Paul Donnelly
Ceist:174. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the staffing budget allocation to National Rehabilitation Hospital in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [50643/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Staff
Ceisteanna (174)
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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (175)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:175. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the full year cost to offer every woman aged over 65 years a DEXA scan as part of their life-course management programme delivered through their GP. [50644/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (176)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:176. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if each rehab gym within primary care centres in CHO9 allows users to use these surgeries at pre-surgery or post-surgery periods; and the opening hours of each of those gyms at each primary care centre within CHO9, in tabular form. [50645/25]
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 (177)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:177. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50650/25]
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 (178)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:178. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health for an update on treatment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50652/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under 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. The Minister for Health is prohibited 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.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (179)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:179. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the NSAC work to consider the further expansion of the cancer screening programmes; when the BreastCheck and BowelScreen programmes will be extended to the over 70s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50653/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
The Programme for Government commits to extending the BowelScreen cancer screening programme and also to extending the ages for the BreastCheck screening programme, in line with updated standards from HIQA.
Since April 2025, BowelScreen, the national bowel screening programme, invites men and women aged between 59-70 to take the free at-home screening test. Funding of €1.9 million was allocated in Budget 2025 for the expansion of BowelScreen to individuals aged 58 to 70. Those aged 58 will start to receive invitations from October this year.
This is an important part of a phased approach to expanding the screening age, in line with available capacity and resources. When full expansion is complete, people aged 55-74 will be invited for screening.
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular intervals to have a screening mammogram. In Budget 2025, an additional €2.9 million was allocated to the BreastCheck programme to support the recruitment of 22 Whole Time Equivalent posts. This will assist in expanding and future-proofing the programme to meet increased demand.
I would highlight that any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes will be facilitated through established protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister for Health. The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC is progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted a request to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), to consider the evidence for a further expansion of the eligibility for the BreastCheck and BowelScreen programmes.
HIQA is currently focused on concluding the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to examine a proposed expansion of the age range eligibility for the BowelScreen programme to those aged 50-54 years. Work on this is at an advanced stage, with a report expected to be submitted to NSAC for consideration later this year.
HIQA have also commenced the evidence review to consider changes to the BreastCheck programme. This review will comprise of two elements; a proposed expansion of the age range eligibility to those aged 45-49 and 70-74, and the potential introduction of a standardised breast density measurement. Both elements are anticipated to be complex and will take time to ensure that any recommendations made to me by NSAC are underpinned by a robust evidence-base.
HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. They are time-intensive and rigorous processes.
Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.
Industrial Disputes
Ceisteanna (180)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:180. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review a link and details within same and provide an update on this impending dispute (details supplied); the steps her Department is taking to resolve this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50654/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (181)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:181. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no dietician in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50690/25]
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 Staff
Ceisteanna (182)
Robert Troy
Ceist:182. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason podiatrists associated with the diabetes clinic are unable to take on non-diabetic patients (details supplied). [50719/25]
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 Staff
Ceisteanna (183)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:183. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE physiotherapist posts, by grade that were filled at Ardee health centre in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50726/25]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (184)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:184. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on waiting times for cardiac rehabilitation programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50727/25]
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.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (185)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:185. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for a child to access psychology services via primary care in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50728/25]
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.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (186)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:186. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant cardiologist and cardiology registrars attached to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50729/25]
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.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (187)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:187. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the number of posts in the HSE’s supra-regional endometriosis centre operated by Cork University Maternity Hospital, by grade; the number that are filled; the number that are vacant; and the status of these vacant posts, in tabular form. [50731/25]
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.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (188)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:188. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the number of posts in the HSE’s supra-regional endometriosis centre operated by Tallaght University Hospital, by grade; the number that are filled; the number that are vacant; and the status of these vacant posts, in tabular form. [50732/25]
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 (189, 190, 192, 193, 195)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:189. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if screening will be introduced for spinal muscular atrophy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50743/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Ceist:190. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the full implementation of screening for spinal muscular atrophy as committed to in the 2025-2030 Rare Diseases Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50764/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:192. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the full roll-out of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy; the reason for the delay in including this condition in the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50780/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:193. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the full roll-out of newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency; the reason for the delay in including this condition in the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50781/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:195. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health for an update on the expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Programme to include severe combined immunodeficiency and spinal muscular atrophy; the timeline for implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50824/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189, 190, 192, 193 and 195 together.
