Michael Cahill
Ceist:908. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expedite a respite bed or short-term bed in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65928/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services
Ceisteanna (908)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (909)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:909. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the amount that has been received from the cumulative savings through reduced medicine reimbursements and pharmacy fee remuneration since 2009; the way in which those funds have been allocated within the health budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65953/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and will take some time to collate, I have asked my officials to provide the Deputy with a comprehensive response as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (910)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:910. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if she will consider reviewing the current pension payment schedule for nurses, which is paid monthly, to explore the possibility of issuing pension payments twice a month (every two weeks) in the line with the fortnightly pay cycle of working nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65957/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The role of the Minister for Health is primarily to deal with legislation, policy, overall budgetary allocation, and corporate governance. The HSE is a separate entity to the Department of Health and as such, the HSE has responsibility for matters relating to the staff within their employ, such as those that you are raising.
It is not possible for the Minister to intervene in an individual employment matter such as this, however if you have further information that you would like to raise that you have not previously, you will need to bring these directly to the attention of the HSE for examination via the correct procedural channels.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (911)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:911. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE employed WTE infection prevention and control clinical nurse specialist posts that were filled in the Kerry area in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65963/25]
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.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (912)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:912. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE dental hygienists and senior dental nurses posts that were filled within the Kerry dental services form for the years 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65964/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (913)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:913. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant plastic surgeons based at University Hospital Kerry in the years 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65965/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (914)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:914. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE audiologists by grade that were based within the primary care services in County Kerry for 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65966/25]
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.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (915)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:915. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if there are any proposals or plans to change the number of ambulances based in Kenmare community nursing unit; the number of ambulances currently using it as their full-time base; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65985/25]
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.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (916)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:916. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to give favourable consideration to increasing the number of GP cards being issued to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65990/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
GP visit card provision is primarily based on residency and means. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a GP visit card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card or GP visit card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card or GP visit card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
Since September 2018, individuals in receipt of either a full or half-rate Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit are automatically eligible for a GP visit card. Furthermore, GP visit card eligibility was expanded under the GP Agreement 2023 to all those earning up to the median household income and, on the basis of age, from all children under 6 years to all children under the 8 years. All persons aged 70 years and over are also eligible for a GP visit card.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card and GP visit card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card and GP visit card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (917)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:917. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of former secretary general’s, retired civil servants, directors of service, retired city and county managers or those of a similar grade in her Department that have subsequently served on State boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65996/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is not held by the Department as it is not possible to be definitive about the employment of a person serving on a State Board, other than where they represent the Minister.
More information on State Boards and their membership can be accessed at www.membership.stateboards.ie/.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (918)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:918. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for equipment for children with disabilities by CHO, RHO and CDNT; the number approved; and the average waiting time for a decision, in tabular form. [66013/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is a matter for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and should be redirected to that Department
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (919, 920, 921)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:919. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health for an update on the rollout of the national clinical programme for eating disorders; the number of multidisciplinary teams currently operational; the timeline for the full implementation of the 16 teams envisaged under the model of care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66016/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNaoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:920. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health for an update on the review of the model of care for eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66017/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNaoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:921. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health the number of adults and children currently waiting for eating disorder treatment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66018/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 919 to 921, inclusive, together.
The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care funded as of 2025, with a further two having been allocated funding under Budget 2026. The HSE spends over €9 million on eating disorders services annually. As a result, access to eating disorder services is increasing, with 25% more assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 vs 449).
Approximately 100 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day. Enhancement for specialist mental health services including eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Under funding secured for Budget 2025, two additional eating disorders team are expected to be operational before the end of year.
Our current focus is on completing and implementing the existing Model of Care and supporting the rollout of additional teams. Once this is complete, an evaluation will be undertaken, after which the Model of Care will be reviewed by the HSE.a
More recently, the HSE have now completed a report on inpatient eating bed disorder bed capacity required for the future. This report has been received by my Department for further consideration for alignment with the HSE’s National Capital Plan.
Enhancing Eating Disorder services is a priority for me as Minister, and I secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new additional eating disorder teams. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services.
With reference to the specific information requested on the National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Question No. 920 answered with Question No. 919.
Question No. 921 answered with Question No. 919.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (922)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:922. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health if she is considering structured day services that would bridge the gap from inpatient care to outpatient care for adolescents recovering from eating disorders (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66031/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded. The HSE spends over €9 million on eating disorders services annually. As a result, access to eating disorder services is increasing, with 25% more assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 vs 449).
