Written Answers Nos. 377-398
380. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of people working full-time and part-time in her Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department in roles that are fully on-site, hybrid, or fully remote from 2022 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33495/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department operates a Blended Working Policy based on the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations. All employees, regardless of grade, can apply for a blended working arrangement. Staff must attend the office for a minimum of two days per week (pro rata for staff on a reduced working pattern), with specific days to be determined by the Head of Unit.
The end of month headcount of the number of people employed in my Department from December 2022 to May 2025 are listed in the table below.
|
Year |
Full time (Staff with FTE=1) |
Part time (Staff with FTE<1) |
|
May 2025 |
598 |
30 |
|
December 2024 |
955 |
37 |
|
December 2023 |
745 |
33 |
|
December 2022 |
587 |
32 |
*Data is correct at time of publication and subject to data cleanse.The above table includes employees in the The Farrelly Commission, which ceased on 23rd May 2025, and the Disability Appeals Office.The figures from 2022-2024 include staff in the International Protection Division, Ukraine Division and Youth Affairs which, following a Transfer of Functions in May 2025, transferred from my Department to Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and the Department of Education and Youth.
The bodies under the aegis of the Department will respond directly to the Deputy in respect of their own organisations.
381. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health for a projected start date to construction works on a replacement facility for the Owenacurra Centre, Midleton. [33389/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
382. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Health her views that labelling regulations would apply to all alcohol sold in the State, not merely alcohol produced in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33469/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains a competitive country and this year, we have been ranked as the seventh most competitive country internationally. The importance of our competitiveness - as a small open economy - has been underscored by recent global economic uncertainty. Notwithstanding the aforementioned rankings, we cannot afford to be complacent and the Government is clear that there are areas where we can improve and that we should not take any steps would erode the relative competitiveness of Ireland's enterprise base. Specifically, in order to navigate these uncertain times, it makes sense to focus on those factors which fall within our domestic sphere of control.
To this end, I recently wrote to my Government colleague - the Minister for Health - in relation to the proposed changes to alcohol beverage labelling due to come into effect from 2026. Specifically, I expressed my concern that the proposed measures would mean increased production and sale costs for Irish producers and importers (and potentially add to the price payable by consumers) at a time when prices are also rising due to a multitude of other factors.
At the same time, our domestic production sector is going through a period of very significant disruption to supply chains and access to markets. Notwithstanding the overarching health benefits of the proposal, I requested my colleague to consider pausing the introduction of the proposed new requirements. Such a move would, in my view, provide the opportunity to work with the Commission on progressing a harmonised set of EU-wide regulations and would also reinforce our approach of seeking to reduce regulatory fragmentation in the Internal Market and of working constructively with other like-minded countries on trade matters.
383. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health to outline, given that many of the frontline workers during the pandemic are still suffering with the effects of long Covid and have to deal with an increased amount of sick leave and medical bills, her views on the secession of special Covid payments to healthcare workers/HSE staff with long Covid, on 30 June 2025; and her views on long-Covid sufferers having to avail of regular sick leave rules only from 1 July 2025. [33221/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure Reform have been very clear that no further extension would be granted, and as such, the Special Scheme will conclude on 30th June 2025.
This matter had been referred to the Labor Court on 11th of June 2025.
As this is an on going Industrial Relations matter it would be inappropriate to comment any further.
384. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) who has a very rare form of epilepsy will receive her much-needed seizure monitor. [33227/25]
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.
385. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if she will address the situation regarding the unavailability of phyllocontin and uniphyllin (theophylline) tablets, which were previously used to manage asthma and were covered under the medical card scheme; if uniphyllin continus PR, which is believed to be the replacement, will be made available under the medical card given its high monthly cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33234/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following information is available from our national medicines regulator, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
Ennogen Healthcare (Europe) Limited, the Marketing Authorisation Holder for Phyllocontin Continus 225 mg Prolonged Release Tablets, have informed pharmacies of their intention to discontinue marketing of Phyllocontin Continus 225 mg Prolonged Release Tablets in Ireland, the HPRA has confirmed with the MAH. The HPRA’s website has been updated to reflect the current marketing status of this medicinal product.
Based on a notification received from Ennogen Healthcare (Europe) Limited, the Marketing Authorisation Holder for Uniphyllin Continus 200mg, 300mg & 400mg Prolonged-release tablets, the company decided to cease marketing of the products in Ireland in December 2024 due to “commercial reasons”.
The HPRA cannot compel marketing authorisation holders to market medicines in Ireland.
386. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm the current status of SouthDoc in Blackpool, as a number of users in the northside of Cork city have stated that the service appears to be wound down, that when they call to make an appointment that they are referred to a SouthDoc service on the southside of the city which is particularly difficult for people who have limited transport options; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33240/25]
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.
387. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of appointments taken in SouthDoc in Blackpool, Cork, in each of the past 12 months; the number of patients that were unable to be seen in Blackpool and were referred to SouthDoc in Kinsale Road, Cork from Blackpool in the same time period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33241/25]
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.
388. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the actions she will take to ensure that givinostat is available at the earliest opportunity to sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. [33245/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra402. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the current status of the approval process for the drug givinostat for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; if consideration is being given to its inclusion in an early access programme, similar to those operating in the United Kingdom and the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33312/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra403. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to outline her engagements with the HSE on access to givinostat for Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33325/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra412. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if she will use her power to ensure a decision is made as a matter of urgency regarding an application for reimbursement of new medicines (details supplied) given lengthy reimbursement times and the detrimental impact delaying access to this medicine has on the medical condition to which it relates. [33380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra423. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the steps she is taking to ensure that a drug (details supplied) will be assessed and made available as quickly as possible following its recent EU approval, given how important early access is for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33451/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 388, 402, 403, 412 and 423 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and devices; therefore, I have asked the HSE for an update in this matter.
