Written Answers Nos. 1001-1023
1001. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of patients that are currently on waiting lists for joint replacements at Tullamore Hospital; the breakdown of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62961/25]
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.
1002. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if Tullamore Hospital is currently prevented from outsourcing work to clear the orthodontic waiting lists; if the hospital is prevented from outsourcing this and from utilising the services for example, of the National Treatment Purchase fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1003. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on waiting lists in each acute hospital; the average waiting time, by speciality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62965/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAcute hospital waiting list information by hospital, specialty, and time bands in respect of how long patients are waiting, is published monthly by the NTPF on its website: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm.
The information is now being made available through an interactive visual tool which provides users with a much-improved way of accessing and analysing waiting list information.
1004. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies currently within CAMHS; and the steps being taken to address staff shortages in the service. [62966/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1005. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the procedures that are in place at University Hospital Limerick in cases in which a person is at high risk of suicide and self-presents at the accident and emergency department, particularly out-of-hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62982/25]
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.
1006. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the reasons residents of County Galway currently do not have access to the ADHD in Adults National Clinical Programme for public assessment, diagnoses, and treatment; the timeline for establishing a dedicated adult ADHD service in the CHO2 area (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon); and the interim arrangements in place to ensure equitable access to assessment and treatment for adults with ADHD in this region. [62989/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraADHD 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.
The HSE’s Model of Care for ADHD in Adults, which I launched in 2021, outlines a National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults based on multi-disciplinary community teams to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults. As Minister I have resourced the establishment of the teams envisioned by the Model of Care, with total funding of over €5 million on a recurring annual basis. The national network of ADHD teams is now fully funded and in recruitment, with 7 teams currently operational. I secured the funding in Budget 2025 to roll out all remaining teams envisaged in the Model of Care, including a team for Galway, Mayo and Roscommon (formerly known as CHO2), which is currently being recruited.
In relation to the additional specific information requested regarding care transitions and ADHD services, as these are operational matters, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
1007. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if her Department is aware that some links (details supplied) on a Government website are currently returning an ‘Access denied’ error message; and if she will arrange for the issue to be reviewed and the links restored so that the reports can be accessed as intended. [62991/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny issues regarding errors with gov.ie should be directed to the OGCIO who sit under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
1008. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans to extend existing test-purchase powers under section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 to include situations where alcohol has been purchased online and delivered to a home address; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63002/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAuthority to conduct test purchases of Alcohol by children under the age of 18 is solely the purview of An Garda Síochána, as such the deputies question is better directed to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
1009. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently examine matters in correspondence (details supplied); to assist health workers who put their lives at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63004/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAfter a hearing in the Labor Court in June, it was recommended that a final extension of the current Special Scheme to the 31st of December 2025, at which point anyone remaining on the scheme should transition to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme. Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell beyond that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support. Employees who did not qualify for the Special Scheme but are also impacted by Long-Covid may also utilise the supports of the sick leave scheme. The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted. While the EU Advisory Committee on Health and Safety recommended the recognition of COVID-19 (not long-COVID) as an occupational illness in health and social care settings, recognition of COVID-19 nationally as an occupational illness falls under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection. After reviewing the EU recommendation, the Minister for Social Protection found that COVID-19 did not meet the requirements to be recognised as an occupational illness in the context of the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme and the Social Welfare Consolidation Act.
1010. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expedite the provision of medical records for all patients in all hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63006/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the deputy is referring specifically to the migration of paper based healthcare records towards digital health records for all patients in all hospitals.
With that in mind, Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030 sets out a roadmap to digitally transform health services and describes a very clear path for the full digitisation of healthcare records and information systems in Ireland, as committed to under the Programme for Government.
Implementation of Ireland’s Digital for Care strategy is progressing at pace following its publication in May 2024. It sets out vision to enable better health outcomes through seamless, safe, secure, and connected digital health services that support both patients and providers. This vision is grounded in the principles of Sláintecare.
Ireland is pursuing a three-step approach to the delivery of electronic health records in Ireland, comprising a National Patient App, the National Shared Care Record and an enterprise level Electronic Health Record that will be centrally procured and configured, but regionally deployed and owned by each of the six health regions.
The HSE Health app was launched in February 2025 and has been downloaded 186,000 times with 113,000 registered users accessing their personal health information, the user base is increasing by an average of 500 people per day (information as of November 2025). There are now 36 hospitals using the app for appointments (including all maternity hospitals) with a plan for the additional hospitals, statutory and voluntary, to be brought onto the app in 2026.
