John Lahart
Ceist:834. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health for an update on funding announced in Budget 2026 for an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57226/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2026
Ceisteanna (834)
Freagraí scríofa
As the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible. In the previous years budget (2025), €500,000 was provided to the HSE to develop the lung fibrosis clinical environment and services. As such, the HSE is best placed to provide an update on the matter.
Please note that the Deputy intended to refer to year 2025 in the question, not 2026 as per clarification provided by his office.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (835)
John Lahart
Ceist:835. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health for an update on a new elective hospital serving Dublin. [57227/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE, as Sponsoring Agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the new elective treatment centres to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
Medical Records
Ceisteanna (836)
John Lahart
Ceist:836. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to outline progress on electronic patient records and on digital applications, around patient details and patient identification (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57231/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s Digital for Care Strategic Framework (2024–2030), published in 2024, sets out a clear roadmap for the digitisation of the Irish health and the need to deliver critical, patient-centred digital solutions. Informed by international experience and extensive stakeholder engagement in Ireland, the framework is supported by six principles to guide investment and provide clear direction for the growth of digital health infrastructure and capabilities. The EU Digital Decade sets the ambition that all EU citizens will be able to access their electronic health record by 2030. Whilst Ireland has improved its position since the framework was published, we are still considered a laggard and have much work to do.
The Programme for Government recognises the ambition set out in Digital for Care and states that it will ‘to continue to work towards the full digitisation of Irish healthcare records and information systems.’
Digital for Care is transformational and 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 when required for direct patient care.
To manage risk, gain experience (‘learning by doing’) and demonstrate progress in the short, medium and longer term, Ireland is pursuing a three-step approach to the delivery of electronic health records in Ireland, comprising (1) a National Patient App, (2) the National Shared Care Record and (3) 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. Delivering digital health records for all is central to delivering Sláintecare’s vision of reformed health systems capable of delivering better integrated and safer care.
Digital for Care gained strong momentum in 2025. Whilst it includes a broad range of digital health and infrastructure initiatives, specific highlights in relation to digital health records include:
HSE Health App:• 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. The v3.0 (in August 2025) release 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.
National Shared Care Record (NSCR):• The Health Service Executive (HSE) completed the procurement for the National Shared Care Record (NSCR) earlier this year. The NSCR programme has now been mobilized, with the contract for building the technology platform signed in Q1 2025. 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.
An initial deployment of the National Shared Care Record by the end of 2025 to a selected, representative group of healthcare professionals in the Waterford/ Wexford healthcare area. This will help inform the national rollout, with the initial dataset, that will take place throughout 2026. In parallel, patient data from additional sources will be incrementally added to the National Shared Care Record in future releases as it becomes available. 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.
Enterprise EHR:• The usefulness of the NSCR is limited by the patient data, in digital format, that it can access. Systems of Record are still needed to record this data. In the same way GP practices already have ‘systems of record’ where they maintain patient data, similar investments are still needed across the majority of our hospitals and other community healthcare settings. The Enterprise Electronic Health Record (EHR) is intended to fill this gap by supporting integrated care across all settings. Not only will the enterprise EHR record patient data, it will also support the implementation of best clinical practice through processes that are aligned with agreed clinical models. A preliminary business case (PBC) for the National EHR has been developed by the HSE, setting out the case for the most ambitious transformation programme in the history of the health service. In accordance with DPER’s infrastructure guidelines the EHR PBC went through an independent, external assurance process (EAP) review in July and was considered COMPLIANT in all areas. There were a series of recommendations arising from the EAP process and these were accepted and will be implemented. Also, in accordance with Infrastructure Guidelines, the PBC was reviewed by the Major Project Assurance Group (MPAG), in September. Based on their recommendations, updates to the business case are being accommodate and their feedback will also inform the memo to the Government required to secure consent to move to the next stage gate for the programme (preparation for procurement).
