Written Answers Nos. 180-204
180. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the WTE orthodontist positions in County Monaghan; the WTE equivalent vacant and the duration thereof; and the number of people on waiting lists to access services for a period of 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months and 12 months+. [64520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
181. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the action can be taken to improve services and supports for cancer patients in Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64445/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatments.
There are 8 designated cancer centres and 26 centres providing systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) treatment in order to centralise complex and high-volume treatments in specialised centres for better patient outcomes, while using a "hub and spoke" model where 18 additional hospitals provide SACT closer to patients' homes. The 8 designated cancer centres focus on complex cases and surgical oncology, ensuring higher volumes lead to better results, in line with the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026.
The Government has allocated significant funding of €105 million, including €23 million in 2025, to the National Cancer Strategy since 2017 to support cancer services and improve outcomes for patients. This includes allocating funding to screening programmes, cancer treatment and survivorship services.
This funding has enabled the recruitment of over 670 staff to our national cancer services, including 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. Funding in 2025 will support recruitment of 179 additional staff to national cancer screening and treatment services.
Capital funding of over €140 million has been used since 2017 to provide state of the art radiation oncology facilities to establish a National Cervical Screening Laboratory, and to update cancer infrastructure in chemotherapy wards and lab facilities. This year’s capital plan includes €12.13m for radiation oncology projects along with further funding for the design and construction of Oncology Day Units and chemotherapy infrastructure.
In addition to accessing hospital based cancer services, Meath is serviced by a number of community cancer support services in the Dublin North East Region. The Programme for Government 2025 commitment to the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres is demonstrated through dedicated funding and the operational framework provided by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
This includes a €5.5 million allocation to support survivorship programs, community services, and integration with national cancer services. This funding for the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres provides vital support for people with cancer and their families, helping to improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer through community-based services. This investment contributes to the further development of national cancer services, supporting individuals living with and beyond cancer.
182. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health for an update on the new community nursing unit in Clonmel; the handover date and progress on registration with the relevant regulatory bodies; if she will provide an update on the recruitment of staff for the new unit; when she expects patients from the existing St. Anthony’s unit to be transferred; when the unit will be at full capacity; and the number of level 3 palliative care beds that will be provided in the new unit. [57764/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
183. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and the urgent steps her Department is taking to ensure that patients who need treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund can avail of it, as in the case of a person (details supplied). [63787/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to Parliamentary Question 1717 of 4th November, I understand that the Deputy continues to be in contact directly with The National Treatment Purchase Fund who have advised him of the most appropriate course of action in this particular case.
184. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health her response to the results of the 2025 Healthy Ireland survey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63970/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupported by the Department of Health, the annual survey by Ipsos B&A gives an up-to-date picture of the health of the nation, reporting on many health-related lifestyle behaviours. The 2025 report includes General Health, Smoking, E-cigarette and Nicotine Pouches, Alcohol & Non-Alcoholic beer, wine and spirits, Harms of Alcohol, Menopause, Contraception, Sleep, Caring Responsibilities and Healthcare Utilisation.
The Survey is a vital part of the information we collect on how people across Ireland are doing in terms of their health and wellbeing. These data show us where policies and initiatives are working well, but also highlight where additional initiatives may be needed.
This year’s Survey marks 10 years since the first Healthy Ireland Survey was published in 2015, and many of the 10-year trends are very positive; many key indicators are improving. However, the figures reaffirm the need for robust legislation to support health and wellbeing, such as the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, 2018 and The Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2024, which act to reduce alcohol and nicotine related harm respectively.
In 2025, 82% of us report being in good or very good health, showing a slight increase over the past two years. It’s also worth noting that our life-expectancy, at 82.9 years (84.6 for women and 81.1 for men), is the seventh highest in Europe. Fewer older adults in Ireland report being in bad or very bad health, and fewer have chronic diseases compared to the EU average. Self-perceived health in those aged 75 and over has improved by 9 points since 2015.