As Minister for Health, I am determined to support our screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population. Currently, all newborn babies (between 3 and 5 days old) are offered newborn bloodspot screening (generally known as the ‘heel prick’), which tests for nine rare but serious conditions that are treatable if detected early in life.
The Deputy may be aware that a new National Rare Disease Strategy was launched on 27 August. This Strategy aims to ensure that all people living with a rare disease, and their families, have access to equitable, inclusive and cross-sectoral care throughout their life journey that will enable them to reach their full potential and to live their best lives. Work is ongoing to ensure that the full implementation of the Strategy including the establishment of an Implementation Oversight Group and the development of a detailed implementation plan outlining the actions required to fully achieve the Strategy's 11 recommendations.
Incremental progress continues to be made on the expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot (NNBS) Programme. In 2023, two recommendations from NSAC on the addition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to the NNBS Programme were approved. In Budget 2024, an additional €1.4 million of new development funding was provided to support the SMA/SCID implementation process. Once both conditions have been fully implemented, the number of conditions screened for in Ireland will increase to 11.
In terms of the current implementation status, the HSE has advised that the equipment needed to enable the roll-out testing for SMA and SCID has been procured, and that verification testing has commenced and is progressing well. The recruitment process to hire the additional staff required to support the expansion of the NNBS has almost concluded and work has commenced on developing screening pathways for both conditions.
Officials in my Department are actively engaged with the HSE to ensure that progress continues on implementing an ambitious timeline for the introduction of screening for SMA and SCID. Nevertheless, I am acutely aware of how difficult it is for parents, families and children who have received a diagnosis of a rare disease, and how challenging daily life can be for them. This is why I remain committed to the further expansion of screening in Ireland in accordance with internationally accepted criteria and best practice.
Question No. 190 answered with Question No. 189.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (191)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:191. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress made by her Department in expanding the screening process for newborn babies with rare diseases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50779/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Health, I am determined to support our screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
Currently, all newborn babies (between 3 and 5 days old) are offered newborn bloodspot screening (generally known as the ‘heel prick’), which tests for nine rare but serious conditions that are treatable, if detected early in life.
The Programme for Government commits to continually reviewing the number of conditions babies are screened for. As the Deputy may be aware, a new National Rare Disease Strategy was launched on 27th August. This Strategy aims to ensure that all people living with a rare disease, and their families, have access to equitable, inclusive and cross-sectoral care throughout their life journey that will enable them to reach their full potential and to live their best lives. Work is ongoing to ensure that the full implementation of the Strategy including the establishment of an Implementation Oversight Group and the development of a detailed implementation plan outlining the actions required to fully achieve the Strategy's 11 recommendations.
I would highlight that any proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be facilitated through established protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister for Health.
The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
Incremental progress continues to be made on the expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NNBS) Programme. In 2023, two recommendations from NSAC on the addition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to the NNBS programme were approved. In Budget 2024, an additional €1.4 million of new development funding was provided to support the SMA/SCID implementation process, and I am pleased that work is progressing. Once both conditions have been fully implemented, the number of conditions screened for in Ireland will increase to 11.
In terms of calls for the further expansion of our NNBS programme, in 2024, NSAC established a Newborn Screening Subgroup to provide additional expertise to support the Committee’s decision-making processes.
In May 2025, the Newborn Screening Subgroup completed work on developing a framework for prioritising proposals related to newborn screening. This framework was subsequently used to identify 10 conditions. These conditions have now been referred by NSAC to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undergo evidence review, as resources allow. I am glad to note that the evidence review to add Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia to the NNBS programme has now commenced and I look forward to receiving a recommendation from NSAC in this regard in 2026.
NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite proposals from all stakeholders and organisations, including members of the public, the HSE and other medical professionals, for the introduction of new screening programmes or changes to existing programmes. The 2025 Call for Submissions closed on 12 September 2025 and NSAC will review the proposals received at its upcoming meetings. A list of conditions on the NSAC Work Programme is available on the Committee’s website, at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie
I am acutely aware of how difficult it is for parents, families and children who have received a diagnosis of a rare disease, and how challenging daily life can be for them. This is why I remain committed to the further expansion of screening in Ireland, in accordance with internationally accepted criteria and best practice.
Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 189.
Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 189.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (194)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:194. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the reason a medication (details supplied), which is used in the treatment of severe allergies, is not currently covered under the medical card scheme or the drugs payment scheme; if there are plans to include this treatment under either scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50820/25]
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.