In relation to patient identification, considerable progress has been made since the pandemic, when people demonstrated their willingness to share their PPSN as part of a process to identify themselves and enable the health service to record who was actually receiving the Covid vaccination. Members of the public generally recognised the importance of this when it came time to get a Covid certificate for travel. The PPSN (combined with first name, last name, gender and date of birth) is also the most effective way to find the Individual Health Identifier (IHI) which is the number we put against digital health records and that enable them to be combined, from multiple different places and multiple different locations in order to deliver complete datasets for the App, the Shared Care Record and the enterprise EHR. The use of the IHI and PPSN is underpinned by the Health Identifiers Act and forthcoming Health Information Bill.
Whilst all this is positive, it does not in itself provide a digital solution for people arriving at an Emergency Department where they are incapacitated and unable to identify themselves. There is a feature in the HSE Health App whereby a QR code will contain this information, and we are planning to have solutions in place to read those codes and simplify the process of patient identification. Not only might this benefit patients who are incapacitated, it will also be an option for all patients to use at check-in, so they do not have to 'shout' their details through a perspex screen in front of a room full of strangers in the waiting area. We believe many people will appreciate this simple step as a practical way to simplify check-in whilst respecting the privacy of their personal information.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (837)
John Lahart
Ceist:837. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health concerning public protection in our health system (including healthcare workers, but also the public within the hospital environment, e.g., waiting rooms or clinical spaces), if there is any system currently in place that would alert healthcare workers of the potential risk of having present in these environments persons convicted of violent or sexual crimes against men, women or children, either serving a sentence, and therefore attending as prisoners with prison officers, or having served their time and been released, but still posing a risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57237/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (838)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:838. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health for an update on the commencement of the ADHD national clinical programme in County Cavan; if a start date has been confirmed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57248/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 regional teams funded, with 7 teams are currently operational.
The team which will serve the people of Cavan, Monaghan, Louth & Meath is currently in recruitment.
As it is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to provide you with a more detailed update on this by way of direct reply.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (839)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:839. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of her Department’s strategic review of eligibility; the progress made to date; if this review of the eligibility framework will be completed this year, as stated in ‘Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare and the Programme for Government 2025+; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57250/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Over the last 3 years, there has been a significant focus on improving access to, and the affordability of, healthcare services. Significant progress has been made in expanding eligibility and reducing the cost to patients. A range of affordability measures have been introduced such as a reduction in the monthly deductible for prescribed medicines, removal of public inpatient charges, a free contraceptive scheme and an expansion of free access to GP care via the GP Visit Card.
The Department recognises that, in order to achieve the goal of universal healthcare in line with the commitments made in Sláintecare, we must first review existing eligibility arrangements and see how they align with current population needs identifying gaps in the eligibility framework.
It is in this context that the Department has commenced a long-term project to review Ireland’s current eligibility policies, with a focus on services delivered at primary and community care level. The initial phase of this work, a strategic review of the current eligibility framework, is in progress and is due to be completed in the months ahead. This work will input into the next phase of the strategic project which will examine the findings of phase 1 and international evidence on healthcare charges. This will then inform the development of evidence-based policy options for a future eligibility framework to support a progressive move towards universal healthcare.
Emergency Services
Ceisteanna (840)
Brian Brennan
Ceist:840. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to holding a joint meeting of emergency service agencies/bodies to implement a plan for providing streamlined access for emergency services to gated housing complexes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57259/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that as part of its day-to-day operations the National Ambulance Service liaises regularly with colleagues in other Primary Response Agencies (PRAs) including, as appropriate, on matters pertaining to gaining access to inaccessible properties to treat patients.
Where buildings are gated and where access information is notified to NAS, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) will routinely record the access information against the Eircode/address on its system. Where NAS crews require access to an inaccessible property, assistance is requested from NEOC to co-ordinate and facilitate access.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (841)
Brian Brennan
Ceist:841. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health the options are available to a child (details supplied) who is falling between services, without any diagnosis or supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57260/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (842)
Conor D McGuinness
Ceist:842. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 336 and 337 of 15 October 2025, the reason her Department has produced documents stating transgender individuals are excluded from the scheme, despite the diagnosis of any medical condition and the prescribing of treatment for said condition being a matter for a patient and healthcare provider; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57277/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The document referred to by the Deputy was provided to the then Minister for Health as supplementary briefing material in the course of the legislative process in relation to the now enacted Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024. The briefing material relates to the eligibility of the HRT measure to those whose healthcare provider has prescribed HRT to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
This measure is intended to support the management of the symptoms of menopause and, therefore, relates to the provision of treatment for the symptoms a specific medical condition/life stage i.e. menopause.
