Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:496. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to support nursing homes in transitioning to using renewable sources of energy. [62614/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNursing Homes
Ceisteanna (496)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Ceisteanna (497)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:497. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his Department has reviewed potential models for enhanced North–South cooperation in healthcare delivery, including cross-Border hospital and emergency care arrangements. [62637/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Health is committed to continuing close and productive cooperation with Northern Ireland on health and social care issues and I recently met with my counterpart in Northern Ireland, Minister Nesbitt, to discuss cooperation in the health sector.
There are a number of agreements in place covering specific specialist Cross Border initiatives that ensure that patients can receive a range of medical procedures/services as close to home as possible. This has helped reduce travel time, and the ease of access, which has been hugely beneficial for patients, their families and carers.
This includes agreements covering specific specialist services at Altnagelvin Hospital that ensure that patients can receive medical services as close to home as possible.
On cancer care, the North-West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Area Hospital is a £66m sterling capital development project that has been funded on a North-South basis and commenced providing services at the end of 2016. The HSE contributed €19 million to the building of the Centre and pays an agreed amount for Irish patients to be treated there. This cross-border initiative offers cancer patients treatment closer to their home in the North West. This service is governed by a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the HSE and the Western Health and Social Care Trust and this was previously reviewed in 2019 and subsequently updated.
With regards to cardiac care, since May 2016, primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (pPCI) services have also been available at Altnagelvin Hospital for patients from County Donegal supporting lifesaving and urgent cardiac catherterisation treatment. The service is governed by a Service Level Agreement between Saolta, HSE and the Western Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland and ensures patients within a 90-minute journey time can receive pPCI at the Altnagelvin Hospital following a ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (heart attack) diagnosis in an emergency setting. In view of the distances this timeline is not achievable for transfers to Galway University Hospital (GUH).
On organ transplantation, a memorandum of understanding has been in place since March 2020 with Beaumont Hospital in relation to the delivery of paired living donor kidney transplantation services in Belfast for patients referred through the National Kidney Transplant Centre.
There are also two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in place between the National Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, which cover cross border assistance during exceptionally busy periods, and emergency preparedness and cooperation. The two MOUs are currently being updated and renewed with a view to enhancing cooperation further for cross border assistance in responding to urgent and emergency calls during exceptionally busy periods; and preparedness and cooperation in responding to major emergencies.
The All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network is another collaborative healthcare initiative between Ireland and Northern Ireland which aims to provide comprehensive and high-quality care for children with congenital heart disease across the island of Ireland. Since 2015, the All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network has overseen transformative change including: the transfer of all Northern Ireland emergency, urgent and new elective surgery from Great Britain to CHI at Crumlin in Dublin; the opening of the newly refurbished Children’s Heart Centre at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in 2019; and, the establishment of a network of regional centres around the island where care can be delivered closer to home by paediatricians with a specialist expertise in congenital heart disease. Between 2015 and August 2025, a total of 11,958 procedures were carried out at CHI at Crumlin on paediatric cardiac patients from Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Additionally, there is also ongoing engagement at official level, and this includes work on the exploration of those areas of health cooperation that could be further expanded to benefit residents on the island of Ireland on a cross-border basis.
This includes continuing engagement between the Departments of Health in both jurisdictions in the context of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and a revised NSMC Health Work Programme has now been developed and will be presented for approval at the next NSMC Health and Food Safety sectoral meeting.
To conclude, working collaboratively to address healthcare challenges in both jurisdictions is of the utmost importance and, as such, enhancing North-South cooperation will continue to be a priority for my department.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (498)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:498. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health the reasons the shingles vaccine is not currently subsidised or included in the national immunisation programme, despite its proven effectiveness in preventing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia, particularly among older adults and immunocompromised individuals; if her Department is currently considering any scheme to make the vaccine more affordable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62648/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.
