Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:146. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to reduce waiting times for treatment for rheumatoid arthritis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52365/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (146)
Freagraí scríofa
It is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I published the Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) for 2025 in February, representing this Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times for patients and improving access to hospital care.
In keeping with this commitment, significant funding of €420m was allocated to the Waiting List Action Plan for 2025, €190m for the HSE and €230m for the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
With the 2025 plan, we are continuing to build upon the progress delivered to date under the multi annual action plan approach, progressing towards the ultimate vision of a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (147)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:147. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the total bed capacity of a community nursing unit in Carraroe (details supplied); the number of beds currently in use in the unit; the number of beds currently closed in the unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52338/25]
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 Services
Ceisteanna (148)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:148. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the plans to reopen the lymphedema clinic in St. James’s Hospital to support patients with this debilitating condition and which is closed over a year (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52429/25]
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.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (149)
Sean Fleming
Ceist:149. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health for a report on plans to increase the number of GPs through a combination of international recruitment and increased training places. [52367/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed, as per the Programme for Government, to increase the number of GPs practising across the country and thereby improve access to GP services. Several measures have been taken in recent years to make working as a GP in Ireland more attractive and to increase GP capacity.
Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The 2019 Agreement provided for increased GP capitation fees, increased supports for practices and new fees for additional services such as the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme.
The 2023 Agreement further increased GP capitation fees, increased the existing subsidy rates for practice staff, and introduced a grant support for additional staff capacity as well a practice staff maternity leave support. It also provided for the expansion of GP visit card eligibility in 2023 to all children under 8 years of age and all those who earn up to the median household income.
The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years.
In addition, GPs from abroad continue to be recruited under the joint HSE and ICGP International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme which commenced in 2023. As of the end of Q2 2025, 122 IMG GPs are placed in GP practices, and a further 23 have competed the programme. Placement of IMG GPs is targeted at rural and underserved areas.
Lastly, a Strategic Review of General Practice is underway. The review, with input from key stakeholders, is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity. Following its completion, 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.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (150)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:150. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health for an update on the planned new primary care centre for Gorey, County Wexford. [52565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 130.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (152)
Colm Burke
Ceist:152. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for a neurorehabilitation unit in Cork to include 20 post-acute inpatient neurorehabilitation beds, in 2026, in line with HSE proposals in order to address the lack of any existing service in the south-west region, given that the population has increased substantially in the past number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that there are many services that the HSE needs to support each year from within its Oireachtas approved Budget. Please note that the level of funding available to each Government Department is being considered as part of the national estimates and budgetary process for 2026, which is currently underway.
Pending completion of this process, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment further on any proposals at this stage.
Medical Records
Ceisteanna (153)
John Clendennen
Ceist:153. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the progress on the digitalisation of the health service overall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030 reflects the changing landscape of health and social care in Ireland and sets out a roadmap to digitally transform health services and improve access for patients. This framework, combined with the corresponding HSE implementation roadmap, sets out a very clear path for the full digitisation of healthcare records and information systems in Ireland, as stated in the Programme for Government. Implementation of Ireland’s Digital for Care strategy is progressing at pace following its publication in May 2024. It sets out vision to enable better health outcomes through seamless, safe, secure, and connected digital health services that support both patients and providers. This vision is grounded in the principles of Sláintecare. Government has also reflected the need to support increased capital investment levels especially in health digitalisation through the review of the National Development Plan that is ongoing.
Ireland needs one digital health record for every citizen that can be accessed by health professionals across the service. The path to a one digital health record that covers the full health journey of every person living in Ireland consists of three key initiatives under Digital for Care (and the Programme for Government) proceeding concurrently and in parallel to achieve this for patients and the healthcare workforce:
The HSE Health App was successfully launched in February 2025, giving patients real choice and empowering their control over their health journey with further releases in May and September of this year. The app, that has already won a number of technology awards, represents an important step towards making personal health information available, putting each patient at the centre of their healthcare journey. It empowers people by providing a single app to manage their digital health identity, personal health information, health and social care coordination, and access to services. It continues to evolve with more services, data and features planned in regular future releases.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) completed the procurement for the National Shared Care Record (NSCR) earlier this year. The NSCR programme has now been mobilized, with the contract for building the NSCR technology platform awarded to EY, Better and Kainos. The NSCR brings together healthcare information from various sources such as hospitals, GP practices, and Community care into a single place, making them available at the point of care and self-care in read only format. By having access to key healthcare information in one place means healthcare professionals will be able to make more informed, safer decisions and to focus more time on direct patient care while patients will be better informed and empowered to manage their own healthcare.