The HSE has advised that there is a National Application, Assessment & Decision Process for new medicines which is underpinned by Primary Legislation (Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013) put in place by the Oireachtas. The HSE must comply with the relevant legislation when considering investment decisions around new medicines.
The HSE must robustly assess 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.
Pharmaceutical companies are required to submit formal applications to the HSE if they wish for their medicines to be added to the list of reimbursable items / funded via hospitals. The decision of pharmaceutical companies to market licensed medicines i.e. whether or not to submit a formal application, is outside the control of the HSE.
In terms of the specific details of an application for pricing and reimbursement of Givinostat (Duvyzat®):
On 25th April 2025, the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a conditional marketing authorisation for Givinostat (Duvyzat®) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in ambulant patients, aged 6 years and older, and with concomitant corticosteroid treatment. On the 6th June 2025 the European Commission granted EU conditional marketing authorisation for Givinostat (Duvyzat®) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
A pricing and reimbursement application has not yet been received by the HSE for Givinostat (Duvyzat®).
As outlined above, the national assessment and decision process cannot commence in the absence of a pricing and reimbursement application submission to the HSE.
389. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if her Department has plans to recognise inflammatory bowel disease under the long-term illness scheme, to provide patients with access to the necessary financial and medical support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33248/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions covered by the Scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
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 Drugs Payment Scheme 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.
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 General Medical Services (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 Drugs 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 families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
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%.
390. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if her Department has plans to include inflammatory bowel disease in the chronic disease management programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33249/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The General Practitioner (GP) Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme commenced in 2020 and has been rolled out on a phased basis to adult GMS (Medical Card and GP Visit Card) patients over a 4-year period.
The CDM Programme represents a new approach in Ireland to working with patients to manage their healthcare. It has brought the care for chronic disease further into the community and closer to the patient, and has reduced hospital attendance by patients with one or more of the specified conditions.
The Programme has been expanded to include women who have had Gestational Diabetes, and from July this year will be further expanded to include Chronic Kidney Disease, among other conditions.
Further expansion of the Programme to include additional conditions would require rigorous clinical assessment and engagement with stakeholders, including the GPs delivering the service. Nonetheless, this could be considered in the future in the context of resource availability.
391. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if her Department has plans to implement a fully funded, multi-disciplinary approach to inflammatory bowel disease care, to ensure that patients have access to the full range of healthcare professionals required to manage their condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33250/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology was established in October 2019 as a joint collaboration between the HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Gastroenterology and Hepatology multi-disciplinary teams provide expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions of the digestive tract, liver and pancreas, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the name used for a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the intestine. It is a term used for conditions known as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis.
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
392. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if her Department has plans to reinstate funding for advanced nurse practitioners in inflammatory bowel disease clinics, to ensure adequate staffing levels and the best possible care for patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology was established in October 2019 as a joint collaboration between the HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Gastroenterology and Hepatology multi-disciplinary teams provide expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions of the digestive tract, liver and pancreas, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the name used for a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the intestine. It is a term used for conditions known as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis.
As your query regards staffing levels in inflammatory bowel disease clinics, and this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
393. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to remove GP fees for completing and signing medical card application forms. [33265/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.
Eligibility for a medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances. Applicants not eligible for a medical card are then assessed for eligibility for a GP visit card.
Medical card applications can be completed and submitted online, or downloaded for printing and subsequently submitted by email or post. Part of the paper based application form is to be completed by the intended GP, confirming they are accepting the applicant as a GMS patient. While there is no specific provision regarding the handling of medical card application forms within the GMS contract, I am concerned that if some GPs are charging applicants for completing the form it would constitute an in appropriate barrier to accessing services. I have instructed the relevant officials in my Department to raise this matter with the HSE with a view to assessing how widespread this practice is and whether it is permitted under current contractual arrangements.
It is worth noting that when applying for a medical card online, the applicant inputs the details of their GP of choice listed on the HSE website. The HSE subsequently contact the GP concerned to ask them to accept the applicant to their GMS panel.
394. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health if her Department will urgently review the case of a 14-year-old girl (details supplied) who has been waiting over 15 months to be seen by a psychologist under the CDNT team following a referral to CAMHS; if she will ensure that the patient is prioritised for psychiatric assessment before the new school year begins; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33285/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is not a matter for the Department of Health. It should be redirected to Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
395. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the current average waiting time for children referred to CAMHS and community disability network teams to be seen by a psychologist or psychiatrist; the number of children currently on waiting lists for these services, broken down by CHO area; the steps being taken to reduce these waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33287/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
396. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to examine the case of a person (details supplied) requiring surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33291/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health 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 Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
397. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently address and support the 166 healthcare workers, who put their lives at risk working during the pandemic, who are now facing an end to long-Covid special leave with pay (SLWP), but whose lives are still drastically and negatively affected by this disease, by extending the SLWP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33297/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
This matter had been referred to the Labour Court on 11th of June 2025. As this is an on going Industrial Relations matter it would be inappropriate to comment any further.
398. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of the amount of funding allocated by the HSE for respite beds in a hospital (details supplied) for the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33298/25]
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.
