Written Answers Nos. 503-523
503. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the actions that have been taken to date to meet the Programme for Government commitment to investigate early access schemes for certain types of medicines; whether there are plans to consult with patient organisations as part of this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66868/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a suite of measures on medicines, which we aim to progress over its lifetime. Access to medicines is the focus of a number of workstreams across my Department.
Budgets 2021-2025 allocated an additional €158 million for new drugs, which has facilitated the introduction of 243 new medicines up to November 2025. One hundred and one (101) of these medicines are for treating cancer and 67 are orphan medicines for rare diseases. Budget 2026 allocated €217 million in additional funding for drugs, with €30 million of this allocated for new drugs funding.
In 2023 a review of the drug reimbursement process was published. It found that the process was operating as intended and in line with international norms. Recommendations from the review have now been implemented. A pricing and reimbursement application tracker has been launched to improve transparency. In 2024 an additional 34 staff were recruited to enhance capacity across the pricing and reimbursement system.
Access to medicines requires industry and the State to work together, through timely assessment, and reasonable pricing with fully completed HTAs (Health Technology Assessments). The Government encourages pharmaceutical companies to submit timely applications for reimbursement.
My Department is looking at reimbursement systems across the European Union and working closely on access to medicines with Beneluxa partners, where we have had previous success.
As outlined in the Programme for Government, consideration will be given to early access mechanisms for medicines. Stakeholder views will be included in my Department’s considerations. These mechanisms and their effects are complex and must be evaluated carefully.
504. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health for an update on the EuroHeart Data registry pilot programme active in the south-west; the methods that have been used in this programme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66869/25]
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.
505. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if Ireland's new cardiovascular plan aims to tackle the high levels of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in Ireland by focusing on early detection and effective management of risk factors for ASCVD, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66870/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2023 and is estimated to cost the Irish state €1.7 billion annually, with 46% of this being direct healthcare costs.
Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. Today, CVD mortality is about half of the levels of 1995, however, CVD still accounts for 27.8% of all deaths in Ireland. However, the absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.
CVD and its management are prioritised through national policy, strategies, and clinical programmes, which include models of care for stroke, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure and chronic disease management. The Programme for Government (PfG) 2025 commits to “Building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy, we will develop a new and more ambitious plan enhancing patient care and timely access across all regions.”
On April 8th, the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services was published. This comprehensive, evidence-based report provides 23 key recommendations to inform future cardiac health policy. It offers both a data-driven analysis and a clear roadmap for reforming cardiac services across the country. DoH officials are now working closely with the HSE to progress the implementation of these recommendations. This is a complex, multiyear reform programme that will ensure a comprehensive and deliverable approach in achieving outcomes.
Cardiovascular health has been prioritised in Budget 2025, which allocates over €9 million in full-year funding to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Budget 2025 allocated €4 million full year costs, and 45 WTEs to progress cardiac services. To date, 28 of these 45 WTEs have been prioritised and 5.1 WTE posts have been accepted. This investment facilitates the initial steps in cardiac services reform and will support the development of a new cardiovascular strategy in the longer term. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.
With regard to services for stoke, the National Stroke Strategy was published in 2022 and over €13m has been allocated to its implementation to date. The Stroke Strategy aims to modernise our Stroke services in line with Sláintecare and ensure the future readiness of services given our ageing demography and the predicted rise in stroke incidence in coming decades. Most recently in Budget 2025, of the €9m invested in Cardiovascular Health, full year costs of €5m were allocated which will provide 56 WTEs to strengthen Acute Stroke units and expand the Early Supported Discharge Team network from 11-15 teams nationally.
The GP Chronic Disease Management Programme commenced in 2020 and has been rolled out on a phased basis over 4 years to adults with either a Medical Card or GP Visit Card (GMS patients). The aim of the Programme is to prevent and manage chronic diseases.
The conditions covered by the CDM Treatment Programme are Type 2 Diabetes, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cardiovascular disease.
The CDM Treatment Programme supports patients in managing their chronic condition. Patients receive two reviews in a 12-month period, with each review including a practice nurse and a GP visit.
Each review includes patient education, preventative care, medication review, physical examination, investigations, and an individual care plan. Blood tests such as a Full Blood Count, Urea & Electrolytes, Fasting Lipid Profile, HB1AC, NT Pro BNP etc. are included in the review as clinically indicated.
