Written Answers Nos. 126-145
126. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Health the number of medical graduates at all clinical levels who graduated since 2020 and who are currently employed in the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52552/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical schools do not provide the HSE with a list of names or individual details of graduates, and therefore the HSE is not in a position to track employment of medical graduates in the format requested.
The HSE does track the number of CAO students who enter employment with the HSE as interns. In 2024, 674 exchequer-funded CAO applicants were offered and accepted intern posts in the first round. Subsequently, 76 non-CAO EEA and work permit exempt applicants, and 129 non-EEA applicants, took up posts.
It should be noted that some graduates leave the HSE after completing their internship year. While the majority return at some point, the HSE does not maintain data on the long-term employment patterns of these cohorts.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the total number of medical graduates in Ireland since 2020 is not held by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Data on graduate numbers is a matter for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, as the HSE does not fund or set the number of medical school places.
127. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres planned to be delivered in Offaly; the means by which the centres are helping to achieve the aims of Sláintecare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52245/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
128. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to address the large number of people in County Donegal on waiting lists for occupational therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52385/25]
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.
129. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
130. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the current status of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe; and to outline the measures being taken to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of maternity care for families in this facility. [52335/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns following significant changes to maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe; and if she will address these concerns, and the future of the service. [52220/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if the decision to downgrade maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital will be reconsidered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52191/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if she will meet with Oireachtas Members to discuss significant changes to maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe. [52221/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 151, 169 and 197 together.
The safety and quality of maternity services are of critical importance. I understand developments at the Portiuncula University Hospital maternity unit are causing concern.
Of twelve reviews related to maternity care at Portiuncula, seven are now completed.
A highly experienced External Management Team was put in place in January 2025. This team includes a consultant obstetrician, director of midwifery and senior manager. This team is continuing to oversee the work and safety of the unit. An Implementation Team is also progressing 52 recommendations from the seven completed reviews.
The maternity unit at Portiuncula has six obstetricians. Portiuncula has high levels of midwifery staffing compared with baselines and equivalent units.
On July 9th, the HSE announced higher-risk women would be transferred from Portiuncula. This may be to Galway or another unit of women's choice. This is in line with care pathways already in place.
The Implementation Team are working to ensure seamless transfer and care.
The HSE is also ensuring sufficient capacity at Galway University Hospital. This includes additional recruitment, and creating more dedicated maternity theatre space.
This work will continue to progress over the coming months. Close monitoring is continuing within both the HSE and the Department of Health.
It is important we continue keep the public informed as this work progresses. I and the HSE will continue engaging with regional representatives on this matter.
131. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the plans to open more primary care centres and expedite the delivery of the existing pipeline to construction. [52384/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
132. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will agree to a statutory inquiry into possible malpractice at Children's Health Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52559/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will hold a statutory inquiry into orthopaedic surgery at Children's Health Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 160 together.
On Monday the Tánaiste and I met with Harvey’s parents along with other advocates to support the family. The Tánaiste and I listened carefully to what Gillian and Stephen. I know it must have been particularly poignant and difficult for them given the meeting was held on the two-month anniversary of the death of their little boy.
At the meeting, it was agreed to work in partnership on the structure of an inquiry into Spina bifida and complex scoliosis services at CHI.
I, along with the parents, need to reflect and discuss further on what the most effective model of inquiry should be. It was agreed to have a follow up meeting in three weeks’ time.
This inquiry will be part of the wider reflection on paediatric services in CHI.
The HSE CEO has established the CHI Oversight Improvement Steering Group.
This group oversees the implementation of recommendations from completed reviews, including the HIQA review. They also oversee upcoming reports (including the Nayagam review), spinal services, and the commissioning of the new hospital.
The HSE CEO has also commissioned an audit to assess governance and equity in access to care within CHI, especially regarding the balance between public and private patient management. The audit is underway, and the outcome is expected within the next few months.
133. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Health her plans to expand specialist services in endometriosis. [52387/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health when she expects the national endometriosis framework to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52364/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the plans to address the significant waiting list for endometriosis care, the understaffing of endometriosis hubs, with 747 women waiting for surgery; the financial supports being considered for women who are forced to travel abroad for essential care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52430/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 133, 159 and 185 together.
The National Framework for Endometriosis has been agreed with all stakeholders and is ready to be published.
The HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme is implementing the National Framework and will assess and identify the ongoing requirements to build current and future capacity, improve clinical pathways and increase expertise within our endometriosis services.
Two supra-regional specialist centres, in Tallaght University Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital, have been established for the management of complex endometriosis cases.
