Written Answers Nos. 689-711
689. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have waited more than 24 hours to be treated following presentation at the emergency department of University Hospital Limerick to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53717/25]
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.
690. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have waited over eight hours to be treated following presentation at the emergency department of the University Hospital Limerick, to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53718/25]
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.
691. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of people who waited over twelve hours to be treated following presentation at the emergency department of the University Hospital Limerick, to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53719/25]
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.
692. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of people on the speech and language therapy further treatment waiting list and within that the numbers waiting less than 4 months, waiting 4-12 months, more than 12 months; and if he would indicate also for each category the numbers waiting aged 0-17 years and those aged 18 and above. [53962/25]
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.
693. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a range of measures (details supplied) can be introduced to support asthma sufferers. [53760/25]
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.
694. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health to outline the gaps in health outcomes that are widening between the North and South of Ireland each year. [53761/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no pieces of research carried out by the Department of Health into health services that are available in Ireland, and not in Northern Ireland, and vice versa.
However, a number of pieces of research into these issues have been undertaken with the support of public funding by the Economic and Social Research Institute and are included below.
Since 2014 the ESRI have developed expertise in health through the Joint Research Programme on Healthcare Reform with the Department of Health. The Institute also receives an annual grant-in-aid from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to support the scientific and public interest elements of the Institute’s activities. Dedicated funding for cross boarder research is available through a joint research programme between the ESRI and the Shared Island Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach on The Economic and Social Opportunities from Increased Cooperation on the Shared Island.
The research below includes a comparative analysis of primary care health systems and measures of health and well-being between the two jurisdictions.
"An Analysis of the Primary Care Systems of Ireland and Northern Ireland" (2022) — Authors: Sheelah Connolly, Aoife Brick, Ciarán O'Neill, Michael O'Mahony
"Economic Overview of Ireland and Northern Ireland" (2025) — Authors: Adele Bergin, Seamus McGuinness
"Who is Better Off? Measuring Cross-Border Differences in Living Standards, Opportunities and Quality of Life on the Island of Ireland" (2020) — Authors: Adele Bergin, Seamus McGuinness, et al.
695. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of southern patients that have been treated in the North of Ireland in each of the past ten years; and the number of northern patients that have been treated in the south of Ireland in each of the past ten years. [53762/25]
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.
696. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if there has been any systematic research carried out by her Department into health services that are available in the South of Ireland and not in the north, and vice versa. [53763/25]
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.
697. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider reviewing a case (details supplied) in which a UK-trained clinical psychologist, and Irish citizen, cannot return to Ireland to practise due to administrative barriers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53767/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the EU Professional Qualifications Directive (Directive 2005/36/EC), I, as Minister for Health, am the competent authority for several health and social care professions. This includes those with clinical, counselling and educational psychology qualifications who wish to practise their profession in the publicly funded health sector in Ireland. Officials in my Department, in the Validation Unit, administer the process on my behalf. The assessment processes of the Directive are also applied to qualifications which are outside the Directive’s scope (i.e. non-EEA qualifications or EEA qualifications of non-EEA nationals).
The Department is advised in the process by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). The PSI has established an Expert Validation Committee to assess applications and make recommendations. On receiving the advice of the PSI, the Validation Unit issue a decision letter to the applicant.
Where an applicant is dissatisfied with the decision, they have the option of both a review and an informal appeal so that further information can be supplied and considered. I understand that this application is currently with the PSI for review and that a decision will be communicated to the applicant in due course. Where an applicant is required to complete a compensation measure, it is also open to the applicant to complete the compensation measure in their home country and to submit a new application for validation.
698. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if urgent funding will be provided to develop a new, stand-alone oncology-haematology unit on the grounds of University Hospital Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53771/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA capital submission was made in 2021 for an interim modular building on the roof of the Palliative Care Unit and this was approved in February 2022 at an estimated total project cost of € 9.38 million. That capital submission was developed in response to impacts arising from the covid pandemic and the limited available footprint resulted in a compromised brief where accommodation was to be shared between the Day Treatment Ward and Outpatient Services, and no space was available for an Aseptic Compounding Unit.
In November 2022, the HSE decided to advance a much smaller interim oncology arrangement within approximately 268 square metres of newly vacated accommodation, and this was opened on October 2023.
As part of the stage one preliminary design process for the originally approved project, it was determined in March 2023 that the development of an oncology unit on the roof of the palliative care building was not an appropriate option to meet the medium or long term needs of the service and it was decided to investigate alternative locations.
An option studies overview was undertaken, and a preferred alternative location was identified in April 2023. It was decided to pursue a more appropriate and more substantial permanent proposal.
A revised brief and schedule of accommodation was completed in September 2023 for the proposed permanent oncology day treatment ward and outpatients unit. The total project cost for this proposal is provisionally estimated to be approximately € 46.9 million and this increased scope and cost has necessitated a new capital submission.
