David Cullinane
Ceist:1124. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when a medical product (details supplied) will be available for reimbursement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63710/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicinal Products
Ceisteanna (1124)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Equipment
Ceisteanna (1125)
Keira Keogh
Ceist:1125. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health her plans to increase the number of dialysis machines in Mayo University Hospital; if there are any plans to upgrade the dialysis machines already in Mayo University Hospital; if so, the timeline for these upgrades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63713/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1126)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:1126. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if urgent consideration will be given to the provision of services at a health care facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63714/25]
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 Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1127)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:1127. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 964 of 12 November 2025, the reason payment for a 2017 bid was not made until 2020. [63717/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In March 2017 the Department entered into a service contract with Hume Brophy Consultants for management and consultancy support provided in preparing the Department’s bid for relocation of the European Medicines Agency to Ireland as a consequence of Brexit.
An invoice was received from Hume Brophy on 13 December 2017, which was for third-party expenses relating to Hume Brophy’s contract work on this project. The invoice amount was of €25,146 (€20,116.8 + VAT @ €5,029.2 = €25,146). Payment was issued to Hume Brophy in respect to this invoice on 8th January 2020.
The delay with payment of this invoice by the Department of Health was due to a delay in receipt of the third-party contractors VAT invoices from Hume Brophy for the work that was carried out on this project.
Addiction Treatment Services
Ceisteanna (1128, 1131)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:1128. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the supports which are available to parents of adult children suffering from severe drug addiction and related mental health issues; the level of funding provided for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63724/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Murphy
Ceist:1131. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health her views on whether clearer pathways are needed for involuntary treatment for people experiencing psychosis, including substance induced psychosis; the action she will take in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63729/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1128 and 1131 together.
Government policies including Sharing the Vision and Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery set out clear commitments to improving services for people with a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis refers to a person who experiences both a substance use problem and a mental health issue such as depression, or an anxiety disorder. Treatment options must address both.
The Dual Diagnosis Model of Care describes a clear clinical pathway for all adolescents and adults suspected of having a dual diagnosis covering integration across primary care, substance misuse, community mental health and acute services.
The Model was launched in 2023 by Minister Butler and Minister Naughton and recommends the development of 12 Adult Specialist Dual Diagnosis Teams nationally, and 4 Adolescent Hub Teams.
Roll out of the teams has commenced, with mental health funding of over €3 million annually provided to support recruitment in this area to date.
The roll out of the Dual Diagnosis teams has commenced. Five Dual Diagnosis teams are being recruited into and developed at present – adult teams in Limerick and Cork commenced services in 2024, and a team in Waterford is in recruitment. Adolescent hub teams in North Dublin (Substance Abuse Service Specific to Youth - SASSY) and South Dublin (Youth Drug and Alcohol Service - YoDA) have also been developed, supported by funding from HSE Social Inclusion.
Under Budget 2026, Minister Butler has allocated funding for an additional Dual Diagnosis team, and a Dual Diagnosis Day Programme in Dublin.
In the meantime, individuals who do require treatment for dual diagnosis are being supported by the relevant HSE social inclusion addiction services in their community.
This continued investment highlights this Government’s commitment not only to mental health, but to ensuring that the mental health services that we develop and deliver are reflective of the needs of modern society.
As the Deputy’s question raises service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Addiction Treatment Services
Ceisteanna (1129)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:1129. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will provide dual diagnosis supports for people suffering from severe drug addiction and drug-induced psychosis/schizophrenia and their families, for example, family group supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63727/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Dual diagnosis means a person experiences both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
Treatment options must address both issues, and as such the HSE have developed a Model of Care which recommends the development of 12 Adult Specialist Dual Diagnosis Teams nationally, 4 Adolescent Hub Teams, and a National Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation Centre.
Roll out of the teams has commenced, with mental health funding of over €3 million provided to support recruitment in this area to date.
This has resulted in 5 Dual Diagnosis teams are being recruited into and developed at present – adult teams in Limerick and Cork commenced services in 2024, and a team in Waterford is in recruitment. Adolescent hub teams in North Dublin (Substance Abuse Service Specific to Youth - SASSY) and South Dublin (Youth Drug and Alcohol Service - YoDA) have also been developed, supported by funding from HSE Social Inclusion.
Under Budget 2026, as Minister I have allocated funding for an additional Dual Diagnosis team, and a Dual Diagnosis Day Programme in Dublin.
In the meantime, individuals who do require treatment for dual diagnosis are being supported by the relevant HSE social inclusion addiction services in their community.
With reference to the specific information requested , as this is an operational issue , I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1130)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:1130. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will fund family liaison officers for mental health and addiction services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63728/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is over €1.5 billion, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased.
This increase in funding for mental health services represents a significant investment which will enable continued policy implementation and service improvement in line with our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, and our national suicide and self-harm reduction strategy Connecting for Life, across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, through to specialist mental health services. This year’s budget provided the opportunity to focus on investing in crisis support and suicide prevention; youth mental health and CAMHS, and expanding the National Clinical Programmes.
As occurs each year following the Budget, discussions will now take place with the HSE on details relating to specific service initiatives in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
In relation to the specific issue raised, I have also asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible with regard to existing supports.
Question No. 1131 answered with Question No. 1128.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1132)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:1132. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made on reducing surgical and outpatient waiting lists over the past six months; and the specific target for the next quarter. [63756/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I published the Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) for 2025 in February, representing this Government’s continued commitment to reducing waiting times for patients and improving access to hospital care. This year's plan sets out four overarching targets focused on reducing waiting times.