A phased rollout of the national shared care record is due to commence in Q4 2025 in the South-East region with University Hospital Waterford. The system will then extend to other regions from 2026 with additional information being added over time. Together with the HSE Health App, investing in a NSCR means unlocking fragmented data into a powerful tool for safer, coordinated patient-centred care while laying the foundation for a modern, connected and more efficient health service as we plan for a National Electronic Health Record.
The National Electronic Health Record (EHR) is intended to support integrated care across all settings. A preliminary business case for the National EHR has been developed by the HSE, setting out the case for the most ambitious transformation programme in the history of the health service. It has completed the External Assurance Process (EAP) as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines for major investment programmes and the EAP report has been shared with the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) for advice to DPENDR and Government. A national enterprise EHR will allow healthcare staff to access a patient’s full medical history to support timely and appropriate care, with the ability to update information in real time. EHRs not only provide a complete digital health record of a patient’s health journey, recorded by healthcare professionals across all health and social care settings, they also incorporate workflow capabilities to automate the patient pathway and facilitate the implementation of standardised models of care. This means the EHR can map out the next steps in a patient’s treatment plan in the various care setting and support automatic referrals, ordering of diagnostics, lab tests, etc.
To realise the benefits of an investment in EHRs, they must be underpinned by a clear roadmap, agreed up-front interoperability and data standards, appropriate governance and a robust business case. Deploying an EHR is not just about the technology. These are significant change programmes to transform and move from a paper based to a digitised care model. A PIN (Prior Information Notice) was published in June 2025 informing EHR suppliers about the health service's interest in a national enterprise-level EHR systems. This process is open to all potential vendors willing to engage through this process. The consultation seeks supplier input to inform the upcoming procurement, with a contract award expected by the end of 2026 and phased implementation through to 2032.
In another important step on our way to digitised patient records, in May the HSE published the tender for the delivery of a National Electronic Prescribing (NEP) service. The new fully integrated e-prescription service will enable the secure and efficient transmission and storage of electronic prescriptions and dispensations for patients. This provides a critical piece of information for digital health records and the data from this service (prescription and dispensing data) will be available through the HSE Health App and the NSCR in the future.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (154)
Shay Brennan
Ceist:154. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the provision of a comprehensive women's health programme in general practice. [52386/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government: Securing Ireland's Future sets out this Government's commitment to delivering an ambitious programme for all people and all regions across our shared island over the lifetime of this Government.
My officials are currently in the early phases of exploring options for delivering on our Programme for Government commitment to provide a comprehensive women's health programme in General Practice.
Emergency Services
Ceisteanna (155)
David Cullinane
Ceist:155. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if she has ensured a permanent solution to the helicopter emergency medical services crewing model safety concerns raised by paramedics who resigned from the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52534/25]
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
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (156)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:156. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the way in which she is expanding GP access to community diagnostics schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52379/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The GP Access to Community Diagnostics (GPACD) Scheme is available for referrals by GPs to the full adult population, aged 16 years and over, delivering community-based radiology scans through contracted private providers. This scheme provides GPs with access to a defined list or scope of examinations, with the clinical examination scope reviewed and updated to ensure and maintain the delivery of an effective service, aligned with community needs and with growing demand.
During the most recent examination scope, a clinical team assessed and reviewed the types of diagnostic examinations provided, and those examinations deemed most suitable or clinically appropriate for community follow-up, and/or management within General Practice, were prioritised for inclusion.
Examinations where community follow-up and/or management within GP practice is not the most appropriate pathway are excluded from the GPACD Scheme, for example cancer care or other conditions where management is more appropriate through clinical teams in a hospital setting.
This process was developed to ensure that these tailored diagnostic pathways meet community clinician and patient requirements, whilst optimising healthcare resources.
Without access to the over 1.1m community radiology scans provided through the GPACD scheme since its implementation in 2021, these patients would have been referred to acute hospitals to access these scans, further increasing pressure on hospital radiology Department waitlists.
This initiative builds on the Community Access to Ultrasound (US) Scheme, which began in 2019 for Medical Card, GP Visit Card, and HAA cardholders. The GPACD scheme provides supplementary capacity to existing diagnostic pathways and addresses systemic inequalities, particularly for the over 50% of the population without private health insurance, who previously faced longer waits for diagnostic scans.