The current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered in those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. HIQA’s HTA examined the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of shingles vaccines. The cost effectiveness and budget impact were also reviewed, along with the ethical, social and organisational implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
While the vaccine is considered safe and effective, its protective effect diminishes over time. HIQA also noted the substantial budget impact associated with vaccination. If made available to everyone aged 65 and older, vaccination would cost €218 million over five years.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department considered the findings of this HTA and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (499)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:499. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by her Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62674/25]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (500)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:500. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the completion of remaining works on a property on O'Dwyer's Road, Midleton; and the estimated opening date for a new HSE residential mental health service accommodating three people. [62687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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
Laboratory Facilities
Ceisteanna (501)
Emer Currie
Ceist:501. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE Central Laboratory will operate under ISO 15189 accreditation standards; the accreditation pathway being pursued; whether this accreditation will be in place prior to commencing clinical operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62710/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
Laboratory Facilities
Ceisteanna (502)
Emer Currie
Ceist:502. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the expected benefits of the Central Laboratory, as outlined in the HSE Strategy for Laboratory Services 2026 to 2036, in terms of turnaround times, resilience and sustainability; whether a value-for-money assessment has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62711/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
Laboratory Facilities
Ceisteanna (503)
Emer Currie
Ceist:503. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health the capital equipment requirements identified for the establishment of the proposed HSE Central Laboratory under the HSE Strategy for Laboratory Services 2026–2036; the estimated cost of procuring and commissioning this equipment; the funding allocated to date; the expected phasing of investment over the lifetime of the strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62712/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
Protected Disclosures
Ceisteanna (504)
Gillian Toole
Ceist:504. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Health the status of the examination of a protected disclosure (details supplied) circulated to senior Cabinet members in July 2025 and asked as a Leader’s Questions on 22 October 2025; and if correspondences will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62715/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the Protected Disclosures Act, the Department of Health does not comment on individual protected disclosures.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ceisteanna (505)
Peter Roche
Ceist:505. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to address the current shortage of qualified tradespeople across the country; the specific measures being implemented to attract, train, and support the next generation of apprentices and skilled workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62408/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government remains committed to apprenticeships and has significantly expanded opportunities for learners in recent years, recognising the important role they play in equipping Ireland’s workforce with the skills needed to meet national priorities, including infrastructure delivery.
In Budget 2026 my Department secured an additional €79 million investment in apprenticeship delivery - the largest since the formation of this Department. This investment will directly support the expansion of the craft apprenticeship system and support key trades such as plumbing and electrical, which are essential to delivering the National Development Plan 2025.
To further support apprentices, €2.5 million was also secured to reduce the cost of attending higher education generally in phases 4 and 6. This will permanently lower fees by 17% for over 14,000 apprentices in the 2025/26 academic year, including more than 11,000 craft apprentices. Apprentices from the minority gender in a trade can receive a gender-based bursary and targeted bursaries to support increased uptake and retention of apprenticeship among the Traveller communities are available.
Annual craft apprenticeship registrations have risen 63%, from 4,377 in 2020 to 7,113 in 2024. The number of apprentices in construction-related fields has increased by 52%, rising from 14,567 in 2020 to 22,190 as of October 2025. These apprentices now account for the majority of Ireland’s total current apprentice population of 30,602.
My department is leading several initiatives to address the construction skills gap, including the “Build Back Home” campaign targeting Irish construction workers abroad. The campaign website has received over 68,750 visits, with 95% of traffic from North America, Canada, and Australia. A second phase of the campaign is planned shortly.
In addition, WorldSkills Ireland, held in September, saw strong engagement from second-level schools nationwide. This annual event plays a key role in showcasing career pathways in construction and raising awareness of the valuable opportunities available through apprenticeships.
The Apprentice of the Year and Employer of the Year awards highlight the value of apprenticeships by recognising excellence and promoting their role in addressing skills needs across sectors.
Building on this progress, next year will see the launch the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026 - 2030, setting a target to increase annual apprentice registrations from 9,352 in 2024 to 12,500 by 2030, with two-thirds in craft and construction-related areas.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (506)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:506. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the range of countries in which his Department are currently running a public relations campaign to attract Irish tradespeople to return home; the incentives which will be in place for these persons if they return home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62414/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraReply not received from the Department.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ceisteanna (507)
Jen Cummins
Ceist:507. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure no further examinations for future apprentices are leaked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The leaking of exam papers is completely unacceptable and it is a matter that I am taking very seriously.
I have met with the CEOs of SOLAS and QQI as well as the Board of SOLAS on this matter.
I have sought advice from the Attorney General, and asked SOLAS and QQI to consider if, given the information in their possession, the matter of leaked exam papers should be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation. In the case of any exam breach, SOLAS is prepared to take all necessary action, in line with the SOLAS Craft Apprenticeship Assessment Rules which contains the procedures for the investigation of security breaches. Investigations by SOLAS since late 2024 into a very small number of potential exam paper leaks has resulted in the withdrawal of compromised papers, and circulation of replacements. SOLAS has taken measures to ensure against future security breaches.
