Written Answers Nos. 547-566
547. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive an urgent appointment for hip surgery in Croom Orthopaedic Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52926/25]
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.
548. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason diabetic services are no longer available at the Carrick-on-Suir primary care centre; the status of the centre of excellence for diabetic services that was to be established at Saint Brigid’s hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52938/25]
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.
549. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the date by which it is expected to publish the complaints and patient safety policy. [52940/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health has been engaged in the development of policy in relation to the areas of Patient Safety, Complaints and Advocacy.
A national patient complaints and patient safety incidents policy covering both public and private health services is in development through a number of work streams. A comprehensive stakeholder engagement process has been ongoing to gather information from health and social care services, advocacy groups, regulators as the department continues to collaborate closely with all relevant stakeholders.
The Department commissioned several independent research projects regarding clinical complaints and patient safety incidents, including looking at international comparisons. The latest completed evidence project is a stakeholder consultation on clinical complaints policy in Ireland by the RCSI. The Department is currently analysing all work previously undertaken.
While this policy work is being fully considered and progressed, it is not currently possible to provide an expected date of completion.
550. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the status of the proposed primary care centre at Curlew Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, including a timeline for when the project will progress to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52943/25]
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.
551. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Health in the context of healthcare reforms under Sláintecare and building the capacity of public hospitals, if her department is considering allocating funding for a positron emission tomography scanner for Beaumont Hospital’s campus in Raheny, Dublin; if not, if such considerations have taken place or will take place in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52946/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has confirmed that no capital proposal has been submitted for a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner at Beaumont Hospital’s campus in Raheny, Dublin.
A request for capital funding is assessed through formal HSE and Department of Health processes to ensure that proposals are aligned with the Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework (SHIF). The Framework was developed to ensure that investments are evidence-based, equitable, and ensure Sláintecare reforms are achieved, with the overall objective of having better health outcomes for the population.
Once a proposal is established via the SHIF process it then progresses through the various stages of the capital appraisal process. Projects are approved and supported by HSE services before being submitted to a HSE central steering committee for approval. Once approved by the steering committee the project is eligible for prioritisation and inclusion in the capital plan, subject to the level of funding.
552. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Health the funding and support which will be provided to improve services and increase capacity at Beaumont hospital in the interim period before the new emergency department is operational; if she will provide a detailed outline of plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52947/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2025, Beaumont Hospital launched its five-year strategy Building Excellence in Care, Together, focused on delivering patient-centred care and modernising infrastructure to meet evolving healthcare needs.
Funding for current expenditure is allocated on an annual basis through the Estimates process with future levels of funding considered as part of the national estimates and budgetary process. From 2020-2025 the overall budget for Beaumont Hospital increased by 37%. WTE allocation increased by 15% and bed numbers increased by 2% in the same period.
Additionally, a third CT scanner is now in-situ. The Hospital has increased CT ED and inpatient capacity over the past few months. In Q3 2025, there have been an extra 120 ED and inpatient imaging procedures per month compared to Q1.
There are a number of significant proposals for capital investment in Beaumont Hospital, and all are progressing through the requisite design and planning stages. These proposals are being managed through the HSE capital development process in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. As a live hospital campus there is an added complexity in terms of planning, sequencing and enabling each of these projects. Our Model 4 acute hospitals require a significant amount of enabling works to prepare for larger projects. These key enabling pieces are ongoing.
In May 2025, the proposed new Emergency Department received a final grant of planning. The project is now progressing to detailed design stage.
In October 2024, planning permission for a 95-bed ward block was granted. The proposal is now at detailed design. Proposals for a 64-bed Critical Care Unit (CCU) are dependent on the relocation of the existing Endoscopy Department. In March 2025, final grant of planning was received for this new Endoscopy Department. It is now progressing through to detailed design stage. In parallel, design of the 64 bed CCU is underway at preliminary design stage.
553. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Health to provide a progress report on the delivery of the new emergency department at Beaumont Hospital; if she will confirm that the current expected timeframe for its delivery and completion indicates a completion date before 2030; if she will provide the overall expected timeframe for the various stages of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52948/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of significant proposals for capital investment at Beaumont Hospital, and all are progressing through the requisite design and planning stages. All of these proposals are being managed through the HSE capital development process in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
As a live hospital campus there is an added complexity in terms of planning, sequencing and enabling each of these projects. Our Model 4 acute hospitals require a significant amount of enabling works to prepare for larger projects. These key enabling pieces are ongoing at Beaumont.
In May 2025, the proposed new Emergency Department received a final grant of planning. The project is now progressing to detailed design stage.
As 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.
554. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Health if her Department has, in collaboration with other stakeholders including the Department of Transport, carried out analyses of the capacity of public transport connections to Beaumont hospital; the other work, if any, her Department has carried out to explore the way in which demand for parking and private car access to the hospital may be reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52949/25]
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.
555. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of resuscitation bays and cubicles currently within the accident and emergency department of Kerry University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52961/25]
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.
556. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists working in the school dental scheme in Kerry in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
557. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE physiotherapists by grade based in each primary care centre within CHO 4 in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52963/25]
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.
558. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant radiologists based at Kerry University Hospital in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52964/25]
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.
559. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number on trolleys in emergency departments and wards in all model four hospitals, and Connolly Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, Letterkenny University Hospital, Wexford General Hospital and Mercy Hospital Cork, from January 2025 to September 2025, by month, and by ages 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-69, 70-75, 75-85, 85-90, 90+; in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52969/25]
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.
560. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number waiting on trolleys in emergency departments and wards in all CHI operated hospitals, by month from January 2025 to September 2025 and by ages 0-1, 2-3, 4-8, 9-12, 13-16; in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52970/25]
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.
561. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2547 of 8 September 2025, if her attention has been drawn to the correspondence from the HSE in relation to the provision of a device (details supplied) that assists in the care of people with diabetes; the actions she will take to expedite the provision of this support in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52971/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
562. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of people who presented to accident and emergency departments, per level four hospital, but leave before they are fully assessed in the years 2023, 2024, and to date in 2025, in tabular form and by number and percentage of total presentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52974/25]
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.
563. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of people who presented to accident and emergency departments, per level four hospital, where the presentation might have been more appropriate at another service, the number of presentations that were considered inappropriate for accident and emergency, in the year 2024 and to date in 2025, by number and percentage of total presentation, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52975/25]
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.
564. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the measures which will be taken to ensure access for a person (details supplied) to occupational therapy without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52977/25]
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.
565. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if her Department plans to provide for the delivery of free cardiovascular health checks in pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52994/25]
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. 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.
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 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future commits to enhancing patient care and timely access by building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy to develop a more ambitious plan.
On 8th April 2025, 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.
My officials are now working closely with the Health Service Executive (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. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.
Technological advances in medical tests and associated medical devices have facilitated the increased provision of testing services in pharmacy for patient diagnosis, monitoring and screening. The appropriate use of such tests and medical devices by pharmacists has the capacity to increase patient access to these services, to allow for patient screening, to improve public health and to enhance inter-professional collaboration.
Earlier detection, prevention and improved management of patients’ medical conditions can also be achieved through the responsible use of such tests. However, in order to maximise patient outcomes and ensure patient safety, the provision of such services and any related information must be in accordance with best practice standards.
In the provision of these services, it is essential that patients’ expectations of the standard of care provided by their pharmacist are met and that they can be assured of the quality, accuracy and reliability of such testing.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the pharmacy regulator, has produced guidance on the provision of testing services in pharmacies. This guidance supports pharmacy owners and pharmacists in the provision of safe and effective testing services whether provided in the pharmacy by the pharmacist or supplied for home use. It can be found at the following link: www.psi.ie/practice-supports/guidance-and-guidelines-pharmacists-and-pharmacies/guidance-provision-testing
The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 has been delivered following extensive negotiations between the Department, the HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).
The Agreement sets out a comprehensive and ongoing pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Ireland’s healthcare services. It 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 will be implemented on a phased basis and will be supported by structured engagements between the Department, the HSE and the IPU. The Agreement is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/community-pharmacy-agreement-2025/
566. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the current policy with respect to the national screening of newborns for spinal muscular atrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency; if her Department intends the full addition of testing for both conditions as part of the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme; the reason testing for spinal muscular atrophy in particular is not yet carried out consistently in heel-prick tests for all newborns under the programme; the timeline anticipated to achieve full consistent national testing for both conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52998/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Health, I am determined to support our screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population. Currently, all babies (between 3 and 5 days old) are offered newborn bloodspot screening (generally known as the ‘heel prick’), which tests for nine rare but serious conditions that are treatable if detected early in life.
The Deputy may be aware that a new National Rare Disease Strategy was launched on 27 August. This Strategy aims to ensure that all people living with a rare disease and their families have access to equitable, inclusive and cross-sectoral care throughout their life journey that will enable them to reach their full potential and to live their best lives. Work is ongoing to ensure the full implementation of the Strategy, including the establishment of an Implementation Oversight Group and the development of a detailed implementation plan outlining the actions required to fully achieve the Strategy's 11 recommendations.
Incremental progress continues to be made on the expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme (NNBSP). In 2023, two recommendations from NSAC on the addition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to the NNBSP were approved. In Budget 2024, an additional €1.4 million of new development funding was provided to support the SMA/SCID implementation process. Once both conditions have been fully implemented, the number of conditions screened for in Ireland will increase to 11.
In terms of the current implementation status, the HSE has advised that the equipment needed to enable the roll-out testing for SMA and SCID has been procured, and that verification testing has commenced and is progressing well. The recruitment process to hire the additional staff required to support the expansion of the NNBSP has almost concluded and work has commenced on developing screening pathways for both conditions.
Officials in my Department are actively engaged with the HSE to ensure that progress continues on implementing an ambitious timeline for the introduction of screening for SMA and SCID. Nevertheless, I am acutely aware of how difficult it is for parents, families and children who have received a diagnosis of a rare disease, and how challenging daily life can be for them. This is why I remain committed to the further expansion of screening in Ireland in accordance with internationally accepted criteria and best practice.
