Written Answers Nos. 899-922
899. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to outline the alternative screening available to those who are unable to undergo breast screening by mammogram; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55422/25]
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.
900. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if private MRIs can be reviewed and assessed by a specialist team within the Galway Breast Clinic or another HSE breast centre; if not the reason; the alternative pathways available to someone in these circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55423/25]
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.
901. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health in relation to breast screening, to outline the circumstances in which MRI or targeted ultrasound are available instead of mammogram; if such alternatives may be made more widely available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55424/25]
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.
902. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of small homecare providers in relation to increased operating costs; if targeted supports can be considered to support these small businesses to avoid interruption to their service users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
903. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health to detail all the upcoming bed blocks scheduled for construction at University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle campus by the timeline for planning and construction and the capital funding allocated for each, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55438/25]
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.
904. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the number of a senior management team who attended an event (details supplied); the cost of travel and accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55439/25]
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.
905. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason the law restricts civil solemnisation exclusively to HSE-employed registrars; if there are policy or safeguarding reasons underpinning this; and if there are plans to review or update legislation (detail supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55441/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis PQ should be directed to Department of Social Protection.
906. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the phase 3 development at Nazareth House, Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55445/25]
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.
907. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the new primary care centre in Tubbercurry, County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55446/25]
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.
908. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the business case for Collooney primary care centre, County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55447/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
909. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health when all healthcare facilities in Sligo, including Sligo University Hospital, will use digitised health records, as set out under the digital health strategy, ’Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030’; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55448/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are actively progressing the implementation of 'Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030,' which sets out a comprehensive roadmap to digitally transform health services nationwide, including the adoption of digitised health records across all healthcare facilities.
This transformation represents a fundamental shift away from traditional paper-based patient records towards modern, integrated electronic health documentation. By replacing fragmented paper systems with secure, interoperable digital records, the framework aims to deliver better continuity of care, enhance patient safety, and enable clinicians to access accurate information in real time.
Implementation of Ireland’s Digital for Care strategy is progressing at pace following its publication in May 2024. Ireland is pursuing a three-step approach to the delivery of electronic health records in Ireland, comprising a National Patient App, the National Shared Care Record and an enterprise level Electronic Health Record that will be centrally procured and configured, but regionally deployed and owned by each of the six health regions.
Launched in February 2025, the HSE Health app has now been downloaded by 140,000+ people, with 91,524 users accessing their personal health information. Version 3.0 of the app released in August 2025 significantly expands coverage—over 1.3 million appointments for more than 870,000 patients will be visible in-app—alongside feature upgrades that deepen patient engagement and reduce missed appointments. The app has also been recognised with three national awards in 2025, underscoring its role in empowering patients and improving access. The app has been co-designed with a wide range of people who use our services, staff, and advocacy organisations, who have been active partners throughout the process. Future app features will be guided by ongoing research and engagement with patients, staff, advocacy organisations, and the public.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) completed the procurement for the National Shared Care Record (NSCR) earlier this year. 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.
The technology underpinning the National Shared Care Record was procured in 2024 (contract Q1 2025) and a phased roll-out of the national shared care record is due to commence in Q4 2025 in the South-East region with University Hospital Waterford and surrounding community areas. The system will then extend to other regions from 2026 with additional patient data /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 EHR will be implemented across Health Regions and designed to interoperate with existing systems in acute and community services. Delivering an enterprise level EHR such as this, in every one of the six health regions, is a major undertaking and represents a significant investment by the state. Multiyear funding as part of the National Development Plan is required to ensure financing is secured, sequenced and managed against clear milestones. Delivery of the EHR is not a digital project. It is a large-scale transformation project that will be delivered through the State’s Infrastructure Guidelines process, with appropriate levels of assurance and governance.
The timeline for complete digitisation across all Sligo healthcare facilities is linked to ongoing phased national roll-outs, infrastructure readiness, and resource allocation, with the goal to achieve a fully integrated digital health ecosystem by 2030. This effort directly supports the broader objectives of Digital for Care by enhancing integrated, data-driven, and patient-centred care.
The HSE has identified that significant upgrades to infrastructure, including network capacity and WiFi connectivity, are required in many of our hospitals in advance of EHR deployments. We are aware of the specific requirements at Sligo University Hospital in this regard, and plans are in place to address these infrastructural deficits in the short term to ensure the hospital is prepared for its transition.
