Written Answers Nos. 106-125
106. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health the plans she has to engage further with Mayo University Hospital in relation to staff shortages in the accident and emergency department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52391/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring adequate and safe staffing across our health service, ensuring that the workforce keeps pace with population and demographic changes.
Mayo University Hospital (MUH) has had an increase of over 30% of its overall staffing levels, an additional 352 staff since December 2019.
The Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix provides an evidence-based flexible approach to determine the number of nurses and healthcare assistants required to provide safe and quality care based on patient need. Phase 2 of the Framework applies to adult emergency departments and is national policy.
Implementation of the Framework nationally is overseen by the HSE's national lead for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix.
Implementing the Framework in the emergency department within Mayo University Hospital (MUH) is incorporated within the national implementation plan.
I have requested the Chief Nursing Officer in my Department to conduct a site visit to MUH in the coming weeks to review Framework implementation and provide additional supports as appropriate. Progress and remaining requirements will be confirmed on the site visit. Both the CEO of the HSE and I are committed to Framework implementation.
107. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of the new community nursing unit at Midleton Community Hospital, Midleton, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52008/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for this question on the Midleton Community Hospital.
In 2016 a Capital Programme for Older Persons Residential Centres was developed in response to the introduction of HIQA’s National Residential Care Standards for Older People and the requirement that all facilities providing long stay beds be registered by HIQA. This is a programme to replace, upgrade and refurbish Community Nursing Units (CNUs),
As part of this programme 7 CNUs are to be delivered through Public Private Partnership (PPP). These include Ardee, Athlone, Clonmel, Killarney, St Finbarr’s, Cork, Thomastown and of course Midleton.
The Midleton CNU will consist of two 25 bed ‘Residential Households’.
The ‘Household Model’ is intended to create a person-centred approach which focusses on the quality of life, which supports autonomy and the opportunity to continue to direct their own lives in accordance with their cognitive and physical abilities.
There have been delays in completion of the overall CNU PPP programme and all parties are engaging to address the outstanding items.
The HSE is actively engaging with PPP company to achieve completion of the Midleton Community Nursing Unit before year end. The building will then be made available to the service for equipping, commissioning and Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) registration prior to welcoming patients into the new facility.
108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if she will commission a feasibility study into the provision of MRI and CT scanners at Monaghan hospital. [52348/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCavan General Hospital and Monaghan Hospital operate as a single entity with integrated managerial and clinical governance systems, care pathways, and support functions. Cavan and Monaghan Hospital currently has two CT scanners and one MRI scanner located in Cavan General Hospital. Access to a CT scanner and MRI scanner is prioritised on clinical need.
All capital projects in the HSE must progress through the different stages of the Infrastructure Guidelines. At the initial stage, a business case is submitted which includes the service requirements being developed by the hospital delivering the service. This ensures value for money is achieved.
Cavan and Monaghan Hospital has not submitted a business case for and does not have plans to seek additional CT or MRI capacity as clear clinical pathways exist that support the region.
Cavan General Hospital made an application to the HSE National Equipment Replacement Programme to replace the existing MRI scanner located in the Radiology Department. The project has been approved and works are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
109. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she has any concerns about Children's Health Ireland surgeons who may have performed unnecessary operations on children continuing to operate on them today; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52562/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE), the HSE has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
110. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if there are plans, within the next year, to increase resources nationwide to address the wait times for those seeking an oncology appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52564/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatments.
Since the beginning of the National Cancer Strategy in 2017, the Government has allocated €105 million to the National Cancer Strategy to support cancer services and improve outcomes for patients. This has enabled the recruitment of over 670 staff to our national cancer services, including 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres.
Funding has been provided in 2025 to support the recruitment of 179 additional staff to national cancer screening and treatment services.
Funding in 2025 is being used to expand the Acute Haematology Oncology Nursing Service which support those on active treatment to avoid ED attendance if they become acutely unwell.
Funding of €3 million in 2024 and €5.5 million in 2025 was allocated for the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres which provide psychosocial supports to cancer patients during and after treatment.
In addition to this, over €140 million has been invested, since the start of the strategy, in large scale capital projects for cancer, including state of the art radiation oncology facilities in Cork and Galway.
From 2021 to 2024, an additional €128 million was made available for new drugs, which has seen 194 new drugs or new uses for existing medicines approved for reimbursement by the HSE. This includes 74 drugs for cancer. The total spend on cancer drugs in this period exceeds €645 million.
111. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the bed capacity across the hospitals in Cork; if she will provide an update on the commitment made in 2024 to provide an additional 472 hospital beds across Cork by 2031; the timeline for their delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52196/25]
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.
112. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health to provide a timeframe for the funding for the construction of the next phase of the extension of Mountmellick Community Nursing Home, County Laois (St Vincent's Hospital) and the expected capacity of the facility when all phases are completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52181/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
113. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of patients in Mayo University Hospital who have been clinically discharged but remain in hospital; and the length of time such patients have been in that situation. [52242/25]
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.
114. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Health the number of pharmacies participating in the HRT scheme, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52209/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) Pharmacy Finder indicates that over 98% of pharmacies are participating in the HRT arrangement.
The pharmacy finder can be found at the following link: www2.hse.ie/services/pharmacies-free-hrt/
As this is also a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
115. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to resolve the issue of public patients in nursing home care being unable to access ambulance transfer to hospital appointments when necessary, including some who are a long distance away; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51532/25]
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.
116. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has in place a strategy to cut the waiting lists for speech and language therapy assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50452/25]
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.
117. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce waiting lists for gynaecology outpatient and inpatient appointments and procedures. [52557/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) developed an Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care, which centres on the establishment of one-stop, “see and treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics.
It is estimated that approximately 30%-40% of general gynaecology referrals are suitable for management in the ambulatory setting.
There are currently 18 “see and treat” gynaecology clinics open and having a direct and positive impact on gynaecology waiting lists and times. Three further clinics are also in development in Kerry, Tallaght and Clonmel.
NWIHP has indicated that despite an almost doubling in demand for outpatient gynaecology services from 2020 to 2024 as measured by referrals, the national waiting list for gynaecology services reduced by circa 9.5%.
Although there has been an increase in the outpatient gynaecology waiting list in recent months, waiting times have reduced and as of August 2025, 79% of patients were waiting less than 6 months.
Since the introduction of ambulatory gynaecology services in 2020, the number of women waiting over six months has decreased by 65%, and those waiting over 12 months has reduced by 89%.
In 2024, over 20,000 new patients were seen in the Ambulatory Gynaecology clinics.
In addition, further specialist services have been developed including the establishment of complex menopause clinics, dedicated specialist endometriosis services and fertility hubs, which have all impacted on gynaecology waiting list activity and care.
118. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health for an update on the strategic review of general practice; and the bringing forward of a new, modern GP contract. [52362/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish the Strategic Review of General Practice, and bring forward a new, modern GP contract.
It is worth noting that the current GMS Contract, while long standing, has been modernised in recent years under the 2019 and 2023 GP Agreements, both of which have provided in substantial additional investments in general practice and increased supports for GPs.
The Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway, led by officials from my Department with support from the HSE and input from relevant stakeholders. The review is examining a range of issues affecting general practice including GP training, GP capacity, Out of Hours services reform, the eHealth Agenda, and the financial support model for general practice.
Significant progress has been made under the review which is to be completed this year. When completed, a final report will be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice. The report itself will be published subsequently.
The strategic review will identify the arrangements necessary to improve the current system of GP care, and this will determine the changes required in a new contract. Finalisation of a new contract will also require agreement with the IMO.
119. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health for an overview of the health capital projects currently in construction and in design across Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52194/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
120. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health whether she has set a deadline for the finalisation of the design for the elective hospital in Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, Cork; the deadline for the planning application submission for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52405/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is actively working to increase elective care capacity in Ireland, ensuring that high-quality and timely scheduled care is available to all. New elective facilities will support the separation of scheduled (elective) and emergency care. This can lead to improved care for patients with fewer cancellations and delays for elective care caused by seasonal surges, localised outbreaks, and surges in emergency attendances.
The Programme for Government committed to building four new elective hospitals (Cork, Galway and Dublin – 2 sites), establishing six new Surgical Hubs (South Dublin, North Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford), and exploring the feasibility of a hub in the northwest. I was delighted to open the first of our new surgical hubs at Mount Carmel in February this year. The surgical hubs in Swords, Galway, Cork, Waterford and Limerick are all under construction and expected to become operational in 2026. In July I also announced plans for two new surgical hubs in the North West, to be located in Sligo and Letterkenny. The HSE is now planning for these.
The recently announced NDP funding envelope (€9.25 billion for 2026 – 2030) will support the progression of key health sector priorities over the next 5 years including delivery of the surgical hub programme and progressing detailed design and statutory planning for the new elective hospitals.
The NDP review commits to progressing Programme for Government commitments on a phased basis over the course of the NDP and allows for flexibility to prioritise ‘shovel-ready’ projects that have received all necessary final statutory approvals and are under, or ready to begin, construction.
In relation to the elective hospitals, sites have been identified for development in Cork (St Stephen's), Galway (Merlin Park) and Dublin (2 sites – Connolly Hospital and Crumlin).
The HSE is currently actively undertaking significant design for Cork and Galway, with Dublin to follow in due course. An Integrated Design Team is progressing design and engagement to inform statutory planning submissions and the regulatory approvals required for the elective treatment centres. Surveys and site investigations have been conducted, and these are informing the design and planning applications for enabling works on the sites in Cork and Galway.