It is concerning that e-cigarette use is still at 8%; vaping remains very popular among young people in particular. We continue to put a range of legislation and health promotion initiatives in place, to further reduce the prevalence of smoking and nicotine use. The Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2024 will raise the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco products to 21 years, from February 2028. Enactment makes Ireland the first EU Member State to raise the legal age for tobacco purchase to 21 years. Ireland has long been a world leader in tackling the use of tobacco products and we have taken significant strides in recent years.
This year’s Survey reports that one in five people are at risk of hazardous drinking, with two percent of those at higher risk or possibly alcohol dependent. We have made good progress in implementing the provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act. To date, 28 of its 31 provisions have been commenced. The Act’s objectives are to reduce alcohol consumption, to delay the age at which young people begin to drink and to regulate the sale and supply of alcohol.
For the first time, the Survey examined access to contraception and women's experiences of peri-menopause and menopause, supporting the evidence base underpinning the Women's Health Action Plans. Of women accessing HRT, 93% found it either very or somewhat effective. 86% of women aged 17-25, and 74% of those aged 26-35, were aware of the Free Contraception Scheme.
The proportion of people that have visited a GP has increased each year since 2021 and are significantly higher than when first reported in 2015 (71%). 80% of people report having visited a GP in the previous 12 months, with an average of 4.1 visits per person among everyone aged 15 and older.
It should be noted that the Healthy Ireland Survey is a representative study - significant increases in both overall population numbers and in the numbers of older age cohorts means that the total number of appointments, attendances and admissions have also increased, in addition to the number of attendances per person. Our health service is therefore working harder than ever to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population and to improve access to healthcare, in line with the vision of Sláintecare.
185. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the status of the diabetes policy and services review being led by the steering group established in July 2024; when the report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64378/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Diabetes Policy and Services Review Steering Group made up of representatives from the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and Diabetes Ireland, was established in July 2024 to lead on the Diabetes Policy and Services Review.
A broader stakeholder group was also established to support the work of the review. This group included representatives from a wide range of medical and healthcare professions as well as patient advocates.
The stakeholder group held their first meeting on the 3rd of July 2024. Further meetings were held on the 26th of September 2024 and the 21st of November 2024.
The Diabetes Policy and Services Review report has been drafted and submitted to the Department of Health for consideration. Decisions on the next steps in relation to the report will follow this consideration.
186. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the action she is taking to improve stroke care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63884/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting improvements and advances in stroke services and will build on the €13.5m in funding allocated to the HSE National Stroke Strategy since its publication in 2022.
The Strategy aims to modernise and reform stroke services in line with Sláintecare policy and address the challenges facing Ireland from population ageing and the predicted increase in the total number of strokes right across Europe, including Ireland. The strategy provides a blueprint for investment in stroke services over the five-year period from 2022 to 2027 and is based on a required overall investment of approximately €37m.
The funding allocated to the National Stroke Strategy to date has enabled significant new developments which improve care and support for stroke survivors such as:
• The expansion of the GP Contract to include opportunistic case finding of High Blood Pressure for those with a GMS/GP visit card. This contract is now in place, and the service commenced in Q1 2024. This measure initially applied to over 45-year-olds but has now been expanded to include those 18 years and over and is an important preventive measure to curb the expected rise in stroke cases over the next two decades.
• The recruitment of 12 posts in 2023, to support acute stroke units, endovascular thrombectomy centres and the expansion of Early Supported Discharge (ESD) teams in the community from 6 to 11 teams. Our target is 21 ESD teams nationally. It is envisaged that 15 teams will be operational by end 2025.
• Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) is the gold standard of treatment for stroke caused by occlusion of large brain blood vessels 15-20% of strokes are eligible for EVT. There are two EVT sites in Ireland, one in Beaumont and one at CUH.
• EVT rates are around 10% in Ireland nearly three times the rate reported in the UK, reflecting Ireland’s success in this area.
• Bespoke projects in secondary prevention and rehabilitation, carried out by the Cork Stroke Support Centre and Croí have also been funded. These align with relevant areas in the strategy as well as providing support to survivors in remote regions of the country.