The diagnosis of any medical condition and the prescribing of treatment for said condition is a matter for a patient and healthcare provider to discuss.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (843)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:843. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the details of all reports, including consultancy reports commissioned by her Department from 1 January 2024 to date in 2025, that could be categorised as not for external publication or marked for internal use only; the cost of each report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. My Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Pharmacy Services
Ceisteanna (844)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:844. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the serious implications for the elderly, particularly those living alone as a result of the HSE decision to withdraw funding for the preparation of blister packs by pharmacy staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57303/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 does not remove phased dispensing.
Phased dispensing was introduced in 1996 for patient safety reasons. The supply of medication in instalments can support patients prescribed certain high-risk medications who are at risk of medication misadventure if these medications were to be supplied on a monthly basis, as is the norm under the community drug schemes. Where a phased dispensing claim is submitted, the current requirement is that an item must be dispensed across multiple supply occasions. Community pharmacies receive additional payments in respect of phased dispensing.
Monitored Dosing Systems are systems that enable the individual medicine doses to be organised according to the prescribed dose schedule. These are sometimes referred to as blister packs. The State has never agreed to fund Monitored Dosing Systems.
However, a practice has built up whereby the use of Monitored Dosing Systems are charged as if for phased dispensing. The State has never agreed to this. Phased claiming was never intended to be used to submit claims in lieu of the provision of Monitored Dosing Systems.
Whilst Monitored Dosing Systems may have a role for some patients there is significant uncertainty around the robustness of the evidence supporting its use. The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics carried out an evidence assessment which indicated that the evidence was, at best, equivocal to support such a programme.
Significant expenditure is therefore being incurred where it was never intended by the State. It has been agreed to introduce improved controls in this regard and to limit the use of phased dispensing to specified high risk drugs, where a patient safety concern may exist.
Phased dispensing support is currently available under the GMS (medical card) Scheme for the following reasons:
• Reason 1 - at the request of a patient's physician.
• Reason 2 - due to the inherent nature of a medicinal product i.e. product stability and shelf life.
• Reason 3 - where a patient is commencing new drug therapy with a view to establishing patient tolerance and acceptability before continuing on a full treatment regime.
• Reason 4 - in exceptional circumstances where the patient is incapable of safely and effectively managing the medication regimen.
Under the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025, from January 2026, phased dispensing under reason 1 and 4 will be limited to a defined set of high-risk medication classes. These are:
• Psychotropics;
• Opioids;
• Codeine; and
• Pregabalin and gabapentin.
The approved list of medications under these classes will be provided by the HSE in due course.
For reasons 1 and 4, by focusing phased dispensing reimbursement on the medication categories on the approved list, phased dispensing payments can be targeted to medications with the highest risk or potential for misuse.
Phased dispensing fees will remain payable as per current arrangements under reasons 2 and 3 and will not be subject to the approved list.
The salient point here is that appropriate phased dispensing is not being removed in this Agreement.
The introduction of improved controls around phased dispensing is being done in a way which puts patient safety first and allows the State to repurpose €20m of funding to be used to implement new patient-centred services.
It remains open to pharmacies to charge patients for the use of Monitored Dosing Systems as a private service.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (845)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:845. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 1 October 2025, if she will urgently investigate the status of home support services for a person (details supplied); if the alternate weekend care due to commence on 11 October 2025 has commenced; if she will ensure that appropriate home support is in place given their age and recent injuries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57305/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (846)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:846. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health her views on the marketing of private health services by private health providers for services outside of this jurisdiction, but on the island of Ireland, for the provision of hip and knee surgeries that are fully reimbursed; whether such services are needed; if they fulfil an important role in reducing waiting lists, or whether the services they provide are superfluous; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57309/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS) has been in effective operation since 1 January 2021. This Scheme was introduced to mitigate the loss of access to care from private providers in Northern Ireland under the EU Cross Border Directive, which ceased to apply as a result of Brexit. The current administrative scheme enables persons ordinarily resident in the State to access and be reimbursed for private healthcare in Northern Ireland by the HSE, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland. Such healthcare will be reimbursed at the cost of providing that treatment in the State or the cost of same in Northern Ireland, whichever is the lesser.
