Written Answers Nos. 176-194
176. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total spend in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 on insourcing and outsourcing of assessments of need, in tabular form. [52589/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
177. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total spend in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 on insourcing and outsourcing of disability services, by service type, in tabular form. [52590/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly in relation to this matter.
178. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is still waiting on knee surgery in Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52201/25]
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. 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.
179. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person will be reviewed (details supplied) whose home help supports ceased when she was admitted to hospital; the reason the service has not been reinstated since her discharge; if she will address concerns that the HSE has indicated the service is “out of tender”, with no provider yet allocated; if she will ensure that urgent home support is restored in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
180. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to pre-budget requests from an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52229/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to acknowledge receipt of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Associations pre-budget submission. My Department will give this document due consideration as part of its ongoing and future engagements with the ILFA and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for people living with Lung Fibrosis in Ireland.
181. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be made available in budget 2026 to address critical staffing shortages and infrastructure gaps in CAMHS for young persons with moderate to severe mental health needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, the Department is engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2026 Estimates. Until these discussions are concluded it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter. However, I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services through the allocation of additional funding for mental health in 2026.
The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services, is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I would note for the Deputy that 2025 saw a record budget for mental health of €1.458 billion, comprising €16 million for new developments.
Budget 2025, which is the largest mental health budget in the history of the state, is supporting the continued implementation of new developments under our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, including out of hours supports, CAMHS services, crisis resolution team, the national clinical programmes, and specialist mental health services for older people.
Importantly, as budgets increase, we need to ensure that we have plans and strategies in place so that those resources are used effectively and efficiently to the benefit of people using our mental health services. All aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed, through Sharing the Vision in the short to longer term. Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
182. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the total number of children on the CAMHS assessment waiting lists for each of the CHOs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52231/25]
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.
183. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to the provision of the shingles vaccine (details supplied) free of charge for those that are immunocompromised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52275/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.
The current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered in those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
Shingles vaccination is not currently provided as part of the national immunisation programme.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. The information can cover a range of fields, including clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner.
HIQA’s HTA examined the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of shingles vaccines. The cost effectiveness and budget impact were also reviewed, along with the ethical, social and organisational implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
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 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.
184. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health if she plans to put the 'no wait' card issued by patient organisations on a legal standing (details supplied). [52293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, "no wait" cards are issued by patient organisations for members to indicate to businesses and public facilities that the holder has a medical condition that necessitates urgent access to toilet facilities in the event of an emergency.
As Minister for Health, I have no functions relating to the provision of, or access to, public toilets or those situated in private businesses. The provision of public facilities, where they exist, is a matter for Local Authorities which are under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. As a result, my Department have no plans to put these cards on a legal footing.
185. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health to consider establishing a drop-in mental health service in Dungarvan; if funding is available for such a service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52302/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State, I have overseen the rollout of a range supports for people experiencing mental health difficulties. These supports include the Crisis Resolution Services.
The model of care for Crisis Resolution Services was developed as a direct recommendation of Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy. It recognises that people who are experiencing a mental health crisis need specialist services to provide timely brief intensive supports to keep people safe.
Crisis Resolution Teams• : These comprise of teams of mental health professionals who work out of hours to meet people in a crisis and provide rapid assessment and intensive intervention. There are 6 pilot Crisis Resolution Teams currently operational in Galway, Sligo/Leitrim, Cork city (two teams), Waterford City and County, South Dublin/Wicklow. The Limerick Crisis Resolution Team is due to commence operations this year.
Crisis Cafés• : Solace Cafes provide a welcoming, non-clinical safe environment in the style of a café where people can go at evenings and weekends. The Cafés provides a range of support for those who needed to use its services including crisis support, signposting, peer support, and community support. The Cafes are now open in Cork City, South Dublin and Sligo. A further two Solace Cafés are due to be established this year in Limerick and Waterford.
Specifically in relation to young people, I secured €1m in Budget 2026 to establish a new early intervention youth mental health service for Waterford, which will have an outreach service for the young people of Dungarvan.
With reference to the specific information requested as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
186. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health her plans to address the gaps in community-based mental health provision in Dungarvan; if these gaps have been identified by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52303/25]
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.
187. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if her Department plans to include myalgic encephalomyelitis on the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52307/25]
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 to be 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. Further information on what is available can be found here: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/approved-medications/. 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.
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. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment. 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.
The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
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.
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 DPS 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.
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%.
188. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to list all vaccinations which are either legally required or recommended to be administered to children before they reach the age of majority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52320/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are recommended by NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases.
In Ireland, immunisation is optional and is offered free of charge to eligible at-risk groups as part of the National Immunisation Programme.
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.
An RSV Infant Immunisation Programme is underway throughout Winter 2025-2026. This immunisation will offer protection ahead of the seasonal upsurge in infection with RSV.
The immunisation will be offered to:
• babies born between 1 September 2025 and 28 February 2026
• babies who are six months old or younger on 1 September
• premature babies (born before 30 weeks gestation or less than 1.25kg at birth) and other higher risk infants (due to underlying medical conditions) born during RSV season.
The Primary Childhood Vaccination programme protects young infants against 14 different infectious diseases.
Vaccine Schedule for Babies Born On or After 1 October 2024
|
Age |
Recommended Vaccine |
|
2 months |
6 in 1 vaccine PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) MenB (meningococcal B) vaccine Rotavirus oral vaccine |
|
4 months |
6 in 1 vaccine MenB vaccine Rotavirus oral vaccine |
|
6 months |
6 in 1 vaccine PCV |
|
12 months |
MMR (measles mumps rubella) MenB vaccine Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine |
|
13 months |
6 in 1 vaccine MenC vaccine PCV |
|
4 to 5 Years |
4 in 1 vaccine - diphtheria, polio, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) MMRV (measles mumps rubella) and chickenpox (varicella) combined vaccine. |
|
12 to 14 Years |
HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough booster) MenACWY (meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine) |
In addition, the influenza vaccine is also available free of charge to children aged 2-17 years during the winter season.
More information is available at www.immunisation.ie.
189. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health for an update on an appointment for a person (details supplied) who has been on a waiting list to see a vascular surgeon at Tallaght University Hospital for several years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52342/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
190. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will direct the HSE to provide a full explanation of the scientific and clinical rationale for including the phrase “anyone who identifies as a woman” in its information on menopause, given that menopause is a biological process experienced by females. [52370/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe PQ refers to HSE information on menopause therefore is a matter for the HSE.
191. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will instruct the HSE to release details of the peer-review process for its menopause guidance, including the names and qualifications of medical experts consulted, and to provide this information directly to Members of the Oireachtas. [52371/25]
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.
192. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she accepts responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of all information issued by the HSE on menopause; and if she will direct the HSE to remove any language that does not reflect established biological and medical science. [52372/25]
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.
193. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will direct the HSE to publish a list of external stakeholders, advocacy groups or consultants involved in shaping its menopause information; and to confirm whether any non-medical advocacy groups influenced the wording used. [52373/25]
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.
194. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will commit to instructing the HSE to conduct a review of its menopause-related publications to ensure they are clear, accurate and fully aligned with biological science, and to report the results of this review to the Oireachtas. [52374/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis PQ refers to accuracy of HSE publications therefore appropriate for HSE to respond directly.