• On September 9th, 2025, the HSE launched a new national TV, radio and digital campaign called ‘Every Second Counts’. The campaign reinforces knowledge and understanding of stroke symptoms while focusing on the importance of contacting emergency services immediately when a stroke is suspected. It is envisaged that this measure will increase the number of people attending emergency Departments within the crucial 4.5 hour window for the most effective treatments and the impact of the campaign will be measured by the national stroke audit.
In Budget 2025 a total of €5.0m was allocated to the Strategy. This new funding is enabling the recruitment of 56 new posts to support the expansion of early supported discharge teams and access to acute stroke units to support stroke services through the provision of additional consultants, psychologists and a range of health and social care professionals.
Separately, €600,000 has been allocated to support the Irish Heart Foundation Stroke Connect service. This service complements hospital services by supporting survivors of stroke when they are discharged, helping them make lifestyle changes to self-manage their condition and giving them a better chance of leading an independent life. The Irish National Audit of Stroke 2024/25 found that 96% of acute stroke units refer patients onto this service.
In addition, following the success of a recent swallow screening quality improvement initiative, swallow screening rates have increased from 68% in 2021 to 81% in 2024 demonstrating the significant impact of initiatives like these that can be made with minimal investment.
I remain fully committed to making further progress on implementing the stroke strategy and will continue to work with the HSE to ensure its successful implementation to further reduce mortality from stroke, as well as supporting survivors of stroke to live as independently as possible in their communities.
187. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health her Department’s plans to address the crisis in dental care, given access to care is becoming increasingly difficult for patients in general, as many dental practices are no longer accepting medical card patients. [64345/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides oral healthcare, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as dentures, additional fillings and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs and high-risk patients, are available subject to the approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon.
A package of measures was introduced in 2022 to expand the care available under the Scheme and significantly increase the fees paid to contractors . These measures are having an impact, with access to care continuing to increase each year since they were introduced. In 2024, over 227,000 additional treatments were provided under the DTSS, supporting over 44,000 extra patients compared with 2022. Access to care has continued to improve this year, an additional 5,802 patients have been treated, and a further 14,640 treatments provided in the January-October 2025 period compared to the same period in 2024
In the longer term, the Government is committed to reforming oral healthcare services, including the DTSS, through the implementation of the service reforms set out in the National Oral Health Policy (NOHP), Smile Agus Sláinte. The Policy also contains a range of strategic workforce planning actions to increase national workforce capacity, in support of improving patient access to care. The Programme for Government contains commitments to implement the National Oral Health Policy, reform oral healthcare services for medical card holders and address workforce capacity.
The implementation plan for the first phase of the Policy is currently being finalised by my Department and the HSE. The plan includes reform of services for adult medical card holders among the initial priorities.
188. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of the National Breastfeeding Strategy; the timeframe for its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62398/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEncouraging mothers to breastfeed is a priority, both for the Department of Health and for the HSE, which is reflected across many health policies. The Department of Health is committed to improving access to resources that will increase breastfeeding rates in Ireland, which is an important public health promotion initiative.
Last year, the Department of Health formed a breastfeeding steering group to research and develop a new whole of government breastfeeding policy. The Government intends to build on the work of the HSE Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Action Plan through the development of this multi sectoral approach to policy.
Over the last few months, the Department of Health has engaged with various stakeholders and has conducted bilateral engagement across government to inform how the new strategy will be designed.
The Department has appointed an independent strategy company to oversee wider stakeholder consultation to ensure community collaboration is strengthened to move society towards breastfeeding as a cultural norm. This process is expected to take up to eight months. A stakeholder event is planned for the 26th of November, followed by smaller focus groups in early 2026. The outcomes of this work will inform priorities for action in the new national breastfeeding strategy, which will be published in 2026.
189. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if funding has been secured to ensure the delivery of the new primary health care centre in Tubbercurry, County Sligo; the timeline for completion of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64067/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
190. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to including a 24-hour rapid response vehicle at Tuam ambulance base in the HSE Capital Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63327/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
191. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the Dublin mid-west area; the number of vacant positions for public health nurses in the area; when P2 and P3 developmental checks will be provided throughout the consistency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
192. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the funding being provided for the national cancer strategy in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63980/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding of €27.4 billion has been allocated to the health service for 2026, an increase of 6.2%. Next year, a new approach is being taken to funding allocation with health budgets being devolved to the HSE regions, giving them greater autonomy to meet local needs while holding them accountable for ambitious targets and national standards. This new approach is intended to strengthen performance and will enable targeted resource allocation to address regional variation. It builds on the progress already being made with stronger financial controls and greater focus on improving health outcomes.
