Written Answers Nos. 635-655
635. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of vacancies, by job title, within the neurosurgery department of Beaumont Hospital; the length of time each vacancy has arisen; and the timeframe for filling each of those vacancies, in tabular form. [53362/25]
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.
636. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of people admitted to a mental health service funded by the HSE in the past five years. [53365/25]
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.
637. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the month in which the new HSE outpatients and primary care centre in Nenagh will open fully. [53367/25]
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.
638. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the actions that will be taken with the long overdue Killarney primary care centre following the recent decision to abandon the Áras Phádraig site in Killarney town; if the development of an interim primary care centre on the grounds of the old Saint Finan's hospital will now be proceeded with as a permanent primary care centre for the residents of Killarney and east Kerry, and visitors to the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53368/25]
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.
639. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the areas where the HSE home birth services are available; their proposals regarding the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53369/25]
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.
640. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the current number of maternity consultants that work under public only contract; the number that work under private only contract; the number working under hybrid contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53383/25]
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.
641. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to implement the necessary measures to improve cancer services across the country and save lives (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53395/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and ensuring timely access to treatments.
In Budget 2025, €23 million was provided for implementation of the National Cancer Strategy. This means that over €105 million has been invested into the Strategy since 2017, funding access to new cancer medicines, expansion of cancer screening, community cancer support centres, and implementation of the National Cancer Strategy. This investment has resulted in improvements right across the continuum of cancer care from prevention to screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care.
Capital funding of over €140 million has been provided under the National Cancer Strategy since 2017 to provide state of the art radiation oncology facilities in Galway and Cork, to establish a National Cervical Screening Laboratory, and to update cancer infrastructure in chemotherapy wards and lab facilities.
Cancer research funding totalling €43.7 million has been paid out by the Health Research Board since 2020, including, €21.6 million for clinical trials infrastructure.
While continuing to strive for further improvement, Ireland has a strong performance compared to other European countries in reducing the rate of deaths from cancer. Cancer mortality rates in Ireland are falling faster than the EU27 average and faster than our economic peers. Survival rates for patients have improved greatly under the changes brought about since the first National Cancer Strategy, with 65% for patients who received a cancer diagnosis in the period 2014-2018 surviving for at least 5 years, compared to 44% in 1994-1998. This improvement in survival rates is supported by findings of the National Cancer Registry Ireland, which collects population-based data on all cancer incidence, treatment, and survival in Ireland.
Supports are being provided for people living with and beyond cancer in the local community through the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres. For 2025, €5.5 million has been allocated for these centres.
The Government has invested heavily in the National Cancer Strategy and associated initiatives in recent years, enabling the further development of national and regional cancer services, and leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.
In Budget 2026, funding of €27.4 billion is being provided to support the delivery of health services. This represents an increase of 6.2% and will enable the HSE to expand services and recruit additional staff, improving the care provided to patients and their families.
642. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a business case has been presented to her department from a hospice (details supplied) for the redesignation to section 38 hospice; the communication she has had with the hospice since her appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53402/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to acknowledge the valuable work of Laura Lynn in the area of children’s palliative care. Laura Lynn play a significant role in the overall delivery of children’s palliative care services nationally.
Laura Lynn receives core funding from the Health Service Executive under a Section 39 Service Agreement. Recurring core statutory funding for Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice was allocated for the first time in Budget 2021. In 2022, an additional €800,000 was provided in once off funding. In 2023, €800,000 was provided in additional recurrent funding to Laura Lynn increasing their base funding to €2.3 million per year. In 2025, state funding increased further to €3.3 million, representing over 30% of Laura Lynn’s total operating costs.
This funding has been used to provide a sustainable financial base to the organisation. It has also increased Laura Lynn’s ‘Hospice in the Home’ service across Leinster, Munster and Connacht.
Departmental officials engage regularly with Laura Lynn and I can confirm that the Department of Health has not received a formal business case proposal from Laura Lynn for redesignation to section 38.
643. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to increase funding for hospice care for children and the introduction of new national policy on children’s palliative care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53403/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to enhancing children's palliative care services to provide the best end of life and bereavement support for children, families and carers.
There have been significant achievements in children’s palliative care in recent years.