Approximately 100 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day. Enhancement for specialist mental health services including eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Under funding secured for Budget 2025, two additional eating disorders team are expected to be operational before the end of year.
Enhancing Eating Disorder services is a priority for me as Minister, and I secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new additional eating disorder teams. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services.
I recognise that day services can be an important support for people with Eating Disorders, and last month I officially opened the Eating Disorder Day Service at Mt. Carmel.
With reference to the specific information relating to the National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (923)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:923. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of people on the waiting list for the audiology service, including the routine adult waitlist, in tabular form; the average waiting time to be seen; the number of WTE staff working in the service; the number of vacancies, if any; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66041/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Health Services
Ceisteanna (924, 925)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:924. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will consider a reimbursement scheme or a support mechanism for women who used the private sector to seek a diagnosis for endometriosis due to the lack of services prior to the endometriosis framework being implemented. [66064/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Lawless
Ceist:925. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if her Department will consider a reimbursement or support mechanism for women who had to pay privately due to lack of public care; the immediate supports that can be introduced for those already impacted, beyond the promises of the national endometriosis framework; and how the State intends to recognise and address the profound emotional, reproductive, and financial harm caused by decades of neglect. [66065/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 924 and 925 together.
It is recognised that endometriosis is a significant health issue for women in Ireland today and the HSE acknowledges that it is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat because of the variation of presentations which can impact the physical and mental well-being of patients. Endometriosis is a chronic disease with high recurrence rates, for which there is no definitive cure.
On 18 October I launched the National Framework for the management of Endometriosis. The Framework sets out for the first time in Ireland a defined clinical pathway for women with endometriosis, which spans primary to secondary care to specialist complex care in tertiary settings.
Most women experiencing signs and symptoms of endometriosis present to their local GP in the community. In line with clinical guidelines GPs are encouraged to initiate treatment for suspected endometriosis and may refer women with suspected endometriosis to general gynaecology services in their local hospital.
Regional Specialist Centres for moderate cases have been established in the Rotunda, the Coombe, and Limerick, with clinics under further development in Galway and the National Maternity Hospital.
Two supra-regional specialist centres, in Tallaght and Cork, have been established for the management of complex endometriosis cases.
All endometriosis sites are operational and taking referrals. Treatment including surgical intervention is being provided across the network.
Additional funding has been provided this year to expand these services through the recruitment of more personnel to provide multidisciplinary care at both supra-regional and regional level.
The Framework was officially published in October of this year. Funding of over €5 million has already been invested in specialist endometriosis services since 2021. In addition, endometriosis surgeries have been and continue to be performed in other acute gynaecology services.
The HSE has carried out an analysis of the short term and medium-term requirements to build adequate capacity, improve clinical pathways and increase expertise within our endometriosis services. The HSE’s budget for 2026 will be €27.4 billion, an increase of 6.2% on 2025. This investment will enable expansion and improvement in our health services, including endometriosis.
The Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme commenced from the 18 October and will operate in addition to the existing treatment abroad pathways, including the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme, the EU Cross Border Directive and Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Schemes. The interim scheme will cover costs for the transport abroad and for healthcare provided, paid directly to the hospital.
Where a person accesses private healthcare in Ireland there is no facility for the cost of that care to be reimbursed by the public health system.
Question No. 925 answered with Question No. 924.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (926)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:926. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2919 of 29 July 2025, to quantify the costs presented further (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66066/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (927)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:927. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the total expenditure on contracting out radiotherapy treatment for public patients to private providers to date in 2025, by hospital, in tabular form; and to provide a cost breakdown, by reason (details supplied). [66067/25]
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 (928)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:928. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her plans to mitigate the expected costs of outsourcing radiotherapy to private providers as a result of ageing machinery and expected breakdowns in Cork and Galway in the next four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66068/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (929)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:929. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount her Department and any body under her aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66081/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There were no payments to this company in the years 2020-2025 from the Department of Health and bodies under its aegis.
This PQ has also been referred to the HSE to respond directly.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (930)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:930. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount her Department and any body under her aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66099/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The details of payments by year, from the Department of Health and bodies under its aegis, that has been spent on the services of Translations.ie, are in the attached document.
This PQ has also been referred to the HSE to respond directly.
Question No. 931 answered with Question No. 879.
Question No. 932 answered with Question No. 879.