Written Answers Nos. 792-813
792. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide a detailed breakdown of the Budget 2026 allocation of €217 million to primary care reimbursement services medicines, beyond the €30 million allocation for new medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56763/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA record of over €3 billion, around €1 in every 8 of public funding spent on health, is now being spent on medicines.
The State has made €158 million available for new drugs between 2021 and 2025. To date, this has allowed the HSE to approve 238 new drugs and new uses for existing medicines, including 97 medicines for treating cancer and 64 orphan drugs to treat rare diseases.
Budget 2026 allocated €217 million in funding for medicines, including €30m allocated to new drugs funding.
This funding will be deployed in the most efficient way possible to meet patient needs in 2026. Given the demand-led nature of medicines utilisation it is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown by allocation for 2026.
793. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who, having been referred to the ophthalmology clinic at University hospital Limerick for cataract surgery on his right eye, has yet to receive an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56764/25]
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.
794. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if she will allocate additional home help hours to a person (details supplied) specifically to provide over-night care or care during periods of the nighttime. [56779/25]
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.
795. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health for an update on the work being done by her Department, and agencies under its remit, to facilitate, in line with the commitment under the Programme for Government, the easier return to Ireland for emigrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56790/25]
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.
796. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consultation with families who are involved in the audit hip surgery for children will be included in the forthcoming external expert panel process on hips; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56798/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE), the HSE has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
797. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by the HSE and her Department on the transfer of patients in the first nine months of 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56804/25]
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.
798. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of adult ADHD assessments which have been conducted annually from 2020 to date in 2025, by CHO, in tabular form. [56807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra808. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the staffing numbers for adult ADHD assessment services for 2025, in tabular form. [56929/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 798 and 808 together.
ADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
This National Clinical Programme is based on multi-disciplinary community teams to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults. As Minister, I'm proud to have launched the Model of Care for Adult ADHD and to have resourced the establishment of the teams envisioned by the Model of Care. The ADHD Programme is funded with total funding of over €5 million on a recurring annual basis. As a result, there are 8 teams funded, with 7 teams are currently operational. Additional funding was secured by myself as Minister in Budget 2025 to roll out all further teams envisaged in the Model of Care.
With reference to the specific information requested , as this is an operational issue , I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
799. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Health when an appointment will be made for a person (details supplied). [56824/25]
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.
800. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if children affected by the CHI hip surgery audit will be included within the terms of reference of the forthcoming State inquiry into paediatric orthopaedic surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56827/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tánaiste and I have agreed to work in partnership with parents and advocacy groups on the structure of an inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services at CHI.
I remain open minded about how the inquiry process can best be approached and I have invited parents and advocacy groups to submit any thoughts or ideas they would like to share regarding the structure and scope. A follow-up meeting with parents and patient advocates is due to be arranged very shortly.
The inquiry will be part of the wider reflection on paediatric services in CHI.
801. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Health if funding has been allocated in Budget 2026 or through the HSE Capital Plan for the Radharc na Sléibhte supervised residential unit (SRU) in Carndonagh, County Donegal; the status of the capital funding application previously referenced by the HSE to transition the facility into a recovery-focused crisis and step-down unit; if any portion of the €15 million national allocation for crisis supports and suicide prevention, or the 300 additional whole-time equivalent mental health posts announced under Budget 2026, will be assigned to Donegal or the Inishowen area; the plans to retain or enhance the existing SRU service model in Carndonagh to ensure continuity of care for local residents, given the essential mental health role this facility provides in a rural region with limited service access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56840/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total current allocation for mental health services in 2026 is over €1.5 billion, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. This increase in funding for mental health services represents a significant investment which will enable continued policy implementation and service improvement in line with our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, and our national suicide and self-harm reduction strategy Connecting for Life, across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, through to specialist mental health services. This year’s budget provided the opportunity to focus on investing in crisis support and suicide prevention; youth mental health and CAMHS, and expanding the National Clinical Programmes.
As occurs each year following the Budget, discussions will now take place with the HSE on details relating to specific service initiatives in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2026 and the HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
802. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a catch-up programme will be implemented for those who missed out on their HPV vaccines in their first year of secondary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56867/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Laura Brennan HPV Catch-up Vaccination Programme ran from December 2022 to December 2023.
Increasing vaccination uptake rates in the routine HPV vaccination programme is vital in order for Ireland to achieve elimination of cervical cancer by its target date of 2040. The World Health Organisation has set a target for all countries to ensure that 90% of girls are vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15 years.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is a preventative measure, it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection. Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school.
