Thomas Gould
Ceist:758. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on the latest HSA audit of CUH. [37092/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Inspections
Ceisteanna (758)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (759)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:759. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Health if adults currently excluded from reimbursement of spinal muscular atrophy treatments can be considered for access under the HSE’s individual patient approval system and managed access protocols; the eligibility criteria and application process for such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37112/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (760)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:760. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Health when the approval to backfill recruit two WTE senior speech and language therapists will be given to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 in order that the recruitment process can begin to ensure the roles are filled for September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37113/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Emergency Departments
Ceisteanna (761)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:761. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of specific care and treatment areas for patients who arrive emergency department in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth. [37132/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Emergency Departments
Ceisteanna (762)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:762. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the specific triage measures and protocols in place at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth Emergency Department for people attending due to a mental health crisis. [37133/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Strategies
Ceisteanna (763)
David Cullinane
Ceist:763. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the new rare disease strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Rare Disease Steering Group was established in December 2023. The Steering Group was tasked with developing a new Rare Disease Strategy for Ireland that set out the vision for rare disease services in Ireland and the actions that were required to achieve this.
The Steering Group finalised the National Rare Disease Strategy in the last number of weeks. I have approved the Strategy and it has been brought to Government for approval. It is hoped that a launch will take place in the coming weeks with implementation commencing immediately afterwards.
Funding of €1.5m was provided in Budget 2025 for the development of supports and services for people living with a rare disease in Ireland, with an additional €5m provided to support the implementation of this Strategy.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (764)
Emer Currie
Ceist:764. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the application of a CGM sensor for a person (details provided); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37142/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disease Management
Ceisteanna (765)
Colm Burke
Ceist:765. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients that have had cardiovascular disease screening carried out on them as part of the opportunistic case finding and chronic disease prevention programme in each of the years 2020 to 2024 and to the 30 June 2025, in tabular form; if any general statistics from this data will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37158/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Mental Health Commission
Ceisteanna (766)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:766. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health her views on the findings of the Mental Health Commission in regard to CUH; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37144/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Mental Health Commission (MHC) plays an important, independent role in supporting and assisting in the development and improvement of mental health services. Regulations and standards play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare services are safe, of high quality, and negate risk. Under the Mental Health Act 2001, the MHC is required to register, inspect, and regulate all inpatient services across the country, with inspections taking place annually.
The Inspector of Mental Health Services found varying levels of compliance with the rules, regulations and codes of practice in his inspection of CUH mental health unit, which achieved a 61% compliance rating. As the Deputy will be aware, it is a matter for the HSE to address issues identified in inspection reports and to work collaboratively with the MHC who monitor this process. While I am pleased that there has been an overall improvement in regulatory compliance in recent years, it is clear that further improvement is needed. I will, with my Department, continue to work closely with both the Commission and the HSE to ensure that service improvement and patient safety is at the heart of a collaborative approach to the delivery of a modern and person-centred mental health service.
Mental health capital infrastructure improvements must continue to provide for a modern, accessible, safe environments for service users. Earlier this year, Minister Butler announced €31m in capital funding for mental health, the largest every annual investment in mental health infrastructure. In addition, the HSE are developing a 3-year prioritised Capital Plan to upgrade specific approved centres to meet evolving Mental Health Commission compliance requirements, focusing on five priority major projects. The HSE is also developing a longer term 10-year Capital plan for mental health. This will help determine priorities for improving facilities nationally to underpin implementation of our Models of Care and the type of infrastructure envisaged under our national mental health policy Sharing the Vision. The new mental health 10-year Capital Development Programme will focus on upgrading existing facilities, replacing inappropriate community facilities and the continued expansion of service.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (767)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:767. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if the treatment abroad scheme can be used in the case of a person (details supplied). [37165/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Ceisteanna (768, 818)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:768. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure that all LGBTQ+ families are provided with legal recognition where the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 is currently failing (details supplied); the actions being taken to include more families in the legislation; if she has engaged with key groups on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37168/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:818. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if she will update the assisted human reproduction legislation to reflect the concerns raised by an individual (details supplied). [37446/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 768 and 818 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 was signed into law by the President in July 2024, having passed all stages in both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The primary purpose of this complex and far-reaching legislation is to regulate fertility clinics providing treatment such as IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) and IUI (intrauterine insemination) and ensure that assisted human reproduction (AHR) practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight. Therefore, the AHR Act 2024 encompasses the regulation for the first time of a wide range of practices undertaken in Ireland, including: the use and donation of gametes and embryos for AHR and research; pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos; posthumous assisted human reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA), as provided for in the legislation, is a vital aspect required for the effective regulation of this sector.
The AHR Bill as initially published also included provisions in respect of domestic altruistic surrogacy. However, the final AHR Act 2024 also includes substantive new provisions in respect of the regulation of future surrogacy arrangements undertaken by Irish residents in other jurisdictions and the recognition of parentage arising from certain past domestic and international surrogacy arrangements.
While the AHR Act 2024 was progressing through the Houses of Oireachtas, issues were identified which required further consideration and consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. Formal drafting of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill – which is largely concerned with outstanding issues of parentage and citizenship but also seeks to make other necessary amendments to various sections of the AHR Act 2024 itself – is at an advanced stage, led by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, in conjunction with officials from my Department, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
I have recently met with relevant stakeholder groups in relation to the AHR legislation, including those advocating on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, and am well aware of the various issues which they have raised. Also, my officials have been engaging constructively with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health specifically on the AHR Amendment Bill.