I can assure the Deputy that the delivery of a modern, digital health infrastructure for all regions, including Sligo, remains a key objective. The 'Digital for Care' framework, supported by significant capital investment, provides the strategic pathway to achieve this vision over the coming years.
910. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if she will address the urgent need for a dedicated MS Ireland community worker to serve more than 300 people living with multiple sclerosis in Sligo and Leitrim; if she is aware that counties Sligo and Leitrim are the only counties in the State without a dedicated MS Ireland community worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55449/25]
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.
911. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the home help support tutoring service will be reinstated for a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55470/25]
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.
912. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the National Rare Disease Strategy; the status of implementation of each of its recommendations respectively; the timeline for establishing an Implementation Oversight Group and the development of an implementation plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55473/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in December 2023, the Minister for Health established the National Rare Disease Steering Group which was tasked with developing a new National Rare Disease Strategy for Ireland. The National Rare Disease Strategy was launched on August 27th, 2025.
The Strategy outlines 11 recommendations that seek to take a life course approach to meet the needs of the estimated 300,000 people living with a rare disease in Ireland. As part of this, it was recommended that an Implementation Oversight Group (IOG) would be established to oversee the implementation of the Strategy, providing strategic guidance and monitoring progress at a national level. This includes the establishment of thematic working groups, as required.
Work is ongoing to finalise membership to the IOG and these working groups. My Department is engaging with officials within the relevant Departments to appoint appropriately senior representatives within these working groups.
The HSE are working on an Implementation Plan outlining the necessary actions that are required to achieve the Strategy's recommendations. Once complete, this will be presented to the IOG for approval.
913. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health for an update on a project (details supplied) in County Sligo. [55529/25]
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.
914. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current status of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54605/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) are currently being supported by SOLAS in developing their proposal for Swords under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund.
DDLETBs proposal is expected to encompass the transformation of FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art further education campus to drive economic growth and social development.
The site preference for this new college is Swords due to its population base and future growth projections. In this respect, officials from my department and SOLAS along with the Local Authority and ETB officials have identified a preferred site that meets the needs of the new college and are progressing towards the acquisition of this site.
In parallel to this work, DDLETB are also working on their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for the infrastructure which will be delivered on the site. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. Once DDLETB have completed their business case proposal they will submit it to SOLAS for evaluation. Business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy.
SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support DDLETB in the development of their proposal and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff.
915. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he will address the concerns raised regarding the timeline for submitting a SUSI appeal in cases where delays are due to awaiting official academic results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54823/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.
Under the Student Grant Scheme for approved full-time courses, income of the applicant from employment which represents holiday earnings outside of term time (Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays) can be deducted when determining the reckonable income of an applicant. The maximum amount of this deduction in the 2025/2026 academic year is €8,424 (an increase from €7,925 in the 2024/2025 academic year) and this can be deducted from both full-time and part-time employment income.
An official in my Department has advised that the applicant was awarded the 100% rate of Student Contribution or 50% Tuition fees, whichever applies by the awarding authority, SUSI and was advised of this by letter dated 1st July 2025. On the same day, an additional letter was sent to the applicant advising them that the award stated above may improve by submitting evidence of their 2024 Holiday Earnings. No further documents were received.
The applicant submitted an appeal to SUSI on 12 September 2025, however, as the appeal was not submitted within the timeframe of 60 days from the date of the awarding authority's decision on their application, 1 July 2025, the Appeals Officer was unable to accept it as an appeal. The applicant was notified of this by letter dated 29 September 2025.
The Appeals Officer did however refer the application to the Internal Review team for review. A letter was sent to the applicant on 1st October 2025 requesting evidence of Holiday Earnings in 2024 and the awarding authority await receipt of same.
The student should now submit evidence of holiday earnings in 2024 and this will be reviewed by SUSI.
I hope this information is helpful and I wish the student well in her studies.
916. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether an exception or discretionary review could be granted for a student who missed out on the 1916 bursary due to an administrative error (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54934/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department have contacted SUSI who administer the Central Application and Assessment Facility (CAAF) for the 1916 Bursary, to review to this case. I will issue an update to you when this review is complete, which I expect to be shortly.
917. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are any technical, legal, operational, or policy constraints preventing his Department, when publishing quarterly reports of payments or purchase orders over €20,000, from including additional columns that link each payment to its underlying procurement process specifically tender/contract title; name and address of the awarded contractor/supplier; contract award date; contract duration; expected contract value (excl. VAT); maximum contract value (excl. VAT); the unique identifier from the relevant contract award notice; and where such constraints exist, to provide details explaining his Department’s current process for reconciling each reported payment with the corresponding published contract award notice on eTenders. [55060/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department currently publishes these reports in line with Government requirements and will continue to adhere to any central government guidance on this matter.
918. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if all contracting authorities under the aegis of his Department are in full compliance with Circular 05/2023, in particular the mandatory requirement to publish contract award notices for all contracts above €25,000; and if he will provide details of the monitoring or enforcement arrangements in place to ensure this requirement is met. [55077/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department ensures that all of its aegis bodies comply with all financial and procurement requirements through annual Performance Delivery Agreements and quarterly meetings with each aegis body to monitor progress and compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of Non-Commercial State Bodies and addressing any issues arising.
919. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by his 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 him that have yet to be released by his Department; the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55163/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes its annual consultancy spend on the Department website.
Please find a copy of the link to this information here - www.gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/organisation-information/department-consultancy-spending/
The Deputy will note the names of companies whose services were procured and the costs spent in each year. The website also states whether any reports commissioned were for either publication and/or for internal use within the Department.
The Deputy should note that the publications are currently recorded up to 2023.
2024 figures will be published online by the end of October.
Consultancy spend is published in arrears annually, in line with the accounts process.
DFHERIS has now taken ownership of recording departmental consultancy spend, as part of the transfer of functions from Department of Education.
We would plan to publish 2025 Consultancy Spend by the end of Q1 2026.
920. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reasons the further education programmes offered linked to community schools receive less funding than other further education centres; the plans in place to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55190/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme is designed to provide specific vocational skills to those who have completed senior cycle, to adults returning to education deemed to have the necessary competencies, and to those who are unemployed and seeking to upskill. PLC courses represent the largest component of full-time Further Education and Training (FET) provision at NFQ level 5-6.
PLCs are delivered by all 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs), and additionally, in 2025, by eight independent Voluntary Secondary and Community Schools (VSCCS).
SOLAS have advised my officials that funding allocations for PLC, whether through ETBs or directly to VSCCS, are based on a combination of teacher pay, quality assurance grants, capitation grants (including enhanced grants, e.g. the School Student Support Fund), and the eligibility of earners under the Fund of Student with Disabilities, all of which vary by provider depending on the profile of their teaching staff and the number of learners.
921. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason the salary and terms and conditions of staff on local training initiatives are less favourable than those on Youthreach; the plans in place to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55191/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy way of background, Local Training Initiatives (LTIs) are community-based training programmes designed to support individuals who face economic, social, geographic, or educational disadvantage. The training programmes offered are tailored to meet specific local needs, ensuring relevance and impact within the community.
LTIs are independent organisations, with their own independent Boards of Directors. Their relationship with their grantors, the Education and Training Boards , is governed by Department of Public Expenditure’s Circular 13 of 2014 titled “Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds”.
My Department is not the employer of LTI staff and holds no role in determining their pay or conditions. This responsibility lies with their Boards of Directors.
922. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports his Department could put in place to strengthen the links between two institutions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55199/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you, Deputy, for this question.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are governed by the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technologies Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Within the meaning of these Acts, HEIs are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs. As such, any partnerships between institutions are a matter for the institutions themselves. However, my Department has developed a range of policy measures designed to promote pathways between further and higher education, and promote collaboration between Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and higher education institutions.
A key initiative in this regard is the establishment of the National Tertiary Office (NTO). It coordinates and supports the development of policy in relation to further and higher education progression pathways for students. Working with the Higher Education Institutions and the Education and Training Boards, the NTO is advancing a strategic approach to enhancing the pathways between the Further Education and Training and Higher Education sectors in a number of specific programme areas. The National Tertiary Office is jointly managed by the HEA and SOLAS.
I recently visited this institution and the issues you raise were discussed. I have asked my officials to investigate the matter further.