With the multi annual action plan approach, we are progressing towards the ultimate vision of a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
Important progress has been made under the WLAP approach, implemented in late 2021, in reducing the length of time patients are waiting. For example, from September 2021 to October 2025 there has been a c. 11% reduction in the number of people on the waiting list who are waiting longer than the 10- and 12- week Sláintecare targets. This equates to approximately 66,000 less people breaching these targets. Over the same time period, there was also a c. 55% reduction in the number of long waiters (i.e. those patients waiting over 12 months), equating to over 155,000 less patients waiting over 12 months.
My Department is engaging with the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to develop the action plan for 2026, building on the progress delivered to date, renewing the focus on improving waiting times for patients, and considering the learnings from the challenges that arose in 2025.
Hospital Overcrowding
Ceisteanna (1133)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:1133. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the current plan to address overcrowding in hospital emergency departments; and the resources being allocated to improve patient flow. [63757/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As our health system faces into what is traditionally the most challenging periods of the year, I would like to assure the deputy that every measure is being taken to ensure the smooth running of our hospitals. The third iteration of the UEC Operational Plan is currently in operation and one of the 4 pillars of the plan is hospital avoidance. This focuses on supporting patients in settings other than the Emergency Department and avoiding the need for inpatient care.
Amongst the initiatives involved in the plan are:
• Vaccine Preventable Illness, promote uptake of Influenza, Measles and COVID-19 vaccinations to improve compliance for all target groups including Healthcare Workers Specialist Care in the Community
• Community Specialist Teams (CSTs) for Chronic Disease Management.
• GP Out of Hours Work with GP Out of Hours Services to maintain/increase GP OOH contacts and reduce the level of GP OOH referrals to EDs
• NAS Care Pathways Maximise usage of existing NAS alternative care pathways
• Injury Units to provide a 7-day service, 8am to 8pm including Bank Holidays
Mask wearing is just one of the measures we can all take to protect ourselves from infection this winter. Individuals who wish to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so, in particular when disease incidence is high. Measures such as vaccinations, good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette are also important in preventing the spread of infections.
This winter COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines are available to eligible individuals by GPs and pharmacists.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The National Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable in the winter months have access to the required vaccines, free of charge. By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require admission to hospital should they become ill, the programme aims to prevent, as far as possible, the need for seasonal-related hospital admissions, as well as to reduce the overall spread of these viruses in the community.
Expansion of community care and other measures to provide people the care they need outside of the ED can improve patient flow in acute hospitals by reducing unnecessary attendances and improving discharge supports such as home support and residential care. This will allow our ED resources to be better utilised, delivering care to those most urgently in need.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (1134)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:1134. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health for an update on capital projects related to hospital infrastructure, including a timeline for completion for new hospital builds and extensions. [63758/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1135)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:1135. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the way in which her Department is working to ensure equitable access to specialist hospital services across all regions of the country. [63759/25]
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 (1136)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:1136. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to give a detailed report on primary care psychological services waiting lists in County Kerry; the measures being taken to significantly reduce these waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63798/25]
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 (1137)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:1137. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the north Kerry CAMHS look back review will be published given this prolonged delay is causing significant stress to all affected families in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63800/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Both I, and the Department of Health, await submission by the HSE of the Final Report by Dr. Halpin in relation to the North Kerry Lookback Review.
I am closely monitoring developments on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in North Kerry, including the timeline for the completion of the Lookback Review. The HSE has indicated that the Review will be made available as soon as possible, acknowledging that necessary due diligence and related processes must be adhered to in the finalisation of the Review. The HSE has confirmed that it will expedite this as much as possible.
I understand that all file reviews have now been completed, and all children, young people and their families have been communicated with directly in relation to the outcome of their file review. My main concern throughout this process has been to ensure that children, young people and their families are communicated with directly in advance of the publication of the Lookback Review.
I will continue to work closely with the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health National Office to drive reform of CAMHS nationally, to ensure that this key specialist service which benefits so many young people and their families each year is safe, accessible, child-centered, and delivered to the highest of standards.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (1138)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:1138. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expedite the long-awaited primary care centre in Cahersiveen, County Kerry, for the residents of Cahersiveen, Iveragh and south Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63822/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Legislative Reviews
Ceisteanna (1139)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:1139. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to list the operational recommendations of the independent review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 that have been fully implemented; if she will outline plans to implement any outstanding recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63837/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct answer.
Legislative Reviews
Ceisteanna (1140)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:1140. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the review of the operation of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024, which must be commenced not later than 18-months after commencement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63838/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024 came into effect on 17th October 2024.
In line with statutory commitments, a review of the operation of the Act will commence not later than April 2026, which is 18 months following commencement.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (1141)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:1141. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of people from the Roscommon ambulance station hubs who will be eligible for the next advanced paramedic course being run by the National Ambulance Service, following recent interviews and subsequent results. [63839/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1142)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1142. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if her Department plans to close permanently the health centre in Killenaule, Tipperary (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63840/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1143)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:1143. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of young persons aged 0-18 years old on waiting lists for (details supplied) in primary care services, by number of years and months waiting, by health region as of 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [63971/25]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1144)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:1144. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the maximum waiting time for a young person to receive an intervention, as distinct from a screening session for therapies (details supplied) as of 1 November 2025, by health region, by years and months, in tabular form. [63972/25]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1145)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:1145. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of young persons on primary care waiting-lists, by exact month and by CHO, as of 1 July 2023 for therapies (details supplied). [63973/25]
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.