The Deputy will appreciate that at this point I cannot provide very specific details on the provisions which may form part of the published AHR Amendment Bill following the finalisation of the text in agreement with the Office of the Attorney General and its approval by Government. However, I can absolutely assure him that commencing this much-needed legislation in its totality is a priority for Government and for me personally, and we will continue to work to achieve this as soon as practicable.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (769)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:769. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision in relation to an application for blind welfare allowance, awaited since November 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37170/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (770)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:770. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 663 of 14 May 2024, has the position of CHO DNCC changed regarding plans to develop phlebotomy, x-ray or diagnostic services in Balbriggan CHN; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Records
Ceisteanna (771)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:771. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if she will take action to ensure relatives of deceased residents of private nursing homes have access to the medical records of their loved ones; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37190/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the legal position for accessing the care and medical records of deceased persons is complex. A person’s right to confidentiality must be always respected, and in the case of nursing home residents, the nursing home is obliged to respect this right when they are alive and after their death. Furthermore, the right to access a copy of care and medical records in accordance with Recital 27 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), does not apply to the personal data of deceased persons.
I appreciate that there are times when families wish to access the care and medical records of their loved ones, and that there isn’t always a formal accessible process for seeking this information. It is incumbent on nursing homes to do their utmost to facilitate requests for records where appropriate, and if the nursing homes are unable to release records, they should facilitate the family's request for information and answers to their questions. These requests should be managed compassionately by the nursing home, whilst cognisant of the legal restrictions and the resident's right to confidentiality after death.
It is recognised that this area can be challenging for families, and the Department of Health is currently finalising a best practice guidance document for the sector. This has been developed in collaboration with nursing home providers, advocacy groups, the Ombudsman, and other relevant stakeholders. The guidance will be available later in the year and aims to help families and nursing homes resolve issues locally.
If the matter is not resolved locally, families must be made aware of the different formal avenues that they can pursue, which include the formal complaints route and if necessary, the Ombudsman. Details of both local and formal options will be outlined in the guidance document.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (772)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:772. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37197/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (773)
George Lawlor
Ceist:773. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Health if she will review the case of a child (details supplied) seeking support from the treatment abroad scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37210/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (774)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:774. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to make the shingles vaccine free for older people; if she will consider this as a measure to help older people with the cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37211/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The national immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. It also considers emerging evidence and therefore the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
Once a recommendation from NIAC has been received and considered by the Chief Medical Officer of my Department, a request can be made to HIQA to carry out a Health Technology Assessment. This assessment looks at the evidence of the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. The assessment also looks at the value for money, cost, organisational, social and ethical issues of providing a new vaccine. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner.
The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) is licensed in Europe for the prevention of shingles and its most common complication, post-herpetic neuralgia.
NIAC recommends the RZV vaccine for adults aged 65 and older, and for adults aged 18-49 who are at increased risk of shingles.
My Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to carry out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
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. My Department has considered the findings of this HTA and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (775)
Sean Fleming
Ceist:775. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date situation regarding clarifying a site for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37213/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (776)
Sean Fleming
Ceist:776. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health to confirm the location for a proposed project (details supplied); when the design team will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37214/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of the public health infrastructure, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Hospital Equipment
Ceisteanna (777)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:777. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health the actions her Department is undertaking to deliver a positron emission tomography and new CT scanners to Galway University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37219/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (778)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:778. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE only began publishing purchase order data for payments over €100,000 on its website from quarter 4 of 2021 onwards (details supplied). [37223/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (779)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:779. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the number of purchase orders processed by her Department in 2023 that were not included in the published reports of purchase orders over €20,000; the number of purchase orders excluded due to their value falling below the €20,000 threshold, and the total combined value of those purchase orders; and the number of purchase orders excluded because they related to transactions other than for goods or services, for example, grants-in-aid or reimbursements, in line with reporting conventions. [37234/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department processed 7,959 payments in 2023. Excluding payroll, payovers on behalf of staff, and PSWT and VAT payments to revenue, my Department processed 2,951 payments. The vast majority of these payments in terms of value were in the form of operational grants to the HSE and Agencies of the Department.
1,837 payments totalling €4,756,448 were made for purchases of €20,000 or less. Of these 291 totalling €1,251,292 would have been excluded as they related to transactions other than goods or services.
Health Strategies
Ceisteanna (780)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:780. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health her plans to adequately resource the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine to position Ireland as an international leader in genomics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37254/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE’s National Genetics and Genomics Office (NGGO) was established in 2023 to implement the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland (2022; The National Strategy). The NGGO's activities include coordinating a national approach to genetics and genomics, ensuring patient and public involvement (PPI) and partnerships, building the genetics and genomics workforce for the future, enhancing genetic and genomic clinical services, and strengthening infrastructures to drive advances in genetics and genomics.
My Department, in collaboration with the HSEs National Genetics and Genomics Office (NGGO), continues to implement the National Strategy with the aim of addressing current challenges and taking steps to future proof our Genetics and Genomics Service while meeting the needs of the country's growing and changing population.
Earlier this year, my Department hosted the launch of the National Genomic Test Directory for Rare and Inherited Diseases which, alongside the other areas of the NGGO's work, points the way towards a fully transformed National Genetics and Genomics Service. A National Genomic Processing Service (NGPS) is also in development, the function of which will be to support the use of the Rare and Inherited Disease Test Directory and to act as a centralised hub for processing. Additional work is also ongoing with respect to Bioinformatics and ensuring we have the required supports in place to enable effective implementation of the Strategy.
My Department is fully committed to implementing the National Strategy on Genetics and Genomics and we look forward to continuing our support of the NGGO, and partnering with them in delivering on an innovative and impactful genomic medicine service for Ireland.