has been referred to the HSE to answer.
549. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost of ensuring an advanced nurse practitioner post at each recognised asthma centre that specialises in severe asthma. [31589/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
550. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultants in emergency medicine based at Sligo University Hospital in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [31590/25]
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.
551. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Wexford General Hospital in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [31591/25]
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.
552. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE physiotherapists, by grade, working at Portiuncula University Hospital in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [31592/25]
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.
553. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE occupational therapists currently working within CHO 6 older persons services in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [31593/25]
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.
554. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE social workers working in HSE adult safeguarding team in the north west region in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [31594/25]
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.
555. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE ambulances and incident response vehicles based in Kerry in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [31595/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
556. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant neurologist based at St. Vincent's University Hospital in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [31596/25]
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.
557. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE psychiatry of later life teams based within CHO 3 in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [31597/25]
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.
558. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to extending the special leave with pay scheme, and that some form of long term support will be put in place for these workers, particularly in view that approximately 166 employees of the HSE are affected by long-Covid since 2020 as a result of working on the front line during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31601/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme was put in place for 12 months in July 2022 to support eligible staff who were impacted by Long-Covid. At the request of my Department, approval to extend the Special Scheme was granted by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) a number of times, it was extended for a further 12 months at the end of June 2024 on the existing terms for the existing cohort of employees already being supported by it. The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) have been very clear that this was the final extension that would be granted, and as such, the Special Scheme will conclude on 30th June 2025.
As this is an on going Industrial Relations matter it would be inappropriate to comment any further.
559. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the reason the temporary scheme of paid leave for public health service employee’s unit for work post Covid-19 infection is ending on 30 June 2025; the provisions that will be put in place for people on this scheme that are medically unable to return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31606/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme was put in place for 12 months in July 2022 to support eligible staff who were impacted by Long-Covid. At the request of my Department, approval to extend the Special Scheme was granted by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) a number of times, most recently at the end of June 2024 when it was extended for a further 12 months on the existing terms for the existing cohort of employees already being supported by it.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) have been very clear that this was the final extension that would be granted, and as such, the Special Scheme will conclude on 30th June 2025.
Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell beyond that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.
Employees who did not qualify for the Special Scheme but are also impacted by Long-Covid may also utilise the supports of the sick leave scheme.
The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted.
560. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to establishing a baby loss certificate for early pregnancy loss-miscarriage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31607/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the devastating impact that pregnancy loss at any stage can have on women and families as a whole.
This Government is committed to the progressive development of maternity services. There has been significant work undertaken by this Government to improve supports for families experiencing pregnancy loss.
Statutory entitlements for women who experience pregnancy loss are covered by the Maternity Protection Acts and the Social Welfare Acts, which are under the remit of the Department of Social Protection.
The Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024 has expanded access to the stillbirth register for those who can request a certificate. Changes were made, through the Act, to the criteria for the registration of stillbirths with a reduction of the weight and gestational age thresholds. These changes mean that more babies will now be included on the official register of stillbirths. The Civil Registration Act is the responsibility of the Minister for Social Protection.
The implementation of the National Maternity Strategy, under the remit of my Department, has provided for Bereavement Specialist Teams in all 19 maternity hospitals and units across the country, to assist and support parents, families and professionals dealing with pregnancy loss.
A number of further maternity reforms are currently being assessed in line with the Programme for Government, including the development of a successor to the National Maternity Strategy.
561. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the current services provided by her Department to parents who have suffered pregnancy loss or miscarriage; the additional plans she intends to put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31608/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to the progressive development of maternity services. There has been significant work undertaken in recent years to improve supports for families experiencing pregnancy loss.
In 2016, Ireland’s first National Maternity Strategy was published, as well as the HSE’s National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death. The National Maternity Strategy recognises the importance of improving and standardising bereavement care throughout our maternity services and recommends the implementation of the National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death. The Standards are designed to enhance bereavement care services for parents who experience a pregnancy loss or perinatal death and cover all pregnancy loss situations from early pregnancy loss to perinatal death.
There has been significant progress in implementing the National Standards, including the development of Specialist Bereavement Teams in all 19 maternity hospitals and units, each with a Clinical Midwife Specialist in Bereavement. Investment through the Strategy has supported the development of dedicated Bereavement Rooms. These spaces ensure that families who have experienced a bereavement or are receiving bad news can receive compassionate care in an appropriate setting, that affords privacy and dignity at a very difficult and distressing time. There are also quiet rooms available in most units to facilitate parents spending time with their baby.
The Department has been assured that all units continue to implement the Standards which is closely monitored by the Bereavement Standards Implementation Advisory Group reporting to the HSE's National Women & Infants Health Programme.
In the Programme for Government, we are committed to requiring hospitals to improve their environments, spaces and supports within maternity services to better assist and support individuals dealing with pregnancy loss or critical neonatal illness. Work is ongoing by both the Department of Health and HSE to identify and develop further improvements.
562. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the steps she is taking to ensure all care home providers and nursing home providers have proper standards and are regularly checked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31654/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll nursing homes, as registered providers with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), have well-established obligations under the legal framework in terms of the delivery of safe care to residents. HIQA is the statutory independent regulator for this sector and this responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and Quality Standards.
The Chief Inspector of Social Services, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider.
As the independent regulator of nursing homes, the Chief Inspector determines the appropriate approach and interventions required to monitor and ensure compliance with the regulatory framework.
HIQA will always work closely with nursing homes providers to ensure compliance plans are in place to deal with the issues raised in their inspection reports.
The legal framework for the regulation of nursing homes in Ireland is set out in the Health Act 2007 (as amended), associated regulations and nationally mandated standards. The Act and the regulations provide the legal framework for how nursing home care must be delivered, and to which a registered provider must adhere in order to remain registered and to continue to operate their nursing home.
The Act also sets out the responsibilities of HIQA’s Chief Inspector in relation to registration, monitoring and inspections of nursing homes. This includes the assessments of provider’s compliance with the regulations, and standards.
Regulation is comprised of a number of key activities:
i) registering designated centres.
ii) inspecting and reporting on the quality and safety of the services.
iii) ongoing monitoring of compliance in services.
iv) meeting and engaging with people who avail of the service to hear their experiences.
v) receiving, analysing and risk-assessing information from a range of sources to inform our regulation activity.
HIQA is committed to ensuring that all nursing homes are inspected at least once a year. Since 2022, an increasing numbers of centres have been inspected twice a year (nearly 40% in 2024). In 2024, 84% of all inspections in nursing homes were unannounced. Inspectors take a risk-based approach to regulation, carrying out more inspections in centres where there are concerns about the care and welfare of residents or where there is repeated non-compliance with the regulations.
Where a provider of a nursing home fails to recognise or address issues that are impacting the care of residents, inspectors will commence a process of escalating regulatory engagement, including cautionary and warning meetings. In circumstances where the required levels of improvement are not achieved, Part 8 of the Act sets out the tools of enforcement which are available to the Chief Inspector, such as:
i) attaching or varying a condition of registration pursuant to section 51 of the Act.
ii) cancelling the registration of a designated centre pursuant to section 51 of the Act.
iii) applying to the District Court seeking an order for the cancellation of a designated centre’s registration pursuant to section 59 of the Act.
iv) prosecution.
The legal framework sets out a two-step process of issuing a notice of proposed decision before a notice of decision for one and two of the above regulatory enforcement actions. The Health Act 2007 (as amended) was recently amended to ensure that any required regulatory enforcement can be effected in a shorter time frame.
563. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the standards those employed in nursing homes have to have in terms of qualifications before being employed; the ongoing training that is provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31655/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
