Written Answers Nos. 814-833
814. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if there is a plan to provide support to those on a strict low calorie diet that was pharmacy/medically supervised given others can avail of an injectable weight loss programme on the medical card. [57019/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
A pharmaceutical company can apply to the HSE for reimbursement for a specific indication (use) of a specific licensed medicine. Medicines can have more than one licensed indication, and each indication represents a separate application.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the 2013 Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
In some cases, the HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) may develop a Managed Access Protocol (MAP) for some medicines added to the reimbursement list. MAPs are used to identify patients or subgroups of patients who would most benefit from the specific treatment approved for reimbursement and for whom the clinical evidence of therapeutic benefit is strongest, and applications are reviewed by the MMP on a case-by-case basis.
Such is the case, for example, for the weight management medicine Saxenda (Liraglutide). The relevant circular can be accessed at: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/pharmacy-circular-002-23-saxenda.pdf.
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.
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. Possession of a medical card entitles people to access prescribed medicines subject to the payment of a small prescription charge. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the 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. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment.
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Under the Drugs 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 people with 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%.
815. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to the national cancer strategy in Budget 2026; to provide a detailed breakdown of this allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57027/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatments. Funding of €27.4 billion is being made available to the health service in 2026. This represents an increase of 6.2% on the funding provided for 2025. A Letter of Determination is currently being prepared and will set out priorities and funding for the HSE next year. This will be the basis on which the HSE will draw up its National Service Plan (NSP) which will set out the services and levels of activity to be provided across the health service including in relation to cancer.
816. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to cancer services in Budget 2026; to provide a detailed breakdown of this allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57028/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatments. Funding of €27.4 billion is being made available to the health service in 2026. This represents an increase of 6.2% on the funding provided for 2025. A Letter of Determination is currently being prepared and will set out priorities and funding for the HSE next year. This will be the basis on which the HSE will draw up its National Service Plan (NSP) which will set out the services and levels of activity to be provided across the health service including in relation to cancer.
817. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if her Department has begun planning for the next national cancer strategy, as the current one expires in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57029/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in survival rates and timely access to treatments. Over the course of the current Strategy, the investment in cancer services has led to significant improvements in the outcomes for patients. Survival rates have improved greatly and OECD data shows that cancer mortality rates in Ireland are falling faster than the EU27 average and faster than our economic peers. When the National Cancer Strategy was launched in 2017 the number of people alive, having received a cancer diagnosis, was 150,000. Over the course of the Strategy that has now reached over 220,000. It is important that the Strategy's recommendations continue to be implemented in 2026. An evaluation of the Strategy will be carried out and this will inform the next steps to be taken.
818. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if her Department has been notified of a proposed development (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57058/25]
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.
819. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Health the details of the vacant buildings owned by her Department or by agencies under the remit of her Department in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 6W, including, the address and size in square meters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57113/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health does not own any properties. The Department of Health occupies one building, Block 1 Miesian Plaza, 50 - 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, D02, as a tenant of the OPW.
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Details of properties owned by other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
820. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health the amount each local and regional drugs and alcohol task force will be receiving from Budget 2026; and the way in which this compares with Budget 2024 and Budget 2025. [57124/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2026
Recently, Minister Murnane O’Connor announced an additional €11 million in recurring funding for drugs and inclusion health services in Budget 2026. Highlights include €0.75m to improve access to Buprenorphine in OAT services, €0.2m to enhance strategic workforce planning for drug services, €0.33m to increase treatment capacity for under-served populations and €0.1m for other drug initiatives.
Further information on the budget announcement is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/press-release-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-funding-for-drugs-and-inclusion-health-for-2026/.
Budget 2025
Budget 2025 provided an additional provides €4.2m for new drugs initiatives, including €2m for community based drug services to be expanded to meet increased treatment demand, with a focus on improving access to services in underserved communities, promoting evidence-based innovations in service design and delivery, and meeting the needs of people who use stimulant drugs, and those who have a dual diagnosis. An additional €1m was provided for integrated community alcohol services, €0.4m for harm reduction initiatives and €0.5m for Drug prevention and public awareness campaigns.
Further information on the budget announcement is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-of-state-colm-burke-announces-additional-40-million-in-funding-for-drug-and-alcohol-services-and-inclusion-health/. And information on the €1.89m Community Service Enhancement Fund announcement is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-murnane-oconnor-announces-189-million-funding-for-community-based-drugs-services/.
Budget 2024
Budget 2024 provided an additional €4m to implement the national drugs strategy, including €2m to support and expand community-based drug services in conjunction with drug and alcohol task forces, €0.8m for recovery, €0.5m to tackle gambling and gaming addiction, and €0.64m for young people with dual diagnosis.
Further information on the budget announcement is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/news/budget-2024-measures-for-national-drugs-strategy-and-inclusion-health/, and information on the €2.3 million to sustain community-based drugs services and to support people in recovery is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-burke-announces-funding-of-23-million-to-sustain-community-based-drugs-services-and-to-support-people-in-recovery/.
821. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the person or body responsible for the designation and delivery of centres of excellence for diabetes care in hospitals across the State; and the criteria they adhere to. [57125/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
822. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health to provide the Abridged Estimates Volume for Budget 2026 for Vote 38 including the provisional sub-head and programme level allocations. [57133/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requested Abridged Estimates Volume for Budget 2026 for Vote 38 is attached.
823. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2570 of 8 September 2025, if she will publish the 2017 Dickson Report regarding paediatric urology; if she is still seeking assurances from the HSE and CHI that matters raised in the report have been addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57138/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received a copy of the Dickson report on 20 June. My Department is still engaging with the HSE and CHI regarding assurance that the matters raised in the report have been addressed, including on the follow-up process with the individual patients and parents included in the review, following completion of the report.
824. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health whether vertebral body tethering (VBT) was included in HIQA’s review into the governance of implantable medical devices at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), which examined the use of non-CE marked springs at Temple Street; if VBT was not included in that review, the reason for its exclusion, given that CHI has confirmed it has carried out VBT as an “emerging and experimental procedure” involving spinal implants on children; if she will now request HIQA to examine the procurement, regulatory status and oversight of the devices used for VBT at CHI; and if HIQA did not assess VBT as part of its completed review, if she will confirm who, if anyone, has examined its use, safety governance, or regulatory compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57187/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn August 2023 patient safety concerns in the paediatric orthopaedic surgical services in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street were raised. One of these serious patient safety concerns related to the use of non-CE spring implants in surgeries in Temple Street Children’s Hospital. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) were requested to carry out a review of the end-to-end processes around the use of the non-CE spring implants during spinal surgery in Temple Street Children’s Hospital. HIQA were also asked to examine the controls and oversight processes and governance within CHI on the use of surgical implants / implantable medical devices, including processes around regulatory requirements and notifications. The final report, which was published on 8th April 2025, did not include any reference to Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT).
The management of all medical devices across CHI is done according to the Medical Device Management System. There is a single CHI-wide Medical Device Committee in place to oversee the implementation of the Medical Device System Policy. CHI has standardised policies and procedures in relation to procurement, medical device management, decontamination and theatre governance in line with best practice.
825. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the hospital sites at which vertebral body tethering (VBT) procedures have been carried out, including Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) locations (Temple Street, Crumlin, Cappagh) and any external providers such as a clinic (details supplied) under the national outsourcing arrangements; the means by which follow-up, outcomes and complications relating to VBT have been recorded and monitored, given that hospital in-patient enquiry (HIPE) has no specific procedure code for VBT; the basis on which the HSE, CHI or the healthcare pricing office have been funding or coding VBT procedures in the absence of a designated HIPE code; and whether patient safety, audit and governance requirements can be met where a surgical technique is not identifiable in national activity, outcome or costing data; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57188/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra826. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health whether vertebral body tethering (VBT) was reviewed, approved or considered by the CHI Ethics Committee prior to being introduced as a surgical option for children; if not, the reason ethical approval was not sought for a new and experimental procedure; whether the devices used for VBT were brought before CHI’s Medical Devices Committee for assessment, approval or procurement review; to provide the dates and documentation of any such consideration; whether a separate or enhanced consent process was developed for VBT, given that CHI has described it as an “emerging and experimental procedure”; whether consent standards for new techniques differ from those used for established spinal fusion surgery; whether VBT was introduced or conducted under any research, pilot, innovation or clinical investigation pathway; if so, the governance, monitoring or ethical approvals that were in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57189/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra827. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health whether devices used for vertebral body tethering (VBT) at Children’s Health Ireland were added to the SAP procurement system and approved by the CHI Medical Devices Committee despite there being no HIPE procedure code for VBT; if so, that way in which use, cost and oversight of those implants have been recorded and monitored at national level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57190/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 825, 826 and 827 together.
I am committed to continue to drive progress in paediatric spinal services.
CHI advises that Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) is a surgical technique designed for children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who are still growing and for whom non-operative treatments such as bracing have not worked. VBT procedures have been carried out in CHI at Crumlin and Temple Street, and no VBT procedures have been outsourced to private facilities. There is also no separate funding stream for VBT procedures.
CHI advises that it adheres to the National Consent Policy and Medical Council Guidelines in relation to obtaining consent for a medical, surgical, or dental procedure, and that VBT has not been conducted as part of any research, pilot, innovation or clinical investigation pathway.
CHI advises that all implantable devices currently set up on the SAP System have been through the CHI Medical Device Committee, approved for use and CE Certifications obtained. Any non-CE marked devices have obtained derogations via the HPRA.
In relation to your specific queries that relate to operational matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
828. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of vacancies by job title within CAMHS in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57204/25]
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.
829. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of all the HSE owned buildings in County Wexford that are currently for sale or going through a defined process to facilitate a sale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57205/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
830. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Offaly on waiting lists for primary care, by service (such as occupational therapy, speech and language); and the length of waiting times, in tabular form. [57212/25]
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.
831. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on a CAMHS appointment in Offaly, in tabular form. [57213/25]
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.
832. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of vacancies in primary care in County Offaly. [57214/25]
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.
833. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of vacancies in CAMHS in County Offaly. [57215/25]
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.