A detailed draft Stage one report was completed in August 2024. Some amendments to the draft Stage one report were requested in November 2024 and an addendum to the Stage one report was completed in February 2025.
The drafting of a new capital submission and business case for the permanent proposal has been prioritised since January 2025. University Hospital Kerry and capital and estates are prioritising the preparation of the capital submission for the proposed oncology day treatment ward and outpatients unit at University Hospital Kerry. The prioritisation of the capital list will be a matter for the HSE Regional Executive Office and the Regional Director for Planning.
699. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health for an update on an appointment for an operation for a person (details supplied). [53799/25]
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.
700. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if she will assist in the case of a person seeking treatment for her eyes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53820/25]
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.
701. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the specific State supports in place to help those looking to quit nicotine inhaling products, such as vapes and nicotine pouches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53834/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra702. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the plans to expand the QUIT Programme to cater for those looking for specific supports to quit nicotine products, such as vapes and pouches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53835/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 701 and 702 together.
The HSE QUIT Service is available to adults who are smoking and vaping (dual-use). In some local services (where there is capacity) behavioural support and advice may be provided to those clients who wish to stop vaping (only). For young people, the HSE Quit 4 Youth is a specific 7-week HSE programme to get help to stop smoking or vaping.
The HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme has prepared a business case and estimates bid for the development of a pilot e cigarette cessation service. This is being considered as part of the budgetary process.
Nicotine pouch use remains very low within the adult population here while 17% are current tobacco smokers. Preventing smoking initiation and encouraging its cessation remain the primary focus in relation to nicotine use as half of all smokers will eventually die from a tobacco-related illness and each week in Ireland tobacco smoking kills over 100 people and causes over 1000 hospitalisations
There have been significant interventions aimed at reducing tobacco use. These include increasing the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco products to 21, the introduction of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy in 2022, and increased investment in smoking cessation services. In addition, funding for the QUIT service has greatly increased in the last three years, from €13 million in 2021 to €21 million in 2024.
703. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the number of trainee psychologists graduating from doctoral courses in 2024 and to date in 2025; the number of those graduates who took up positions with the HSE within two months of graduating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53849/25]
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.
704. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 914 of 30 September 2025, to identify the regional representatives, as regards constituencies she is engaging with, given the hospital is in my constituency and at least two of the three representatives in that constituency have not had any engagement with her, despite my request for a meeting for all regional representatives; if the Minister will respond to my letter seeking a meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53861/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI and those working on my behalf (including officials and the HSE) are continuing to engage with a range of stakeholders in relation to the issues that the Deputy has raised.
This includes through Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial Representations, and briefings. I have also visited Portiuncula University Hospital in person and met with families involved and staff working at the hospital.
I and the HSE welcome this engagement and will continue to provide updates on this matter. My office will be follow up with the Deputy directly in relation to her request for a meeting.
705. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the changes to be made in the provision of DAFNE courses for Type 1 diabetic patients (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53862/25]
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.
706. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 808 of 20 May 2025, for an update following the Departments consultation with it’s legal advisers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53869/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is aware that Regulation 7 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 (Statutory Instrument 173/2017) provides the statutory guidelines for the administration of controlled drugs to patients and only applies to those controlled drugs with a marketing authorisation as a medicine.
Departmental officials continue to consider the matter of the administration of controlled drugs which are not medicines with a marketing authorisation and are not, at this time, in a position to indicate a timeline on the conclusion or outcome of these considerations.
707. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE will not fund the prescribing of a medication (details supplied) for the treatment for severe alopecia totalis; and if the HSE have any plans to do so. [53871/25]
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.
708. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health to outline the progress to date on the Programme for Government commitment to make eye care services more accessible to everyone; and to review the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53924/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra711. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health her plans to introduce and expand access to medical retinal procedures within the public health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53931/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 711 together.
In 2017, the Health Service Executive (HSE) published a National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology, which set out a model of care regarding how the realignment of eye services from an acute hospital setting to the community would be undertaken.
The HSE has been developing multidisciplinary Integrated Eye Care Teams in accordance with this model of care. These teams facilitate assessment, diagnoses, management and treatment and in some cases pre-op/post-op care enabling most patients to be seen in their own locality. Where necessary, patients can be referred onwards to acute Ophthalmology services to receive the necessary specialist input.
The Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme was established in 2004 as a pilot project in response to an identified need. The scheme engages four practices across seven locations to provide medical and minor surgical care to patients outside of the acute care setting. This allows hospitals and eye clinics to focus on treating more complex conditions.
The HSE advise that a detailed evaluation of the operation of the Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme is needed before it is extended further.
The Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future contains commitments to review the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology and the Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme. Engagement with relevant stakeholders regarding this is ongoing.
709. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health whether data is currently compiled to track the number of patients currently travelling to Northern Ireland for cataract surgery; if that data is published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53925/25]
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.
710. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if her plans to build national capacity for clinical genetic testing includes the establishment of a public sector-run national genomics laboratory; if so, the anticipated timeline for this development; the level of funding required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53930/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra712. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the Irish public hospital laboratories that are accredited to ISO 15189:2022 standard to deliver for clinical genetic tests; if she will specify the clinical genetic tests for which they hold this accreditation; and if she will outline the average turnaround times for these laboratories in delivering results back to the requesting clinician and patient. [53932/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra713. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if she will address the current fragmented approach to ordering clinical genetic tests in Ireland; her plans to build national capacity to avoid the unnecessary practice of patient blood samples being sent abroad; the timeline for this capacity to be built; if it will be public sector centred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53933/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra714. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if she will consider issuing national clinical genetic testing guidance to clinicians, similar to the guidance provided for medicines and medical technologies, advising which ISO 15189:2022 accredited commercial and public clinical genetic laboratories in Ireland are recommended, competent and appropriately accredited to conduct tests in-country and abroad, in the interest of realising efficiencies in the area of health expenditure and ensuring tests are conducted in accredited facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53934/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra716. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if she agrees with the HSE’s practice of using Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) as a postal conduit for a significant proportion of the approximately 20,0000 patient blood samples requiring genetic testing, particularly given that these samples are ultimately dispatched abroad to laboratory service providers in countries such as UK, Germany and Finland; if she will clarify how this arrangement can be justified in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, patient data governance, given the availability of competent accredited laboratory capacity in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53936/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra717. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health her plans to drive cost efficiencies in view of the fact that 20,000 clinical tests are sent to laboratories in Germany, Finland, Spain, the UK, and the USA; if the HSE utilises existing capacity of Ireland-based accredited commercial clinical genetic testing laboratories for patients blood samples, including neurology, ophthalmology, and nephrology genetic tests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53937/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 710, 712 to 714, inclusive, 716 and 717 together.
Currently, individual hospitals manage their own arrangements for processing genomic samples, with some sites sending them overseas while others have the capacity to process certain samples in-house. The Public and Private genetic laboratories in Ireland that are accredited to the EN ISO 15189:2022 standard can be found on the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) Website Directory www.inab.ie/inab-directory/laboratory-accreditation/medical-testing-laboratories/. The turnaround time for a test relies on several factors, including sample travel time and internal lab variables such as the chosen analytical method, instrument time, and priority order, meaning it is not possible to provide a single turnaround time across the full spectrum of laboratory testing.
The National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland published in 2022, sets out a vision to transform existing services and enhance laboratory infrastructure to accelerate the advancement of genetics and genomics to the benefit of Irish patients. The HSE’s National Genetics and Genomics Office (NGGO) was established in 2023 to implement the Strategy, focusing on several key strategic areas including:
• Coordinating a national approach to genetics and genomics.
• Ensuring patient and public involvement and partnerships.
• Building the genetics and genomics workforce for the future.
• Enhancing genetic and genomic clinical services.
• Strengthening infrastructures to drive advances in genetics and genomics.
At the end of 2024, the NGGO published the first version of the National Genomic Test Directory for Rare and Inherited Disease. Developed collaboratively with clinical specialists and laboratory colleagues, the Test Directory identifies the appropriate genomic test, the expected requesting clinical specialties, and the clinical indications and criteria for patient testing. Version 1 includes tests for clinical indications from the specialties of Cardiology, Lipids, Metabolic, Mitochondrial, and Ophthalmology. Throughout 2025 and 2026, the NGGO will continue to work on developing further versions of the Test Directory for additional clinical specialties.
The NGGO is also advancing the development of a centralised National Genomic Processing Service (NGPS), which will enable the operationalisation of the Test Directory. The NGPS will act as a hub for the receipt and referral of specimens from hospitals across Ireland for genomic testing and will coordinate the reporting of results back to the requesting hospitals and consultants. The NGGO will also be progressing a public procurement process for genomic tests associated with the Test Directory, requiring tendering laboratories to have a quality assurance system in place as a prerequisite. It should be noted that in implementing the National Strategy, any necessary procurement of services is governed by the Office of Government Procurement's guidelines to ensure transparency, efficiency, and value for money.
As the implementation of the Strategy progresses, my Department and the NGGO are actively streamlining processes to improve efficiency and are investigating opportunities to bolster our national capacity through the establishment of a National Genomic Medicine Centre. The development of a single centralised laboratory for all genomic testing under the governance of the HSE, will future-proof Ireland’s genomic testing capabilities and will support ongoing research, with the data generated representing a key resource for researchers, while aligning with Ireland's participation in EU working groups for the 1+ Million Genome (1+MG) Initiative.
My Department and the NGGO will continue to work closely on the implementation of the National Strategy.