Mental Health Policy
Ceisteanna (847)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:847. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to raise the level of psychotherapy standards and criteria; the engagement she has had with the sector in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57323/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, CORU is Ireland’s multi-profession health and social care regulator. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended).
Counsellors and psychotherapists perform a vital role, providing therapeutic care to often vulnerable people. Regulation is being introduced to these professions to protect the public, ensuring that care provided is of a consistently high standard and always by suitably qualified individuals.
The Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board (CPRB) was established in 2019 and since that time has been working to progress regulation of both professions.
In July 2025 CORU published two key documents for each of these professions.
Standards of Proficiency• : These outline the threshold knowledge and skills required for entry to the register. They define what a counsellor or psychotherapist must be able to do at the point of entry into practice.
Criteria for Education and Training Programmes• : These set out the systems and processes education providers must implement in the design and management of education and training programmes. They provide assurance that all graduates have achieved all the Standards of Proficiency upon successful completion of an education and training programme.
The adopted Standards and Criteria reflect the threshold knowledge and skills required for safe practice at entry to the professions of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The introduction of consistent standards for the education and training of counsellors and psychotherapists marks a significant milestone, ensuring that those seeking support can have confidence in accessing appropriately trained and qualified practitioners.
The CPRB undertook extensive research, analysis, and public consultation to introduce regulation of each profession for the first time.
In 2023, CORU conducted an extended 12-week public consultation on the draft Standards of Proficiency and Criteria for Education and Training for both professions, counsellors and psychotherapists. The consultation was launched by a live webinar, with a recorded version made available on CORU’s website to ensure broad accessibility. The process was further supported by bespoke e-book resources and comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) designed to assist stakeholders in engaging fully with the material.
To maximise participation and awareness, the consultation was advertised through print and social media, on CORU’s website, and by direct email to a wide range of stakeholders, including professional representative bodies, patient advocacy organisations, employers, education providers, and relevant Government Departments. Reminders also issued throughout the 12 week consultation process.
This extensive consultation generated almost 700 submissions from across the sector - including practitioners, representative bodies, education providers, service users, and members of the public.
This comprehensive process recognised the differences in scope and complexity of practice between the two professions and ensures that the threshold standards and qualification levels set for each accurately reflect the competencies required for safe and effective practice, while strengthening public protection.
In line with the CPRB’s statutory responsibility to assess, balance and consider all perspectives before reaching a final evidence-based decision, the Board carefully considered every submission received and determined the final Standards and Criteria that now underpin entry to the registers for both counsellors and psychotherapists. This open, structured and inclusive process demonstrates CORU’s clear commitment to transparency, accountability, evidence-based decision-making, and, above all, the protection of the public.
Throughout the process, CORU provided regular updates on its progress via its website.
A comprehensive consultation report has been published by CORU, setting out the process followed, the key themes raised in submissions, and the rationale for the final decisions taken by the Board and is accessible at: www.coru.ie/public-protection/publications/consultation-reports/counsellors-psychotherapists-registration-board/.
I am confident that CORU’s work will bring clear benefits for public protection. The framework has been designed to strengthen standards of practice while ensuring that training pathways and workforce supply are not adversely affected.
I am assured that CORU will continue to engage closely with education providers, professional bodies, and other stakeholders as the regulatory process advances, keeping public protection at the centre of this work.