• Increased resources have been allocated to the development of the Children’s Health Ireland Specialist Palliative Care Team. There are 4 consultant paediatricians in palliative medicine posts, a specialist registrar, and 4 Clinical Nurse Coordinators.
• 19 Clinical Nurse Coordinators have been put in place nationally.
• The provision of respite care for children with the establishment of the Laura Lynn ‘hospice in the home’ service.
• Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice in receipt of recurring statutory funding since 2021.
The 2024 National Adult Palliative Care Policy includes a suite of actions that relate to children’s palliative care including the full implementation of the recommendations of the 2020 'Bee Wee Report'.
The Department of Health is currently commissioning an ‘Evaluation of the 2009 National Policy on Children’s Palliative Care.’ The evaluation will review and assess the implementation of the 2009 children’s palliative care policy and identify the areas of progress along with any gaps which may need to be considered in future policy development.
Both the Department of Health and the HSE are also project sponsors of work currently underway in Trinity College Dublin titled ‘Enhancing Children’s Palliative Care in Ireland’. Findings from both these studies will inform evidenced based policy decisions in the development of the national children’s palliative care policy and assist with national service planning.
The total national palliative care budget for this year was over €184 million – a 15% increase on 2024 and a 50% increase on 2020. As part of the Programme for Government, we will continue to invest in children’s palliative care and develop a new evidence-based national policy on palliative care for children.
644. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the current specialist services available to patients with sarcoidosis in Ireland; the hospitals/clinics designated to provide such care; the referral pathway from primary care and general respiratory clinics to these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53408/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra645. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health if a national clinical pathway for sarcoidosis is in place or in development under the HSE National Clinical Programme for Respiratory; the expected timelines; the means by which primary care, respiratory medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology and dermatology are integrated within that pathway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53409/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra647. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for first appointments and follow-ups at interstitial lung disease and sarcoidosis clinics by hospital; the actions being taken to reduce these waits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53411/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra648. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE maintains a national dataset or registry for sarcoidosis; if not, whether the Department intends to establish one to support service planning, outcomes tracking and research and the proposed timeline and funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53412/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra651. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the supports in place for patient education, pulmonary rehabilitation, and psychosocial care for people living with sarcoidosis; any plans to expand access to these services nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53415/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 644, 645, 647, 648 and 651 together.
As the matter(s) raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
646. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the current resourcing and staffing levels (consultant sessions, CNS posts, multidisciplinary supports) for interstitial lung disease/sarcoidosis services at Tallaght University Hospital and other centres; whether additional funding or posts are planned in 2025/2026 to meet demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53410/25]
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.
649. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the diagnostic supports available for suspected sarcoidosis (including access to high-resolution CT, PET-CT where indicated, tissue biopsy, cardiac MRI, and ophthalmology assessment); whether national guidance on investigation and follow-up is being updated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53413/25]
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.
650. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the treatment options available to sarcoidosis patients under the public system (e.g. corticosteroids, steroid-sparing agents, biologics); the criteria for access and reimbursement; whether any forthcoming changes are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53414/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must apply to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to several criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e., full eligibility (medical cards) and limited eligibility. Reimbursable claims for medicines on the HSE reimbursement list are based on prescriptions which are transmitted to the pharmacist.
The reimbursement list can be found online at: www.sspcrs.ie/druglist/pub
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 Health Service Executive (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. Medical cards may be subject to review and medical reports may be needed to support the renewal or continuation of the eligibility.
Under the Drug 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 those who are not eligible for a medical card but incur 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%.
652. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has carried out an assessment of the cumulative impact of recent premium increases by private health insurers on families and older persons; and if she will publish that assessment. [53423/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra653. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the engagement her Department has had with the Health Insurance Authority regarding multiple premium increases in 2025; and whether measures are being considered to improve affordability for policyholders. [53424/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra654. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of policyholders who will face annual health insurance premium increases of more than €500 following the most recent changes by providers (details supplied); and if she will provide a breakdown by insurer. [53425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra655. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will report on the trend in voluntary health insurance coverage rates since 2020; and whether recent increases in premiums risk reducing coverage among middle-income households. [53426/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra656. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the measures being examined by her Department to protect consumers from unexpected or multiple premium hikes within a single year; and if she will consider requiring insurers to provide advance notice and transparent justification of such increases. [53427/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra657. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she has examined the extent to which rising private health insurance costs are leading to increased pressure on the public hospital system; and if her Department has commissioned any modelling in this regard. [53428/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra658. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the engagement her Department has had with the Department of Finance regarding taxation treatment of health insurance reliefs in the context of rising premiums; and whether any changes are being considered to maintain affordability. [53429/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra659. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she has met with representatives of providers (details supplied) in 2025 to discuss premium increases; if so, on what dates; and if she will publish the minutes of those meetings. [53430/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 652 to 659, inclusive, together.
Built on cross-party political consensus, Sláintecare’s objective is to provide a universal health and social care system where everyone has equitable access to services based on need and not ability to pay. Sláintecare continues to progress, and the current focus is on improving access, improving service quality and building capacity. 66% (3,090) of consultants have now signed the Public Only Consultant Contract. This is a key reform aimed at creating universal, single-tier healthcare by removing private practice from our public hospitals.
The number of private in-patients and day patients in public hospitals has been dropping, particularly since the introduction of the Public Only Consultant Contract, while public activity has been increasing. In 2024 compared to 2023, there was a 7.3% drop in the number of private discharges across the acute system while public discharges increased by 7.7%.
As set out in the Health Insurance Authority’s 2025 Quarter 2 report, coverage remains high, with 2.53 million people holding private health insurance in Ireland, representing 46.3% of the population. The private health insurance market continues to grow, although at a slower rate, with an increase of 4,130 policyholders in Q2 2025.
The Government supports individuals who chose to take out voluntary private health insurance system in several ways.
As Minister for Health, I am responsible for the legal framework governing the health insurance market in Ireland. Ireland’s voluntary health insurance market operates under the principles of community rating, open enrolment, lifetime cover and minimum benefit.
Community rating means that everyone can buy the same health insurance policy at the same price, regardless of their age, gender or health status. In a risk-rated private health insurance market, older and sicker people seeking health insurance would pay much more than others.
All health insurance contracts must provide a minimum level of cover for inpatient and outpatient hospital treatment under the Health Insurance Act 1994 (Minimum Benefit) Regulations 1996. While insurers may offer additional benefits or exclude certain services or providers, they must remain compliant with these regulations to ensure equity and fairness.
Tax relief at source is available on medical or dental insurance policies under the provisions of section 470 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. In 2022, the cost of the health insurance relief to the Exchequer was €405.2 million, with 1,383,260 claims. Decisions regarding taxation matters are the responsibility of the Minister for Finance and are normally made in the context of the annual Budget.
Insurers typically set their prices based on expected claims for the coming 12 months. Premium increases are driven by a range of factors, including: the age and demographic profile of those insured, medical inflation, including the introduction of new high-tech treatments, professional and hospital fees, which are negotiated between insurers and providers and staffing costs within the private healthcare sector.
Under section 7AB of the Health Insurance Act 1994 (as amended), insurers must give at least 30 days’ notice of any changes to their plans to the Health Insurance Authority. Additionally, they are prohibited from making changes to the same plan within 60 days of the last change. It is also important to note that customers will not see a price change mid-contract. Renewal letters will include details of any price or benefit changes. Customers should check with their insurance company in advance of renewing a policy to ensure that it meets their needs and requirements.
As Minister for Health, I have no role in the commercial decision-making of private health insurers, including decisions on premium prices. These decisions are made by insurers operating within the regulatory framework overseen by the Health Insurance Authority.
The Health Insurance Authority’s functions include advising the Minster for Health in relation to health insurance. The Health Insurance Authority monitors the health insurance business and developments in relation to health insurance generally. To support consumers, the Health Insurance Authority provides a free online comparison tool that allows individuals to compare active plans in the market and prioritise coverage categories based on their needs. Consumers should also check with their insurer in advance of treatment to confirm coverage and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
In addition, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman is an independent, impartial body that investigates and resolves complaints against financial service providers, including private health insurers. The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman provides an important avenue of redress for consumers and supports confidence in the regulatory framework governing the private health insurance market.