The app has also been recognised with three national awards in 2025, underscoring its role in empowering patients and improving access. The app has been co-designed with a wide range of people who use our services, staff, and advocacy organisations, who have been active partners throughout the process. Future app features will be guided by ongoing research and engagement with patients, staff, advocacy organisations, and the public.
The technology platform for the National Shared Care Record (NSCR) was procured earlier this year. The NSCR brings together healthcare information from various sources such as hospitals, GP practices, and Community care into a single place, making them available at the point of care and self-care in read only format. By having access to key healthcare information in one place means healthcare professionals will be able to make more informed, safer decisions and to focus more time on direct patient care while patients will be better informed and empowered to manage their own healthcare.
A phased rollout of the national shared care record is due to commence in Q4 2025 in the South-East region with University Hospital Waterford and surrounding community areas. The system will then extend to other regions from in 2026 and 2027.
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. The PBC was also subjected to review by the Major Project Advisory Group (MPAG), and a Memo for Government is being finalised and will go to Government shortly to secure consent for the next stage – preparation for procurement.
A PIN (Prior Information Notice) was published in June 2025 informing EHR suppliers about the health service's interest in a national enterprise-level EHR system. This process is open to all potential vendors willing to engage through this process. The consultation seeks supplier input to inform the upcoming procurement, with a contract award expected by the end of 2026 and phased implementation following that.
1011. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies which arose at principal officer level for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 in his Department and agencies under the aegis of her Department; the number of these vacancies filled between internal and external methods; the number of vacancies each year at principal officer level filled by mobility; the number of internal competitions for principal officer grade run by his Department since 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63027/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were 7 internal competitions for Generalist Principal Officer grade run by Department of Health since 2010.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy with the vacancy figures related to the HSE for the period of time requested.
Details for 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.
1012. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason an operation in Letterkenny University Hospital was cancelled for a patient (details supplied) in County Donegal; when a new date for the operation will be given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63048/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when hospital appointments and procedures are cancelled.
While every effort is made to avoid cancellations, they can happen for a variety of reasons, including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand, and unforeseen circumstances that may impact a service.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, hospitals follow HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
Cancelled hospital appointments and procedures are, where appropriate, rescheduled as early as possible with priority given to patients requiring time-sensitive and urgent treatment.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1013. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a waiting list for patients seeking dental treatment under the medical card in County Mayo; the number of persons on each waitlist in County Mayo; the measures her Department is taking to reduce waitlists for patients awaiting dental treatment under the medical card in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63052/25]
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.
1014. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health for an update on the progress being made on the Government’s commitment to provide a “statutory homecare scheme to allow people to stay in their own home for as long as possible."; the work undertaken on regional projections to inform the levels of service and support needed in each integrated healthcare area; and the engagement that has taken place with the integrated healthcare area managers in the Louth/Meath area. [63053/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1015. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the allocation of home support service to persons living in County Louth for each of the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form. [63054/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1016. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the funding allocated to home support service in County Louth for each of the years 2020 to 2025 respectively, in tabular form. [63055/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1017. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have applied for home support service in County Louth to date in 2025; the number of applications that were for an increase in a home support service that was already in place; and the number of these applications which were refused. [63056/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1018. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently approved for home support service in County Louth that are awaiting provision of same. [63057/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1019. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently in hospital in County Louth experiencing a delayed discharge while awaiting provision of home support service; and the length of time these discharges have been delayed by. [63058/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1020. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for home support service in County Louth from the initial application to provision of same. [63059/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1021. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if there has been a formal change in HSE policy in recent years regarding the preference for home-based care over residential or nursing home placements for elderly patients; and if this shift is linked to capacity constraints or resource limitations in nursing homes. [63096/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1022. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has issued any guidance to hospitals or community care teams regarding the management of appointments for elderly or incapacitated patients who cannot physically attend clinics; and her views on whether it is acceptable practice to remove such patients from waiting lists under these circumstances. [63097/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAcute hospital waiting lists are managed in accordance with the relevant National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) Waiting List Management protocols, for Outpatient (OP), Inpatient, Day Case, Planned Procedure (IDPP) & GI Endoscopy, and Radiology Diagnostics.
The aim of protocol development is to provide guidance to staff working in the area of waiting list management, and to ensure that there is a consistent and standardised user-friendly approach to the active management and scheduling of patients on waiting lists within each Public Hospital and across Health Regions. All protocols have sections specifically dealing with patients identified as having high clinical and or social needs.
In relation to the management of community waiting lists I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you on this matter.
1023. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if there is a monitoring or appeals mechanism in place to ensure that elderly patients who are unable to travel for medical appointments are not effectively denied access to care or specialist services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63098/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