Regional Specialist Centres for moderate cases have been established in the Rotunda Hospital, the Coombe Hospital, and University Hospital Limerick, with clinics under further development in University Hospital Galway and the National Maternity Hospital.
Funding of over €5 million has been invested in endometriosis services since 2021. This includes investment of over €2 million this year to further drive development of services.
More than 300 specialist surgeries were provided across the network between August and December 2024 and over 500 surgeries were carried out in the first half of this year.
On 1st September a Patient Voice Forum was held in the Department of Health. The Minister met with more than 50 advocates who shared their experiences of endometriosis. This forum was also attended by the HSE CEO Bernard Gloster and Department officials.
Patient voices have directly influenced changes to the completed framework. Following the forum, an immediate action plan was mandated by the Minister.
More than 100 additional surgeries will now be carried out across all regions this year. Over €0.5m has been provided to support this. In addition to facilitate complex surgeries, an additional colorectal surgeon is being recruited to our specialist services.
The HSE is providing additional support for women within the Treatment Abroad Schemes. A dedicated email address, Endometriosisabroad@hse.ie, is ready to assist women with this service.
An Endometriosis Group with patient advocates and Women's Health Taskforce members has been established. International endometriosis experts will be invited to collaborate and engage with our clinicians. The Minister will write to all GPs, consultants and other clinicians. Alongside the framework, this will serve to further raise awareness of endometriosis.
The HSE is working to improve long-term expertise in diagnostics and treatment, and to build future capacity. A GP Practice Update and an endometriosis awareness campaign will maintain focus following from the publication of the Framework.
We will continue to listen and support women impacted by endometriosis.
134. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if she will consider the introduction of a free shingles vaccine for older people, in particular those over 66 years-of-age, in line with best practice in other European countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52175/25]
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.
135. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health for an update on her review of the use by the health service of third-party insourcing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52366/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraInsourcing and outsourcing have been used as tactical responses to waiting list pressures and have delivered real benefits. However, they must be seen as transitional tools, not permanent fixtures.
I firmly believe that we are overly reliant on insourcing and private sector outsourcing to deal with our waiting lists. The long-term goal remains, to build sustainable internal capacity within the public system and ensure that this is maximised to the greatest extent through greater productivity and efficiencies.
Given my concerns about the operation of the insourcing model in particular, earlier this year I asked the CEO of the HSE to conduct a review of insourcing and outsourcing. Having considered the Review with my officials and the HSE, I wrote to the CEO in August authorising him to introduce a number of control measures to restrict the use of third-party insourcing.
These enhanced safeguards required other capacity to be fully utilised before third-party insourcing could be considered, including:
• All core capacity
• Standard overtime and Agency staffing for specialist clinics (traditional insourcing), and
• Approved offsite outsourcing.
Any proposal for third-party insourcing must be approved by the hospital CEO; kept under review by the IHA manager or REO.
These measures are intended to reduce reliance on inappropriate 3rd party insourcing while maintaining all options for the provision of care to patients. We need to move away from our dependency on this model to fully use the internal underutilised capacity we have within our core health service.
This means productivity in the HSE itself must improve and we are taking action to address this.
• Through the full implementation of the Public Only Consultant Contract (the POCC) for more efficient rostering of services across 6/7 days.
• Better scheduling of outpatients to maximise existing resource utilisation.
• Improved benchmarking and standardisation of scheduled care, and
• Maximising physical assets including diagnostics, surgical hubs, and virtual wards where appropriate.
Given the time lag in these productivity measures impacting on scheduled care performance I approved a recommendation in the CEO’s report that the HSE engages with the NTPF and private providers, including non-hospital providers, to develop an expanded framework to outsource scheduled care work once all core capacity has been utilised.
136. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when she will introduce a proper disposal of unused medicines scheme as required by EU law since 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52119/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI published the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 on the 18th of September, following the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).
The Agreement supports the delivery of safe, equitable, and efficient healthcare, and ensures community pharmacists are better equipped to contribute to national health priorities through structured engagement, sustainable funding, and integrated service delivery.
The Agreement is available on the Department of Health’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/community-pharmacy-agreement-2025/
Enabling patients to return their unused medicines to their local community pharmacy, restricts access to unused medicines, thereby reducing harm to the environment, and the risk of accidental poisoning in children, and the risk of suicide or self-harm.
A new national service is to be commissioned by the HSE which will enable patients to return their unused medicines to their local community pharmacy.