The HSE is also progressing Enabling Packages in advance of main construction and is engaging with statutory planning authorities to progress the necessary planning permission applications.
Timelines for the design process and subsequent programme development are closely related to engagement with planning and other regulatory authorities. It is important to ensure that these processes are rigorous and fully consider all options in developing the most appropriate solutions for the chosen sites.
121. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if she has engaged with the HSE on the recent approval of Belimumab for the treatment of lupus; if funding will be given in budget 2026 towards this treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52239/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for her question.
Belimumab (Benlysta ®) is a monoclonal antibody used to treat certain forms of lupus, specifically Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Lupus nephritis (a kidney complication of lupus)
It works by blocking a protein called BLyS (B-lymphocyte stimulator), which helps B cells survive. In lupus, B cells are overactive and produce harmful autoantibodies. By inhibiting BLyS, belimumab reduces B cell activity, helping to control the autoimmune response and reduce symptoms.
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.
In terms of Belimumab (Benlysta®) the HSE received applications from GSK for pricing and reimbursement of belimumab (Benlysta®) for two indications: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis.
Following Rapid Reviews by the NCPE, full Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) were commissioned for both. The HSE Drugs Group reviewed the clinical and economic evidence, including commercial negotiations, and in January 2024 recommended against reimbursement under High Tech arrangements for both indications.
The HSE Senior Leadership Team supported these recommendations, citing resource constraints and prioritisation across services. Formal notice of the proposed decisions not to reimburse belimumab for either SLE or lupus nephritis has been issued to the applicant, who has the opportunity to make further representations. Final outcomes are pending completion of this process.
The application remains under consideration.
122. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health whether the proposed 50-bedroom mental health facility on the grounds of St Stephen’s hospital, Glanmire, is compliant with the UNCRPD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52504/25]
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.
123. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health for a status update on the funding required for the women's health unit in the Coombe Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52445/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
124. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the progress made on developing a successor policy to the national cardiovascular policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52431/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2023 and is estimated to cost the Irish state €1.7 billion annually, with 46% of this being direct healthcare costs.
Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. Today, CVD mortality is about half of the levels of 1995, however, CVD still accounts for 27.8% of all deaths in Ireland. However, the absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.
Irish officials working with EU colleagues contributed to a new Council Conclusion on the improvement of cardiovascular health adopted on 3rd December 2024, marking a strong political commitment towards improving cardiovascular health across Europe.
CVD and its management are prioritised through national policy, strategies, and clinical programmes, which include models of care for stroke, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure and chronic disease management. The Programme for Government (PfG) 2025 commits to “Building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy, we will develop a new and more ambitious plan enhancing patient care and timely access across all regions.”
On April 8th, the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services was published. This comprehensive, evidence-based report provides 23 key recommendations to inform future cardiac health policy. It offers both a data-driven analysis and a clear roadmap for reforming cardiac services across the country. DoH officials are now working closely with the HSE to progress the implementation of these recommendations. This is a complex, multiyear reform programme that will ensure a comprehensive and deliverable approach in achieving outcomes.
Cardiovascular health has been prioritised in Budget 2025, which allocates over €9 million in full-year funding to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Budget 2025 allocated €4 million full year costs, and 45 WTEs to progress cardiac services. To date, 28 of these 45 WTEs have been prioritised and 5.1 WTE posts have been accepted. This investment facilitates the initial steps in cardiac services reform and will support the development of a new cardiovascular strategy in the longer term. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.
With regard to services for stoke, the National Stroke Strategy was published in 2022 and over €13m has been allocated to its implementation to date. The Stroke Strategy aims to modernise our Stroke services in line with Sláintecare and ensure the future readiness of services given our ageing demography and the predicted rise in stroke incidence in coming decades. Most recently in Budget 2025, of the €9m invested in Cardiovascular Health, full year costs of €5m were allocated which will provide 56 WTEs to strengthen Acute Stroke units and expand the Early Supported Discharge Team network from 11- 15 teams nationally.
125. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health for an update on the legislation being drafted to further regulate nicotine inhaling products and single-use vapes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52188/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislation is being drafted to further regulate nicotine inhaling products and single use vapes.
The Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill will ban the sale of all single-use vapes.
The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill will restrict the colours and imagery on the packaging of nicotine inhaling products and on the devices themselves. It will ban devices resembling or functioning as other products such as toys or games. It will restrict the flavours for sale and prohibit all flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names. Finally, it will ban the point-of-sale display in shops other than specialist shops, and advertising of these products in all shops.
Both Bills are at a very advanced stage of drafting, and are prioritised for publication in the Autumn Legislative Programme.
