Written Answers Nos. 820-840
820. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health for an update on the commissioning and staffing of the new CAMHS unit in the new children’s hospital; how it is progressing; the estimated date for when it will commence its operations; her views on whether this will this help the emergency flow of children and adolescents to the new hospital and St. James’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35972/25]
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.
821. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE public health nurses based at Carrick on Shannon primary care centre in 2023, 2024 and to date 2025. [35976/25]
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.
822. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE dietitians based at Drumkeerin health centre in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025. [35977/25]
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.
823. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE administrative staff based at Geevagh health centre in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [35978/25]
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.
824. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to the National Traveller Health Action Plan in 2024; the mechanisms in place to ensure that this funding reaches Traveller-led and community-based organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35981/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dept and the HSE published the national Traveller health action plan (NTHAP) in 2022. It states that Travellers have the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health as is the norm in Irish society. To achieve health equity, the Dept and the HSE have produced a comprehensive public health response that provides tailored and affirmative measures to prevent disease, promote health and prolong life for this population group, and are delivered in partnership with Travellers.
The HSE has a ring-fenced budget of over €10 million for the provision of Traveller-specific health services, the majority of which is used to fund Traveller Primary Healthcare Projects. This is in addition to the funding provided for general healthcare services that are availed of by the Traveller community, eg GMS, public health, acute hospitals, mental health and community care. Additional resources have also been provided for drug services, including services that target Travellers affected by problematic drug and alcohol use.
In 2023, the Dept allocated an additional €1.3 million to the HSE to commence the implementation of the NTHAP, with €300k of this being allocated for Traveller mental health. The Department has announced two additional funding calls on Traveller health, to support the implementation of the NTHAP:
• €500,000 to improve healthcare services and address the social determinants of health for Traveller women who experience homelessness, under the Women's Health Action Plan.
• €710,000 to address the social determinants Traveller health, in conjunction with the Healthy Communities Programme.
In addition, the Dept has allocated significant additional resources for Traveller mental health, including expansion of the Traveller Counselling Service, enhancement of NCP for Self-Harm and Suicide Related Ideation, with culturally sensitive supports for Travellers, and enhancement of the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service with culturally appropriate supports for Travellers.
In Budget 2025, €500k was allocated for a programme focused on the health of Traveller children, in conjunction with National Healthy Childhood Framework. Recurring funding of €250,000 is being allocated to two Health Service Executive (HSE) Health Regions; HSE Dublin and South East and HSE West and North West. Both regions will be supported to deliver Brighter Beginnings. This initiative is designed to address Traveller child health inequalities by supporting Traveller families to engage with the services offered through the HSE National Healthy Childhood Programme. The initiative will be delivered in partnership with Traveller organisations.
The HSE national service plan contains the following actions with regard to the NTHAP
• Conduct a mid-term review of the plan’s implementation and evaluate the impact of the Primary Healthcare for Traveller projects to inform future developments and implement the Traveller healthy childhood initiatives.
• Strengthen culturally appropriate mental health services and supports for Travellers, through the further expansion of the National Traveller Counselling Service, and the provision of additional Traveller focused suicide prevention and self-harm supports
To date, the Dept of Health has allocated over €4m to implement initiatives under the NTHAP. To inform future business cases for further funding, it is critical that the increase in healthcare activity for Travellers is quantified and that the impact on Traveller health is assessed.
I am fully committed to providing the leadership and resources for evidence-informed measures to implement the NTHAP, in conjunction with the HSE and Traveller organisations.
825. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current staffing levels within Traveller primary healthcare projects across each health region; and whether any additional staff or resources have been allocated since the publication of the national Traveller health action plan. [35982/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Traveller Health Action Plan was developed by the HSE and published in 2022. Following this, the National Traveller Health Implementation Group was established by the HSE in 2023, it is also chaired by the HSE, this group is tasked with monitoring the delivery of the actions in the Plan and developing performance monitoring frameworks in line with existing HSE systems.