The service will provide a nationwide pathway for people to return unused and out-of-date medicines to their local pharmacies at no cost to them for doing so. Paper packaging can be disposed of using normal recycling avenues. This initiative will commence in 2026, following a procurement process.
137. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the delivery of a daycare centre for Macroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52015/25]
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.
138. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that the current ambulance dispatch system ensures timely and equitable emergency response across all regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52501/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, a 2014 HIQA report into prehospital emergency care services highlighted the dynamic deployment of emergency ambulance resources as a means to improve ambulance response times and National Ambulance Service (NAS) performance generally.
The dynamic model of deployment is in line with international best practice and allows the NAS to prioritise resource allocation to those high acuity calls that require an immediate emergency response. It also allows the NAS to categorise non-serious or non-life-threatening calls, and to provide a resource appropriate to the patient’s clinical need.
Dynamic deployment of emergency resources has also served to address some of the historical safety issues that pre-dated this model where under the old ambulance station-based static system the nearest ambulance located to the scene of an emergency incident did not always respond to the call.
139. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of home care support hours provided for older people in Roscommon in 2024; the target for same in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52218/25]
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.
140. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of times she has visited hospitals in Meath and Louth since she took office; if she will list the hospitals she has visited in those counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51549/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not visited hospitals in Meath and Louth since my appointment as Minister for Health but I look forward to meeting with patients and staff when the opportunity arises.
141. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the steps she will take to reduce premature mortality among men; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52533/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, Ireland was the first country to have a National Policy on Men's Health and this Government remains committed to reducing premature mortality among men. The HSE is leading on the implementation of the second Men’s Health Action Plan, launched in late 2024. Following its publication, €200,000 was allocated in Budget 2025 to recruit a National Lead for Men’s Health, and €100,000 to support programme development. Recruitment was completed in July, and the National Lead appointed in late September.
Implementation is progressing alongside other innovative projects that my Department is involved in, including On Feirm Ground and CAIRDE among others. The Irish Men’s Shed Association is funded by both my Department and the Department of Community and Rural Development. Separate funding is provided for the Sheds for Life Programme, a 10-week community-based health promotion initiative focused on the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of men’s sheds members.
In December 2024, the Department of Health launched Pathways to Wellbeing, the National Mental Health Promotion Plan, which aims to improve mental health through universal and targeted supports, addressing the needs of those most at risk. Work is also underway on the successor to the Connecting for Life strategy, which will enhance support in the context of suicide—from prevention to intervention to postvention. In addition, Minister Butler announced €2 million in funding to expand counselling supports for men with the aim of increasing access to supports when required.
142. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health her Department's plans for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52297/25]
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.
143. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the way in which a child who has a waiting time of 60 months for an autism assessment with the primary care autism assessment team can have the cost of a private assessment reimbursed, as committed to by the Minister; the steps being taken to reduce this waiting time which has now grown to five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46745/25]
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.
144. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the recruitment plan for public health nurses in Dublin mid west; if P2 and P3 services will be available in all parts of the constituency in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52505/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
145. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health her plans to provide additional supports for GP practices in rural areas and areas of increased need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52378/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are self-employed practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE to provide medical services to medical card and GP visit card holders on its behalf. GPs who hold a GMS contract are reimbursed for the services they provide through capitation payments and fee-per-item payments for certain services, they also receive a range of financial supports.
Under the GMS scheme, the financial supports available to eligible GPs/GP practices include practice staff supports, locum contributions for leave taking, rural practice supports, and a support for practices in urban areas of deprivation. A contribution to GMS GPs medical indemnity insurance is also paid.
GMS GPs working in rural areas who meet the qualifying criteria receive an annual rural practice support allowance under the Rural Practice Support Framework. The 2019 GP Agreement increased this practice support package for rural GP practices by 10%. Practices in receipt of rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking.
The 2019 GP Agreement also introduced a €2 million per annum support for GP practices in disadvantaged urban areas. The funding may be used for additional health personnel costs or for the provision of additional services.
In addition, a new locum support initiative commenced in May, providing GPs in receipt of rural practice supports with access to a streamlined locum sourcing service. While the GPs themselves will cover the cost of the locum, the HSE will bear the cost of securing the locum. The initiative specifically targets GPs receiving rural practice supports, with an initial focus on single-handed GPs working in isolated areas, who often face the greatest challenges in finding cover. The initiative has also now been expanded to multi-GP practices.
Regarding further potential measures to support general practice in rural areas, this issue is being considered under the Strategic Review of General Practice. The review, currently underway and due to be completed this year, is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity and will consider possible mechanisms to attract more GPs to rural and underserved areas.