In 2025, the HSE is running a pilot programme which will focus on improving the HPV vaccination rates among underserved communities, including Traveller, Roma and migrant groups living in Ireland. The pilot will provide access to targeted information and support that facilitates these groups to make an informed choice in relation to vaccination.
In July 2025, I agreed to put in place an HPV catch up vaccination programme in schools for older school students who had missed out on getting the vaccine in first year. The HSE is also currently exploring options to identify a suitable delivery model for those aged under 25 who have left school.
803. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the staffing budget allocation to Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [56879/25]
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.
804. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant haematologists based at Tallaght University Hospital in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [56880/25]
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.
805. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE senior orthopaedic physiotherapists based at CHI Temple Street in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [56881/25]
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.
806. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time to see an adult physiotherapist within CHO7 primary care system; and the steps taken to reduce the waiting times. [56882/25]
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.
807. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if she will initiate formal consultation on extending independent prescribing rights to physiotherapists with the appropriate postgraduate training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56890/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health is progressing with work to enable the health and social care workforce through the development of advanced skills, optimisation of skill mix, and scoping the introduction of new roles where appropriate. Developments in these areas support enhanced performance in our health service and support the health and social care workforce to work at the top of their expertise.
The Department of Health is currently developing the Policy on Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care Professions. Advanced Practice is an important tool for optimising the capacity of the existing health workforce, supporting of the development of career pathways and supporting workforce retention. €5.5 million in funding was allocated in Budget 2025 to support continued growth of Advanced Practice in nursing and midwifery and enable this to be rolled out for the first time for Health and Social Care Professionals.
In addition to this, the Department has taken key steps to enable physiotherapists working in relevant roles across the health service to refer patients for diagnostic investigations such as X-rays. Physiotherapists who have undertaken appropriate training, and who have entered the Radiological Diagnostic Procedures Division of the Register of Physiotherapists with CORU, are designated as referrers under S.I. No. 245 of 2025. 200 physiotherapists will have completed training in UCD by the end of 2025. This will result in fewer steps in the care of patients who require diagnostics.
There are no plans to initiate formal consultation on extending independent prescribing rights to physiotherapists at this time. The Irish Medicines Board Act, as amended, outlines which healthcare professionals can prescribe and enables the Minister to make regulations defining these conditions further.
In Ireland, doctors and dentists are independent prescribers and qualify as prescribers upon registration with their professional regulator.
Nurses and midwives can also be prescribers but do not automatically qualify as prescribers upon registration. The prescribing of medicinal products is an expanded role following successful completion of an approved education programme and registering with the NMBI as a registered nurse/midwife prescriber.
Pharmacists do not automatically qualify as prescribers upon registration. In 2024, the law was changed to allow pharmacists to prescribe certain medicinal product or class of medicinal products as may be used for the purpose of treating mild or moderate illnesses or ailments. Pharmacists must reach the required standard of education and training in relation to prescribing medicinal products in accordance with the rules of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. The Department of Health is currently working to put the key enablers in place to enable pharmacists to prescribe for the first time as part of the Common Conditions Service.
No other healthcare professional in Ireland is entitled to issue a prescription directly to a patient.
809. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel does not have a GP service, a dietician and access to a physical therapist (details supplied), and when the hospital can expect to receive permanent residence of these services. [56968/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.”
810. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to assist a family in County Kerry who is finding it extremely difficult to access assistance for their child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56971/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
811. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if an urgent ENT appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56987/25]
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.
812. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the current staffing levels at the neurosurgery department at Beaumont Hospital, by grade; the current vacancies which exist in this service, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57006/25]
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.
813. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the current number of patients awaiting neurosurgery at the neurosurgery department at Beaumont Hospital; the types of surgeries being awaited and the number of patients that are awaiting these individual surgeries; the current wait times for patients to receive neurosurgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57007/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I published the Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) for 2025 earlier this year, representing this Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times for patients and improving access to hospital care.
With the 2025 plan, we are continuing to build upon the progress delivered to date under the multi annual action plan approach, progressing towards the ultimate vision of a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
Investment for 2026 will ensure there is a continued focus on improving waiting times.
In relation to the particular query raised, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has provided my Department with the attached table which shows the number of patients on the Inpatient/Day Case Waiting List for Neurosurgery at Beaumont Hospital at the end of September. The table provides a breakdown of the numbers waiting by procedure and time-band.