The HSE has committed to begin a mid-term review of implementation of NTHAP in line with commitments outlined in the plan. This process will include engagement with relevant stakeholders in the delivery of the national plan and regional/local implementation plans. This will provide an opportunity to take stock of the learning to date, identify what is working well and make recommendation to support implementation of the plan for the remaining period. It is expected that the review will begin in Quarter two of 2025 and be completed by the end of Q3.
To date, the Dept of Health has allocated over €4m to implement initiatives under the NTHAP, I have referred this answer to the HSE to provide more detail on staffing levels under this plan.
826. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the specific mental health supports provided under the national Traveller health action plan, including the recruitment of mental health professionals from the Traveller community, and how outcomes are being measured. [35983/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental health-specific actions under the National Traveller Mental Health Action Plan and other related strategies are now coordinated under a new Traveller Mental Health Implementation Plan, overseen by the HSE-chaired National Traveller Mental Health Working Group.
Members of the group are representatives from the HSE Mental Health Operations, Traveller representative groups, a lived experience representative, the Department of Health, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and Local Authority Mental Health Co-ordinators for Travellers.
The Group meets quarterly, in locations which allow for the Group to visit and engage with local groups working on the ground (including with HSE teams supporting Mental Health service delivery to the Traveller and/or Roma Communities in regions, with representative groups, etc.).
As part of their work the Department of Health requested that the group develop a structure to report on Traveller related mental health actions across a number of existing health and mental health strategies and plans to report on any change or impact on the Traveller community. The report is currently in development and will be reviewed by the Department following its completion later this year.
As of May 2025, the following update was provided by the HSE in relation to Budget 2025 funding for traveller mental health:
• Expansion of National Traveller Counselling Service - In January 2025 there was a 33% increase in counselling sessions offered compared with the same period in 2024, and in February, an increase of 13.5% compared with the same month in 2024. Project have moved to new premises to enable more in person counselling. New counsellor identified to provide youth counselling
• Enhance NCP for Self-Harm and Suicide Related Ideation, with culturally sensitive supports for Travellers - Primary notifications numbers issued for two SCAN nurses for Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe based on evidence of Traveller presentations. Self-Harm programme liaising with leads to progress.
• Enhancing Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service with culturally appropriate supports for Travellers - Consultation with existing NGO partners to determine how this could be best integrated within the existing Suicide Bereavement Liaison service offering. Proposal expected March 2025.
• Research project on the mental health needs of the Roma community in Ireland (Once-off) - Working group set up to review Tender in advance of submission to e-tender process.
827. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health which specific parts of the national Traveller health action plan have not been implemented yet; and when those elements will commence. [35984/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Traveller Health Action Plan was developed by the HSE and published in 2022. Following this, the National Traveller Health Implementation Group was established by the HSE in 2023, it is also chaired by the HSE, this group is tasked with monitoring the delivery of the actions in the Plan and developing performance monitoring frameworks in line with existing HSE systems.
The HSE has committed to begin a mid-term review of implementation of NTHAP in line with commitments outlined in the plan. This process will include engagement with relevant stakeholders in the delivery of the national plan and regional/local implementation plans. This will provide an opportunity to take stock of the learning to date, identify what is working well and make recommendation to support implementation of the plan for the remaining period. It is expected that the review will begin in Quarter two of 2025 and be completed by the end of Q3.
I also have referred this answer to the HSE to provide more detail on the monitoring of progress under the plan.
828. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if she will meet with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the audit carried out by CHI. [35992/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have received correspondence from the Hip Dysplasia Advocacy Group requesting a meeting. My practice, as much as I possibly can, is to meet people.
829. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to outline details of the recent move of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee from the Royal College of Physicians to the Health Information and Quality Authority; the impact this development will have on the speed at which vaccines could be added to the national immunisation programme bearing in mind it currently takes on average six years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35995/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra830. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if, arising from the recent move of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) from the Royal College of Physicians to the Health Information and Quality Authority, there will be an increase in the budget and extra resources allocated to NIAC as a consequence of this move; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35996/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra831. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if, arising from the recent move of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) from the Royal College of Physicians to the Health Information and Quality Authority, NIAC will remain an independent committee with the ability to define its own work programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35997/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 829 to 831, inclusive, together.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) took over the hosting the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in March 2025.NIAC, as an independent advisory committee, will continue to deliver independent recommendations and advice to my Department, develop the National Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland and advocate for best immunisation practices in the Irish context.
NIAC carries out a critical role as Ireland's National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) by providing evidence-based expertise to inform safe and effective immunisation policies. Its recommendations are informed by the Committee’s assessment of population health risks, the burden of disease and evidence of the potential benefits and harms associated with the vaccine among other considerations.
These recommendations are first considered by the Chief Medical Officer who will then make a recommendation to myself as Minister. After deliberation, the Minister makes a policy decision.
In advance of any change in policy, the Minister can request that HIQA carry out an evaluation of the impacts of potential policy changes. HIQA has a statutory remit, under its Act, to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of health technologies, providing advice to the Minister for Health on budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues.
These evaluations take the form of Health Technology Assessments (HTAs). HTAs assist decision makers in assessing the merits and potential shortcomings of new health technologies, policies or services. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process which looks at the evidence of the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. It also looks at the value for money, cost effectiveness, organisational, social and ethical issues of providing a new vaccine. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner.
The outcome of the HTA will be considered by the Minister in coming to a decision in relation to any changes to the National Immunisation Programme.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
The move to HIQA included an increase in the size of the NIAC secretariat which provides clinical, technical and administrative support to the Committee. This recognises NIAC’s growing workload, which has increased significantly in recent years due to developments in the field of immunisation.
832. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the means by which her Department is monitoring progress on the National Traveller Health Action Plan, particularly regarding Traveller mental health outcomes; if disaggregated health data is being collected and published by ethnicity in line with national equality strategies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36051/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Traveller Health Action Plan was developed by the HSE and published in 2022. Following this, the National Traveller Health Implementation Group was established by the HSE in 2023, it is also chaired by the HSE, this group is tasked with monitoring the delivery of the actions in the Plan and developing performance monitoring frameworks in line with existing HSE systems.
In terms of monitoring current progresses and challenges, the HSE has committed to begin a mid-term review of implementation of NTHAP in line with commitments outlined in the plan. This process will include engagement with relevant stakeholders in the delivery of the national plan and regional/local implementation plans. This will provide an opportunity to take stock of the learning to date, identify what is working well and make recommendation to support implementation of the plan for the remaining period. It is expected that the review will begin in Quarter two of 2025 and be completed by the end of Q3.
I have also referred this question to the HSE so they can provide further details on progress made in the National Traveller Health Action Plan, and on data currently collected by their oversight group.
833. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of names of Traveller organisations her Department engaged during the design and implementation of the National Traveller Health Action plan; the structures in place to ensure their ongoing involvement and oversight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Traveller Health Action Plan was developed by the HSE and published in 2022. Following this, the National Traveller Health Implementation Group was established by the HSE in 2023, it is also chaired by the HSE, this group is tasked with monitoring the delivery of the actions in the Plan and with developing performance monitoring frameworks in line with existing HSE systems.
The full list of groups consulted with by the HSE in the development and drafting of this plan is included in the National Traveller Health Action Plan, from pg. 79.
In terms of continued engagement and current successes of the plan, the HSE has committed to begin a mid-term review of implementation of NTHAP in line with commitments outlined in the plan. This process will include engagement with relevant stakeholders in the delivery of the national plan and regional/local implementation plans. This will provide an opportunity to take stock of the learning to date, identify what is working well and make recommendation to support implementation of the plan for the remaining period. It is expected that the review will begin in Quarter two of 2025 and be completed by the end of Q3.
834. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of Travellers who died by suicide in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36053/25]
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.
835. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a surgery appointment for a 21-year-old woman suffering from scoliosis, who was first told in the summer of 2022, almost three years ago, that her surgery would take place in the winter of 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36064/25]
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.
836. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of children shortlisted for evacuation to Ireland for medical reasons who have died while awaiting evacuation; the reason there is a significant delay in evacuating children; and the steps she is taking to ensure that children who are shortlisted for evacuation for medical reasons are quickly evacuated. [36074/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputies for their queries in relation to the medical evacuations to Ireland of paediatric patients from Gaza.
I can advise the Deputies that as an EU Member State, Ireland responded to a request from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to assist in addressing the current health needs in Gaza.
On 18 September 2024, the Minister for Health announced that Ireland would receive up to 30 paediatric patients through Egypt, in response to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) request to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The patients selected by the HSE and CHI, from the WHO medevac approved list, for treatment in Ireland are minors i.e. under 17 years of age, and must be in Egypt awaiting medical evacuation. The health needs are categorised under cancer, haemodialysis and patients with other severe medical conditions.
Ireland opts into this response on a case-by-case basis for children who require treatment, subject to the availability of necessary treatment capacity in the HSE and CHI. Many of the patients on the WHO medevac approved list, had arrived to Egypt before the Rafah crossing closure in May 2024.
Ireland has a strong tradition of providing humanitarian assistance, including through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Irish Aid humanitarian and development assistance programme, and the HSE Global Health Programme.
12 WHO paediatric patients have been medical evacuated to Ireland so far, along with 12 mother/carers and 21 accompanying family members. Including the 12 WHO patients, all 45 family group members are receiving treatment for illnesses incurred as a result of living conditions in Gaza.
|
Date of medical evacuation |
WHO paediatric patients arrived in Ireland |
Accompanying carers arrived |
Immediate family members arrived |
|
19 December 2024 |
8 |
8 |
11 |
|
5 May 2025 |
4 |
4 |
10 |
|
Remaining Ireland medevac capacity |
18 |
- |
- |
My Department is grateful to several Departments and agencies for their significant engagement for the successful medical evacuation including:
• Department of Justice in relation to visas for entry to Ireland, border control and registration for permission to stay in the State;
• The Department of Foreign Affairs, particularly the Irish Embassy in Egypt who facilitate the processing of Department of Justice visa applications for each patient and accompanying family members;
• HSE and CHI in relation to the selection of patients and provision of healthcare treatment services;
• Department of Social Protection in relation to registration and social protection payments to the parent or guardian;
• Irish Red Cross who have been contracted for provision of accommodation and ongoing case work support including translation services;
• Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage who communicate evacuation offers for patients, on behalf of Ireland, via the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
My Department and the HSE also engage with the World Health Organisation in Egypt, the Ministry of Health in Egypt, and the Umerto Primo Hospital in Cairo to assess and prepare the patients.
Planning is ongoing with the HSE for the next medical evacuation operation aiming to reach the 30 WHO patients as per Ireland’s commitment, taking into account of lessons learned from the first two evacuation operations.
837. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of procedures for idiopathic scoliosis on public patients in a private hospital (details supplied) that have been conducted in each of the past three years; the average patient length of stay of these operations; to outline the funding arrangements for the surgical team; and whether this public private treatment programme has been reviewed in the midst of the recent revelations surrounding the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [36075/25]
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.
838. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the provision of primary healthcare services and infrastructure in the Saggart, Rathcoole and Citywest areas, specifically plans for new GP clinics or health centres. [36084/25]
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.
839. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health to provide the current GP-to-patient ratio in the Saggart area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36089/25]
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.
840. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the recruitment of public health nurses, specifically in the Dublin mid-west region; and if she will outline the measures are being taken to address staffing shortages and ensure adequate community nursing services are available to meet local demand. [36090/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