GPACD has demonstrated significant improvements in accessing these diagnostic scans for both GPs and patients, who previously depended on outpatient referrals or emergency department visits to access certain diagnostics. Importantly, this scheme is ringfenced specifically for use by, and for referrals from GPs. The scheme is delivered by approved private providers and aims to address urgent referrals within one month and routine referrals within three months.
GPACD also has a powerful impact on patient care through timely access to diagnostics, allowing for earlier diagnosis, and more rapid access to care, and closer to home. The scheme supports increased patient management in General Practice and facilitates a reduction in the number of referrals that GPs are required to make to hospital Outpatient Departments to access these tests.
Community Diagnostics have also been expanded with the implementation of the new Community Mobile X-Ray service, delivered by Mobile Medical Diagnostics (MMD), which is operational nationally and providing services primarily to older persons residing in nursing homes. Access is also available to those in community disability units and/or private dwellings where attendance for an X-Ray outside their home would pose significant challenges.
While GPs are the primary referrers for the Mobile X-Ray service, other clinicians and Advanced Nurse Practitioners who have been explicitly approved by the Radiology Safety Committee can also refer patients. This allows for the fact that GPs are not the only medical professionals providing care to residents in nursing home settings. Through this service, in 2024, 7,221 people received an X-ray at home, thereby avoiding hospital attendance to access this diagnostic test. 97% of Mobile X-Ray referrals are typically completed on the same day of referral, with cases then rapidly reported within 4 hours.
This year the GP Access to Community Diagnostics initiative also continues to provision scans to patients nationwide, with over 146,000 scans already provided to the end Q2 2025. Of these 86,898 were MRI scans, 34,212 were X-Rays, 10,282 were CT scans and 15,359 were DEXA scans, provided to patients in community settings and close to home.
Funding for the continuation of the GPACD scheme has been allocated as part of Budget 2026, with the scope of examinations continuing to be reviewed to ensure the greatest and most efficient use of allocated resources.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (157, 174)
Maeve O'Connell
Ceist:157. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance call-outs received in 2025 that were unable to provide an eircode. [51604/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaeve O'Connell
Ceist:174. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Health if her Department has examined the effectiveness of ambulance call-outs using eircodes for locating emergencies. [51605/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, with any pertinent information it may have from a HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) perspective.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (158)
David Cullinane
Ceist:158. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when she will extend public immunisation schemes to provide free RSV and shingles cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52530/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Following on from the successful Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunisation pathfinder programme in 2024/2025, an expanded RSV Immunisation programme will run throughout Winter 2025/2026. This immunisation will offer protection ahead of the seasonal upsurge in infection with RSV.
The risk of severe RSV infection is highest in the youngest infants, especially those born during the RSV season.
The RSV Immunisation programme will offer immunisation 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 RSV Immunisation Programme will be operated by the HSE, with immunisations being administered from 1 September 2025 in maternity hospitals and in clinics nationwide during September until the first week in October 2025. Further details of immunisation clinics and instructions on how to book are available via www.hse.ie.
A Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on RSV immunisation for infants and adults is currently being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
The primary objective of this HTA is to provide advice to my Department to inform a policy decision on the most appropriate RSV immunisation strategy for infants and adults aged 65 and older. HIQA’s assessment will assess the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and budget impact of alternative strategies for the immunisation of infants and adults aged 65 years and older against RSV. This HTA will also consider the organisational, resource, ethical, patient and social implications associated with these alternative strategies.
A draft report will be made available in due course for public consultation prior to being finalised and submitted as advice to inform decision-making by my Department.
The outcome of the HTA will inform the development of any longer-term programme and future decision making on the matter of RSV immunisation in Ireland.
Shingles vaccination is not currently provided as part of the national immunisation programme.
HIQA has carried out a HTA on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. 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 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.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 133.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 132.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (161)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:161. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the restrictions the HSE is placing on diabetics getting access to CGM (continuous glucose monitoring); if she will be raising the matter of access restrictions with the HSE; the plans to expand the CGM scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52404/25]
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 devices. The Act provides a rigorous process for the assessment of new medicines and devices for reimbursement. The Act specifies nine criteria which must be considered. These include the health needs of the public and the clinical need for the medicine. All these factors, taken together, allow the HSE to make an informed decision on new medicines and devices.
HIQA published a Rapid Health Technology Assessment on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for adults with Type 1 Diabetes in September 2023. Based on this the HSE introduced a number of initiatives from December 2023 onwards, to support access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors while managing expenditure in the area.