My priority was ensuring that the public can have confidence in the safety of electrical work carried out by qualified electricians. An independent review of the craft electrical programme has been conducted by City of Glasgow College which confirmed that assessments do reliably identify those not meeting required standards, and that the programme’s structure includes adequate safeguards to detect any circumvention of earlier assessments. This confirms that there are no health and safety issues arising from this matter and all qualified electricians are capable of performing their tasks competently and safely.
Furthermore, I have directed the transfer of curriculum and assessment responsibilities from SOLAS and QQI to education providers. This reassignment will strengthen craft apprenticeship quality and currency by placing the responsibility for quality assurance with those directly responsible for delivery and upholding academic standards, leveraging existing strengths across the tertiary education system.
Finally, Quality and Qualifications Ireland has conducted a focused review into the electrical apprenticeship, with its recommendations fully accepted by SOLAS, and a quality improvement plan agreed which will safeguard the quality of all craft apprenticeships into the future.
Third Level Education
Ceisteanna (508)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:508. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students studying graduate entry medicine, by institution, for each year from 2015/2016 to 2024/2025; the total and per capita funding his Department provided for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraReply not received from the Department.
Pensions Reform
Ceisteanna (509)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:509. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the provisions which have been made to ensure that agencies, organisations, and charities funded by his Department will meet their obligations under the new AE scheme. [62479/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraReply not received from the Department.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (510)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:510. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a breakdown of every agency, not-for-profit organisation, charity or service provider directly funded by his Department; and the details of each specific directly funded post in each body. [62482/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraReply not received from the Department.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (511)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:511. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he and the Government will support in every way possible a person (details supplied) who has been selected to become the first Irish person in space who will undoubtedly represent Ireland with pride and distinction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62510/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials are collating the information requested and will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Research and Development
Ceisteanna (512)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:512. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on plans to attract a greater number of top international researchers and academics to Ireland. [62615/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department oversees the implementation of Impact 2030, Ireland's national research and innovation strategy, which emphasises the vital role that people and their skills play in sustaining and advancing Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Pursuant to this, my Department has also developed and published Global Citizens 2030, Ireland’s Talent and Innovation Strategy, which aims to enhance Ireland's global footprint in talent and innovation, with a focus on education, research, and international collaboration.
As part of the delivery of this initiative, two DFHERIS Talent and Innovation attachés have been appointed and are now working from the Irish Consulates in Boston and San Francisco. Government has committed to appoint a total of six such attachés by 2030, who will co-ordinate and prioritise Ireland’s global talent and innovation activities.
Under Impact 2030, my Department also continues to support the EURAXESS Ireland Office which is hosted by the IUA and facilitates researcher mobility. EURAXESS Ireland provides tailored and free advice to researchers and their families coming to work or study in Ireland. In 2024, EURAXESS Ireland processed 840 new hosting agreements and a further 623 agreements were extended. These hosting agreements covered researchers from over 70 different non-EEA countries. The scheme allows the host research or business organisation to employ eligible personnel from outside the EU without any additional Work Permit.
In 2025, through Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, I launched the Global Talent Ireland initiative. This programme will provide the resources needed to bring world-class researchers to Ireland to enable them to carry out globally competitive research here. The initiative is a cornerstone of the Government’s commitment to continue to build a knowledge-driven economy that will support Ireland to remain competitive into the future. The outcome of this process will be available shortly.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (513)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:513. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62673/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my previous responses to questions No. 2727 on 8 September and No. 2569 on 29 April which are all on the Dáil record.
My Department does not have any vacant or derelict properties, lands and buildings under its ownership or control within County Mayo.
All of my Department's office locations are on sites or in buildings owned and/or operated by the OPW, in St. Stephen's Green, Marlborough Street and Tullamore.
Irish Language
Ceisteanna (514)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:514. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to examine along with his Ministerial colleagues with responsibility for the named Departments (details supplied), the proposal that will not alone enrich students by encouraging a greater understanding and learning of our native language and culture, but will also encourage Gaeltacht areas themselves to grow and extend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62326/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department supports the Irish summer colleges sector to foster language acquisition and enrichment opportunities in the Gaeltacht for learners of the language. The Department provides a subsidy under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge-the Irish Language Learners Scheme (SFG) payable to qualifying Gaeltacht households providing accommodation for those attending an Irish course in any one of the c. 40 Irish-language colleges operating under the scheme.