I am eager to see this work progressed so that two very important professions are finally regulated, in the interest of public protection.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (848)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:848. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the status of a healthcare facility and its future use (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57326/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (849)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:849. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been waiting over 24 months for a knee operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57332/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under 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.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (850)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:850. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the number of home care support hours for older people provided in Meath in each of the years 2020 to 2024, inclusive; the target for 2025; the number provided to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57339/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (851)
Martin Daly
Ceist:851. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health if she will detail the gross Exchequer allocation, the net allocation, the gross budget outturn and the net budget outturn for each public hospital in each of the years 2019 to 2024, inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57340/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (852)
Martin Daly
Ceist:852. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health if she will detail the gross Exchequer allocation and the net allocation for each public hospital for 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57341/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (853)
Mark Ward
Ceist:853. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if developmental checks are being offered to newborns for the appropriate month milestones by public health nurses from the Rowlagh health centre; the options available to parents if their children are not to be offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57342/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (854)
Mark Ward
Ceist:854. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if developmental checks are being offered to newborns for the appropriate month milestones by public health nurses from the Ballyfermot/Palmerstown primary care; the options available to parents if their children are not to be offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57343/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (855)
Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:855. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health if there are systems in place to alert staff working in HSE facilities when a patient has been convicted of violent or sexual crimes; if they are currently serving a sentence and therefore accompanied by prison officers or have been released from prison, similar to the system in place in the UK’s NHS; if not, if she would consider introducing such a system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57353/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE have been asked to reply to the Deputy directly on the matter
Patient Safety
Ceisteanna (856)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:856. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1660 of 19 March 2025, the status of the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill; the timeline she is working towards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57365/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 24 June 2025, I brought a Memorandum to Government seeking approval to recommence drafting of the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill 2025. Approval was granted.
Legislative priority had previously been given to the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 which was commenced in September 2024 (other than Section 68). The Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill is part of a suite of measures to improve patient safety. The Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 provides the legislative framework for the extension of the Health Information Quality Authority's regulatory remit to private hospitals. This Act also includes provisions for the establishment of a legislative framework for mandatory open disclosure and reporting of designated serious patient safety incidents and, the provision of certain legislative protections for the conduct of clinical audit against explicit clinical standards on a national basis. The Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill is the next important step in this suite of legislation.
Following the government decision of June 2025 to proceed with drafting, this Bill has been placed on the Department of Health’s legislative agenda. My Office has been engaging with the Office of the Attorney General and a drafter has been allocated to the Bill. Further engagement with stakeholders has commenced and will continue over the coming months
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (857)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:857. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her plans in relation to the regulation of aesthetic and cosmetic medicine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57366/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The area of aesthetics and cosmetics is diverse in terms of the types of products and procedures that fall under its scope, with a wide range of levels of invasiveness and associated risks. Cosmetics, which range from non-invasive topical applications to non-surgical aesthetic procedures to surgical interventions, are currently regulated through a combination of:
1) professional regulation, including the regulation of doctors and dentists who engage in cosmetic procedures. Where there are concerns regarding the practice of a regulated health professional, a complaint can be made to the relevant regulator.
and;
2) product regulation, which include:
• products placed on the market as cosmetic products, which are subject to the requirements in EU Regulation 1223/2009 (Cosmetic Products Regulation, CPR).
• products which are, or would be, classified as authorised medicinal products and thereby potentially restricted to prescription control. A common example is botulinum toxin-containing products.
• products which are, or would be, regulated as medical devices and thereby are subject the requirements in EU Reg 2017/745 (Medical Device Regulation, MDR). This includes certain specified implanted and surgically invasive products that are used for non-medical purposes, such as for aesthetic purposes. A common example is injectable dermal fillers.
In the context of the CPR, a cosmetic product is defined as any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours. Of note, products?intended to be ingested, inhaled, injected or implanted are not regulated as cosmetic products; typically, these would be subject to regulations governing medicinal products (e.g., botulinum toxin-containing products) or medical devices (e.g., dermal fillers).
Each cosmetic product placed on the EU market must have a Responsible Person in place. Among their responsibilities, the Responsible Person must ensure that each cosmetic product has a Cosmetic Product Safety Report completed by a suitably qualified safety assessor, that confirms the safety of the cosmetic product and all its ingredients are safe for use.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and compliance of cosmetic products placed on the Irish market, through market surveillance activities and in collaboration with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Revenue Commissioners.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (858)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:858. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if her Department has gathered data on the number of doctors engaged in cosmetic procedures; and if so, to provide said data. [57367/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.