In the first year since the introduction of the reimbursement application system for CGM sensors, 2,949 new patients have received reimbursement support for this technology. In December 2024, 19,861 patients were in receipt of CGM sensors under the Community Drug Schemes. In December 2024, 63% of new initiators on CGM sensors were commencing on a Preferred CGM sensor.
Reimbursement for CGM sensors applies to patients with type 1 diabetes who required insulin from diagnosis, based on the HIQA HTA.
Applications and appeals for all patients are reviewed centrally by the HSE Medicines Management Programme on a case-by-case basis. Clinicians can appeal decisions by submitting additional clinical information directly to the Programme.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (162)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:162. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a dermatology consultant has been appointed to deal with the enormous waiting list in Sligo University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52013/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The demand on Dermatology Services in the West Northwest has been increasing in recent years and has resulted in the approval of two additional consultant positions. Unfortunately, these posts have remained unfilled despite efforts over several recruitment campaigns.
The HSE West and North West have now decided that the two approved posts will be restructured with one appointed to Sligo University Hospital and one to Letterkenny University Hospital in the hope this will improve the likelihood of successful recruitment. Revised work plans are being developed which will be subject to HSE approval prior to advertising of these restructured posts.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (163)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:163. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the engagement she has had with staff and management at Mayo University Hospital; the dates upon which such engagement occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52241/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I visited Mayo University Hospital (MUH) on Tuesday 4th February 2025 in the context of the aftermath of Storm Eowyn, where the focus of the visit was on how services were affected by the storm, and what assistance was provided to people in the area.
On 23rd August 2025, I again visited the hospital and met with staff that were present on the day. The visit was to view the performance of the Emergency Department at the hospital.
On Thursday 11th September, I met with Management of MUH along with staff and management of a number of acute hospitals, Integrated Health Areas and their Regional Executive Officers to discuss a range of performance metrics and the actions being taken across the country’s acute hospitals.
I hope to visit MUH again in the near future in order to continue my conversations with staff and management on how best to deliver excellent care for patients in the region.
Disease Management
Ceisteanna (164, 204, 404)
Catherine Ardagh
Ceist:164. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans to include COPD and asthma in the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52353/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:204. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health her plans to include inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory arthritis within the remit of the long-term illness scheme. [52361/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
James O'Connor
Ceist:404. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if she will add myalgic encephalomyelitis to the long-term illness scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52642/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 204 and 404 together.
The 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. 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%.
Suicide Prevention
Ceisteanna (165)
John Connolly
Ceist:165. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health for an update on the development of the next suicide reduction strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51261/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Efforts to reduce Ireland's suicide rate had been guided by our outgoing national suicide reduction strategy, Connecting for Life, which came to the end of its implementation period at year-end 2024. Grounded in international best practice, Connecting for Life provided a comprehensive framework for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention across the country. The Department of Health is currently developing a successor strategy which will build on the good work done under Connecting for Life.
To inform the development of the next national suicide reduction strategy the Department of Health recently ran a public consultation. This public consultation has been completed and three reports arising from this work were published online on the 10th of September. The findings from this work will be invaluable in informing the new national suicide reduction strategy, providing insights from those with lived experience of suicide, professionals working in relevant contexts, and NGOs doing work in this area.
I recently appointed 22 members to an Expert Advisory Group to guide the development of Ireland’s next national suicide reduction strategy. The Expert Advisory Group for the next suicide reduction strategy will play a central role in shaping the strategy, ensuring it is informed by the findings from the public consultation, in which many people with lived experience of suicide participated, as well as the latest evidence, and cross-sectoral expertise.
This expert group is chaired by Dr Eileen Williamson, former CEO of the National Suicide Research Foundation, who brings a wealth of experience to the role from her 29 years working in the area of suicide prevention.
In addition, a Lived Experience Reference Group has been appointed, which will ensure that the voices of those with lived experience will be central to the development of this strategy; informing, critiquing and guiding the development of recommendations in tandem with the Expert Advisory Group. This group will be chaired by Joe O'Donovan and coordinated by the National Suicide Research Foundation.
I am committed to the development of a new suicide reduction strategy that will take full account of the evaluation of Connecting for Life, the findings of the public consultation, the latest evidence, as well as the views of both the Expert Advisory Group and the Lived Experience Reference Group. This will be done with a view to ensuring we continue to see a reduction in suicide in Ireland and provide the services and supports that those in crisis, and those who are bereaved by suicide, want and need.