The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) will continue to set national standards, develop new and updated cancer care clinical guidance and pathways set nationally. NCCP monitor performance of cancer services, including the rapid access clinics for diagnosis of breast, lung and prostate cancers as well delivery of radiotherapy and surgical oncology. The NCCP works closely with regions to ensure the delivery of safe, effective cancer services in line with the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy.
193. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health for a report on introduction of the national shared care record; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64087/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Shared Care Record (NSCR) is a cornerstone of the Government’s Digital for Care strategy, designed to create a single, integrated digital health record for every citizen. This transformative initiative is being delivered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in alignment with Sláintecare principles, ensuring better continuity of care, enhanced patient safety, and improved access to health information across all services.
Following a competitive procurement process, The Health Service Executive (HSE) completed the procurement for the National Shared Care Record (NSCR) technology platform and associated services earlier this year. The NSCR programme has now been mobilized, with the contract for building the NSCR being awarded in Q2 2025.
The NSCR will provide clinicians a unified view of patient records aggregated from multiple systems, while enabling patients and carers to access clinical details to support informed decision-making. By consolidating existing digital data for key categories that underpin integrated care, the NSCR will improve safety, reduce duplication, and free up time for direct patient care.
The programme is now mobilised, with development underway. A pilot deployment in Waterford/Wexford planned is for Q4 2025, allowing clinicians and patients to access shared records and test integration with current systems. Insights from this pilot will shape subsequent phases, with a staged national roll-out in 2026 and 2027.
The National Shared Care Record is being developed in full compliance with GDPR and aligned with the emerging European Health Data Space (EHDS) framework. This ensures lawful, transparent, and secure data processing, robust consent management, and interoperability standards to support cross-border healthcare where needed.
The Department of Health and HSE is committed to delivering the national shared care record as part of the broader Digital for Care strategy—driving improvements in patient safety, access, and experience, while reducing administrative burden, supporting clinical decision-making, and enabling better use of data for population health and service planning.
194. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the staffing benchmarks she is aiming to implement in primary care services for young people, where waiting-lists across the disciplines of psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy are in crisis; if she will suspend the pay and numbers strategy and undertake a comprehensive recruitment drive based on those benchmarks, as well as recruiting additional staff in the short-medium term to help address waiting-lists that now far exceed the capacity of a fully staffed service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64548/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE’s annual Pay and Numbers Strategy (PNS) sets out the HSE's pay budget, recruitment targets and staffing ceilings for the year. In doing so, the PNS reflects the service commitments outlined in the HSE’s annual National Service Plan (NSP).
Whilst still under consideration by the Minister for Health, the 2026 NSP includes a proposed new approach to the management of pay budgets and staff recruitment. Under these proposals, all decisions on the utilisation and prioritisation of resources will be devolved to the HSE’s Regional Executive Officers and National Directors of National Services and Schemes. These decisions will be made in line with national strategies and the requirement to stay within both budget and WTE limits.
This approach represents a move from concentrating on inputs, such as WTE, to concentrating on outputs that impact on the users of healthcare services.
The approach is discernible in the Primary Care commitments featured in the NSP. Instead of setting staffing thresholds the Primary Care commitments in the NSP include:
• Single point of access to disability, mental health and primary care services will be provided for children to improve timely access to the right care
• Greater access with more services available in the evenings and on weekends
• Implementation of the action plan to reduce Primary Care Therapy Waiting Lists
Taken in conjunction with the commitments to prioritise Community Services more generally, this revised approach represents a significant, positive, development that will allow the HSE additional flexibility to devote necessary resources to address key priorities.
195. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has engaged with the private owners of a clinic (details supplied) following its closure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63719/25]
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
196. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health if she will report on the three options outlined by HIQA into urgent and emergency healthcare services in the HSE Midwest region; her plans for their prompt implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64224/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health her response to HIQA’s review on the delivery of urgent and emergency healthcare services in HSE Midwest; when decisions will be made with regard to the recommendations in the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64089/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 204 together.
HIQA published their independent and expert review of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the HSE Mid West Region on Tuesday 30th of September.
The HIQA report clearly identifies that the lack of sufficient acute inpatient beds in UHL and the Mid West region is the core issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
The report presents three options for how to best address the capacity gap. These include the expansion of capacity at UHL on the Dooradoyle site (Option A); the extension of the UHL hospital campus to include a second site in close proximity under a shared governance and resourcing model (Option B); and the development of a Model 3 hospital in HSE Mid West, providing a second emergency department (ED) for the region (Option C).
My officials and I are considering the comprehensive and detailed reports and advice provided by HIQA, including the three options identified. I will report back to Government on these options and considerations before the end of the year.
197. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure that when the new wing of St. Vincent's Hospital, Mountmellick, is open, the existing section of the hospital that is in use continues to be operational given this was extensively refurbished in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64159/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
198. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health if hospital car parking charges in St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny will be phased out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64382/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
199. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the action being taken with regard to the recruitment of GPs in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64086/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. The State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP.
Work is ongoing to increase the number of GPs practicing in the State and thereby improve access to GP services for all patients across the country.
Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The agreements provide for increased GP capitation fees, increased and new supports for practices, as well as new fees for additional services. The 2023 Agreement also provided for the expansion of GP visit card eligibility in 2023 to all children under 8 years of age and all those who earn up to the median household income.
GMS GPs working in rural areas who meet the qualifying criteria receive an annual rural practice support allowance under the Rural Practice Support Framework. The 2019 Agreement increased the practice support package for rural GP practices by 10%. Practices in receipt of rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking. The 2019 Agreement also introduced a €2 million per annum support for GP practices in disadvantaged urban areas.
The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. The number of new entrant training places is to increase again next year by 50 places to 400. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years.
In addition, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. As of end of Q3, there are 115 IMG GPs within the programme currently placed in general practice and a further 39 have completed the 2-year programme. The placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas.
Lastly, it is worth noting that a Strategic Review of General Practice is underway. The review, with input from key stakeholders, is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity and will consider possible mechanisms to attract GPs to rural and underserved areas. Following its completion, a final report will be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.
200. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the most recent statistics on mental health outcomes among the Travelling community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64618/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo the extent that this relates to services, I have referred this question to the HSE for direct response.
The Traveller Community are recognised as a priority group in national mental health strategies such as Sharing the Vision and the National Suicide and self-harm Prevention Strategy - Connecting for Life. Travellers experience disproportionately high levels of mental health difficulties and suicide rates. The population health approach that this policy advocates contains universal recommendations that benefit everyone in society but also acknowledges that additional work is required to promote positive mental health and build resilience among specific priority groups deemed to be ‘at risk’.
To address the area of Traveller mental health and the adverse mental health outcomes experienced by members of the Traveller community, the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) for Sharing the Vision is in the process of establishing a Traveller Mental Health Specialist Group. A proposal has been developed and is in the process of being advanced, with the significant input of the HSE-chaired National Traveller and Roma Mental Health Working Group and representative Traveller mental health organisations. Proposed Membership will be presented to NIMC for approval at its next meeting on the 20th of November.
The proposed lifespan of the Specialist Group will be 12 months, from end-2025 to end-2026. The Specialist Group will be requested to produce a “Traveller Mental Health Action Plan” for enhancing and optimising mental health supports for Travellers, considering the needs and circumstances of the Traveller community, principally aligned with Sharing the Vision and considering interdependent and associated policies and strategies.
The Group will feature representation from the Traveller community, including lived experience representatives and those involved in providing services in the community
We know that the Traveller suicide rate is 6 times higher when compared to the general population and accounts for approximately 11% of all Traveller deaths. Permanent improvements to suicide prevention for Travellers specifically have been implemented under Connecting for Life, Irelands National Suicide Prevention strategy. There has been significant engagement with Travellers and Traveller representative organisations as part of the public consultation on the new successor suicide reduction strategy, which is currently being progressed.
201. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if she or her Department are aware of the concerns of practicing psychotherapists with the proposed changes to CORU regulation on psychotherapy; the way in which the proposals will ensure the maintenance of standards of psychotherapy profession, keeping in line with best European and international practice; if she is aware of the potential implications for the reduction of training hours with the new regulation changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64569/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation of counsellors and psychotherapists is being introduced to protect the public, ensuring that care provided is of a consistently high standard and always by suitably qualified individuals.
CORU have undertaken extensive research, analysis, and public consultation to introduce regulation of each profession for the first time.
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.
The recently adopted Standards and Criteria reflect the threshold knowledge and skills required for safe practice at entry to the professions of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
CORU’s competency-based framework ensures that essential attributes such as self-awareness, reflexivity, and ethical judgment are achieved through validated educational methods, including clinical supervision, reflective practice, and experiential learning.
The standards set the threshold for safe and effective practice, without restricting innovation or allowing education providers to exceed these minimum requirements at their discretion.
I am confident that CORU’s work will bring clear benefits for public protection.
CORU will continue to engage closely with stakeholders, including professional bodies as the regulatory process advances, keeping public protection at the centre of this work.
202. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the large number of small retail shops selling unregulated food and drink products, particularly energy drinks, which are not labelled in English, and breaching EU regulations; if she will outline the enforcement actions in place, and that have been acted upon to address this issue; and if there are further plans in place to tackle this issue and protect from consumption, particularly by youths, of these unregulated products. [64098/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood labelling in the EU is governed by Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (FIC), for which my Department has responsibility.
Article 15, of the FIC Regulation, Language requirements, states that “mandatory food information shall appear in a language easily understood by the consumers of the Member States where a food is marketed.” and “the Member States in which a food is marketed may stipulate that the particulars shall be given in one or more languages from among the official languages of the Union”
In Ireland, the language requirements of the FIC Regulation are given effect in S.I. No. 556/2014 – European Union (Provision of Food Information to Consumers) Regulations 2014 which provides for bilingual labelling. This S.I. provides food business operators (FBOs) the flexibility to offer mandatory food information in either (a) the English language, or (b) the Irish language and the English language.
Food business operators are responsible for ensuring that food that is placed on the market is compliant with all applicable food legislation.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is responsible for enforcement of food legislation in Ireland. Official controls on food retailers, large and small, are conducted by the HSE’s National Environmental Health Service under service contract to the FSAI
I have asked the HSE National Environmental Health Service to reply to the Deputy on the part of the question referring to enforcement actions as it is an operational matter.
203. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress made by her Department regarding the Programme for Government commitment to explore early access schemes for medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63426/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the importance of timely access for patients to new medicines.
The Programme for Government contains a suite of measures on medicines which my officials will seek to progress over the lifetime of this government.
Sustainability remains a core priority for the Government. It is crucial, given high levels of expenditure growth across the health sector in recent years and the new challenging economic conditions, that medicines expenditure does not come at a cost to other health areas.
Officials are at present, actively engaging with the pharmaceutical industry to secure the successor multi-year Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines on behalf of the State. Due to the commercially confidential nature of these negotiations the State is unable to comment on these negotiations at this time.
Supported by 158 million euros of funding, in the last four years, the State has delivered access to 238 new medicines. Ninety-seven (97) of these were for cancer and sixty-four (64) of these were for rare diseases. Budget 2026 allocated 30 million euro in funding for new medicines.
The Government has introduced a suite of new measures to enhance capacity in the HSE’s pricing and reimbursement system including thirty-four (34) additional staff and a medicines application tracker to increase transparency of the process.
Access to medicines requires industry and the State to work together, through timely assessment, and reasonable pricing with fully completed HTAs (Health Technology Assessments). This partnership has directly benefited patients, for example those with cancer and rare diseases.
As stated in the Programme for Government, consideration will be given to early access mechanisms for medicines. These mechanisms and their effects are complex and must be evaluated carefully.