In keeping with the spirit of the current Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future which includes a commitment to ‘Maintain and where possible enhance support for Mná Tí at Gaeltacht summer colleges’, my Department announced an increase to the daily subsidy payable to recognised households in July of this year (backdated to 31 May). This subsidy is currently worth €14.50 per student per day for recognised households and €10.50 for recognised hostels and residential colleges. This is the fourth increase provided under the scheme since 2022. My Department also announced a capital grant in October of this year worth up to €2,000 per household to assist households seeking to upgrade items such as bunk beds and mattresses
Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge represents a state investment of c. €6 million annually in support of the Irish colleges sector. Departmental figures show that 27,394 learners participated in courses at Gaeltacht colleges in 2024. This represents an increase on the figure for 2023 which stood at 26,835, and also an increase on the pre-pandemic figure of 27,032 in 2019. The Department provided recognition for a total of 259 courses in 2024. Figures for 2025 will be available at year-end, when all courses have been completed.
My Department also funds a number of initiatives under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge including the DEIS Gaeltachta scholarship scheme, scéim oileánda ÁRAINN Gaeltachta and ERASMUS Gaeltachta.
The DEIS Gaeltachta initiative commenced in 2019. The scheme provides scholarships to post-primary school students attending DEIS schools to attend recognised Irish summer colleges. Funding for DEIS Gaeltachta scholarships for 2025 was €900,000 and over 900 scholarships were made available to students from qualified second-level schools.
Under the ÁRAINN Gaeltachta initiative, funding worth up to €195,000 annually is provided so that c. 30 post-primary students per year can spend a full school year attending any one of the three post-primary schools on the Aran islands.
The ERASMUS Gaeltachta fund, worth €250,000, facilitates opportunities for up to 175 third-level students to spend three months immersed in the Gaeltacht.
In addition, funding from my Department is provided annually to the umbrella organisation for the sector Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na gColáistí Samhraidh (CONCOS), in order to further support the development of the sector.
The colleges sector caters to learners of all ages (from age 10 years upwards) and operates from January to December annually. The most widely known learners are those attending Summer college courses or coláistí samhraidh which cater to young people aged 10 years to 19 years.
These young language learners can avail of a wide range of activities and ways of learning offered by their chosen college. All of the coláistí samhraidh offer diverse activities such as teaching water sports through the medium of the Irish language. One college offering courses to the sector is currently the only venue with national accreditation from the Irish Sailing Association and The Irish Surfing Association. Language acquisition opportunities outside of the classroom at coláistí samhraidh include:
• Cultural pursuits – including Irish traditional music and dance and trips to local historical sites.
• Sporting pursuits – including Gaelic football, hurling, handball, as well as soccer and tag rugby, and trips to local beaches. Some colleges also offer water-sports such as sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and surfing.
• Contemporary music, dance and drama are also used to encourage language learning through the creative processes involved, in some cases producing videos of the final production.
The Irish colleges, which are essentially commercial, provide learning opportunities outside of the classroom to further language acquisition among learners, to foster the understanding of Irish as a living language and to encourage returning students.
My Department also funds Údaras na Gaeltachta - the body responsible for the linguistic, economic, social, physical, and cultural development of the Gaeltacht. Údarás na Gaeltachta recognises tourism as a critical economic driver for Gaeltacht communities and works strategically to develop tourism infrastructure and experiences that integrate language and cultural elements. This approach aligns with An tÚdarás's remit of supporting economic development while strengthening the vitality of Irish as a community language.
In relation to the recommendation that parents be financially encouraged to hold family holidays locally for the duration of Gaeltacht courses, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Éireann have developed a pilot structure with specific providers in the Irish language college sector to match short Irish language courses with tourism experience.
In a broader context, the Deputy may be aware of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, which is the over-arching strategy being implemented across the State. The strategy outlines an integrated approach to the Irish language, in which nine areas of action are specified, including education, the Gaeltacht, family, community, media, technology and the economy. The relevant actions under the strategy bring together some of the key areas touched upon by the Deputy in his question, and these actions are being implemented by various stakeholders, including my own Department.
In my role as Minister I secured €159 million in funding for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in the recently announced Budget 2026. This funding will continue to support both ongoing work and new measures in this regard, some of which will address the wide range of initiatives referred to by the Deputy.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (515)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:515. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62678/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that my Department does not own any vacant or derelict buildings in County Mayo.