Written Answers Nos. 877-898
877. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the ongoing shortage of a medication (details supplied), which has now been out of stock for approximately eight months; if she is aware of the impact this shortage is having on long-term patients who have relied on this medication for decades; and if she will confirm when supply is expected to resume. [55143/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the stress that shortages of medicines can cause for patients and healthcare professionals alike, therefore mitigating medicine shortages and strengthening security of supply is the subject of several workstreams in my Department, the wider health service and across Europe.
Medicine shortages are a feature of modern health systems worldwide which have been exacerbated by recent worldwide events. It is a global health problem, not unique to Ireland, and increases in demand for medications and medicines shortages have been observed in the UK, throughout the EU and across the world in recent months, and there is no evidence that shortages disproportionately impact patients in Ireland compared to other countries.
Ireland has a multistakeholder Medicines Shortages Framework in place, operated by our medicines regulator, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health. The framework aims to help prevent potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages on patients by coordinating the management of potential or actual shortages as they arise. Stakeholders in this framework include the HPRA, the Department, the HSE, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, wholesalers, patient representative groups and marketing authorisation holders.
The HPRA maintains a list of current and resolved shortages on its website. The webpage is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information.
Teva B.V., the company responsible for supplying Ipramol Steri-Neb 0.5 mg/2.5 mg per 2.5 ml nebuliser solution, has notified the HPRA of a shortage of Ipramol Steri-Neb 0.5 mg/2.5 mg per 2.5 ml nebuliser solution due to an unexpected increase in demand impacting globally. Teva B.V. are presently unable to advise of an exact date for resolution of the shortages of Ipramol Steri-Neb 0.5 mg/2.5 mg per 2.5 ml nebuliser solution.
To note, the recent shortage of Ipramol Salamol Steri-Neb 2.5mg/2.5 ml Nebuliser Solution has been resolved.
In the event that patients are unable to source a medicinal product due to supply constraints, they are advised to discuss possible alternatives with their healthcare professional pending the resumption of normal supply.
878. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if contingency arrangements are in place to support patients who have been prescribed alternative medications such as (details supplied), both of which are now also reported to be in short supply, leaving patients without appropriate inhalation therapy; and if she will ensure that the HSE and HPRA work with community pharmacists and wholesalers to secure temporary alternative treatments or imported supplies for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, such as those dependent on nebulised therapy three times daily. [55144/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the stress that shortages of medicines can cause for patients and healthcare professionals alike, therefore mitigating medicine shortages and strengthening security of supply is the subject of several workstreams in my Department, the wider health service and across Europe.
Unfortunately, medicine shortages are a feature of modern health systems worldwide. There are a multitude of reasons why a medicine may not be available including: shortages of raw materials; manufacturing difficulties; or product recalls due to potential quality issues.
Ireland has a multistakeholder Medicines Shortages Framework in place operated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health. This framework aims to help prevent potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages. Stakeholders include the HPRA, the Department, the HSE, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, wholesalers, patient representative groups and marketing authorisation holders.
In European law, pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers should ensure an appropriate and continuous supply of the medicines they market. Companies are required to notify the HPRA of medicines shortages or potential shortages impacting the Irish market. The HPRA maintains a list of current and resolved shortages on its website, such as:
Teva B.V., the company responsible for supplying Ipramol Steri-Neb 0.5 mg/2.5 mg per 2.5 ml nebuliser solution, has notified the HPRA of a shortage of Ipramol Steri-Neb 0.5 mg/2.5 mg per 2.5 ml nebuliser solution due to an unexpected increase in demand impacting globally. Teva B.V. are presently unable to advise of an exact date for resolution of the shortages of Ipramol Steri-Neb 0.5 mg/2.5 mg per 2.5 ml nebuliser solution.
To note, the recent shortage of Ipramol Salamol Steri-Neb 2.5mg/2.5 ml Nebuliser Solution has been resolved.
879. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if a respite bed can be sourced for a person in Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55152/25]
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.
880. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the total number of homecare hours delivered by the State to date in 2025; the number of persons in receipt of such care; the way in which this compares to the targets for volume of services which is ordinarily set out in the HSE National Service Plan; the corresponding figures for 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55153/25]
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.
881. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by her Department that were outsourced, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; the names of the companies to which each study, research and report was outsourced; the total cost for each; the number of reports finalised and presented to her that have yet to be released by her Department; the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is extensive and applies to a wide range of activities undertaken across the Department of Health. As such the information is not immediately available and may take some time to prepare. A full response is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
882. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the average cost to the HSE for one hour of work from an agency nurse within the health service. [55218/25]
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.
883. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses working in the HSE for a recruitment agency at present. [55219/25]
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.
884. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the average amount paid to homecare agencies by the HSE for one hour of care to a patient. [55220/25]
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.
885. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons recruited to work in the HSE via recruitment agencies in each of the past ten years and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [55221/25]
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.
886. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the amount paid by the HSE for agency workers in each of the past ten years and to date in 2025. [55222/25]
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.
887. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the total amount paid out in compensation by the HSE in each of the past ten years and to date in 2025. [55223/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury and third-party property damage claims on behalf of State authorities including the Health Service Executive (HSE). The SCA has provided me with the information set out below.
The following table shows amounts paid in damages (including VAT where applicable) under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme (CIS) and the General Indemnity Scheme (GIS) on associated claims, and a small number of incidents and inquests, from 01/01/2015 to 30/09/2025, to be reimbursed by the HSE. It does not include property damage recovery claims, and it excludes claims recorded against other designated schemes.
The information contained within this response extracted from the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
|
Transaction Reporting Date |
Damages Paid (€) |
|
2015 |
€156,186,160 |
|
2016 |
€152,516,293 |
|
2017 |
€199,328,701 |
|
2018 |
€229,831,286 |
|
2019 |
€279,520,310 |
|
2020 |
€274,862,777 |
|
2021 |
€345,436,240 |
|
2022 |
€351,815,953 |
|
2023 |
€337,954,571 |
|
2024 |
€240,839,249 |
|
2025 (To September month end) |
€172,716,520 |
|
Grand Total |
€2,741,008,061 |
888. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the current percentage of persons working in the HSE who are agency workers. [55224/25]
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.
889. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of people who are in receipt of the allowance for advanced paramedics, broken down by grades director, assistant director, other senior management and other grades, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55280/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra890. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of people who are in receipt of the allowance for advanced paramedics but who are not practicing advanced paramedics, broken down by grades director, assistant director, other senior management, and other grades, in tabular form. [55281/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra891. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have sought but not received the allowance for advance paramedics to date in 2025 [55282/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 889 to 891, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
892. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the construction and delivery of a new renal dialysis unit at Sligo University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55335/25]
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.
893. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the amount a GP is currently reimbursed for each abortion, after a claim for a woman's first consultation, after a claim for her second consultation; the other payments to the GP for further consultations; if these payments are liable for tax or are exempt from tax; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55342/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are reimbursed via the Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme (PCRS) for the consultations undertaken with patients in respect of terminations as set out below:
|
1. |
Patient’s first visit for purpose of termination in accordance with the Act of 2018 |
€150 |
|
2. |
Termination of pregnancy in accordance with the Act of 2018 which is carried out by service provider, including aftercare |
€300 |
|
3. |
Aftercare visit with service provider where termination of pregnancy in accordance with the Act of 2018 is not carried out by service provider but is carried out in a hospital |
€100 |
Fees paid to GPs by the HSE for the provision of relevant medical services form part of their relevant income which is subject to taxation in the normal way.
894. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to provide details of all contracts entered into by the HSE for the purchase of property or land in County Offaly from 2021 to date in 2025; the total value of such contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55357/25]
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.
895. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if her Department and each body under its aegis discloses expenditure on external consultancy and adviser fees, by category (details supplied) in their annual report and or financial statements for each accounting year; if they provide direct web links to the most recent publications where these Section 1.5 disclosures are set out for her Department and for each aegis body; and if they provide the total consultancy and adviser fees by the Section 1.5 categories for each of the past five years for her Department and for each aegis body, respectively; and the internal controls that are in place to ensure that these category-level disclosures are made annually and that procurement of such services complies with applicable competitive tendering rules, in tabular form [55369/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the large number of agencies involved, the information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. My Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply to the Deputy will be issued as soon as possible.
896. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Health to provide details of the rates of referral from ED to acute assessment units for all model 4 hospitals for the years 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55379/25]
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.
897. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when she intends to add a test for spinal muscular atrophy to the heel prick test for newborns. [55387/25]
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 been completed and work continues 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.
898. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide details of employment opportunities available for people with mild intellectual disabilities within HSE services and hospitals in north Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55402/25]
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.