The Third Report of the Structured Chronic Disease Management Treatment Programme in General Practice was published in May 2025, and can be found at the following link; www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/primary/third-chronic-disease-report.pdf
The results of this report show a reduction in both lifestyle risk factor and biometric risk factors that were achieved by patients by their third or subsequent visits to the GP.
The programme is popular with patients with an uptake of 80% for all patients (61% in those aged 18 to 64 years and 89% in those 65 years and older).
The report demonstrates a range of good control of LDL cholesterol results for high-risk population. Similarly, the distribution of HbA1c levels (a key blood-chemistry marker) shows excellent control among people living with diabetes.
Results of the CDM Programme to date suggests an effective programme which is well supported by GPs and patients and achieves good lifestyle behaviour and clinical results.
506. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if Ireland's new cardiovascular plan aims to focus on the specific role which cholesterol plays in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66871/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2023 and is estimated to cost the Irish state €1.7 billion annually, with 46% of this being direct healthcare costs.
Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. Today, CVD mortality is about half of the levels of 1995, however, CVD still accounts for 27.8% of all deaths in Ireland. However, the absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.
Irish officials working with EU colleagues contributed to a new Council Conclusion on the improvement of cardiovascular health adopted on 3rd December 2024, marking a strong political commitment towards improving cardiovascular health across Europe. We expect the EU Cardiovascular Plan will be published shortly. This is an initiative by the European Commission to tackle cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading cause of death in the EU. Its objectives include reducing premature deaths by improving prevention, early detection, and treatment, while also boosting innovation.
CVD and its management are prioritised through national policy, strategies, and clinical programmes, which include models of care for stroke, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure and chronic disease management. The Programme for Government (PfG) 2025 commits to “Building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy, we will develop a new and more ambitious plan enhancing patient care and timely access across all regions.”
On April 8th, the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services was published. This comprehensive, evidence-based report provides 23 key recommendations to inform future cardiac health policy. It offers both a data-driven analysis and a clear roadmap for reforming cardiac services across the country. DoH officials are now working closely with the HSE to progress the implementation of these recommendations. This is a complex, multiyear reform programme that will ensure a comprehensive and deliverable approach in achieving outcomes.
Cardiovascular health has been prioritised in Budget 2025, which allocates over €9 million in full-year funding to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Budget 2025 allocated €4 million full year costs, and 45 WTEs to progress cardiac services. To date, 28 of these 45 WTEs have been prioritised and 5.1 WTE posts have been accepted. This investment facilitates the initial steps in cardiac services reform and will support the development of a new cardiovascular strategy in the longer term. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.
With regard to services for stoke, the National Stroke Strategy was published in 2022 and over €13m has been allocated to its implementation to date. The Stroke Strategy aims to modernise our Stroke services in line with Sláintecare and ensure the future readiness of services given our ageing demography and the predicted rise in stroke incidence in coming decades. Most recently in Budget 2025, of the €9m invested in Cardiovascular Health, full year costs of €5m were allocated which will provide 56 WTEs to strengthen Acute Stroke units and expand the Early Supported Discharge Team network from 11-15 teams nationally.
507. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health for an update on her plans to introduce a systematic LDL cholesterol screening programme in line with recommendation 20 of the National Review of Cardiac Services; if she intends to introduce such a programme in 2026; if she will consider launching a national 'know your numbers' public awareness campaign on key cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI) to support this screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66872/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Health, I am dedicated to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
I would note that any changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister. The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
I would like to highlight that NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite proposals from all stakeholders and organisations, including members of the public, the HSE and other medical professionals, for the introduction of new screening programmes or changes to existing programmes.
The 2025 Call for Submissions closed on 12 September 2025. Further information the list of conditions currently on NSAC’s work programme is available on the NSAC webpage at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie
508. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available in the HSE Service Plan for one new specialist nurse role and one new pharmacist role for the pulmonary arterial hypertension unit in the Mater Hospital; if a business case for these roles has been received and is being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66873/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe additional funding for current expenditure in Budget 2026 for the Health Vote is €1.5 billion, bringing the total current allocation to €25.8 billion. This includes funding to maintain existing levels of service and for new service developments, including funding for the recruitment of 3,300 additional whole time equivalent staff in 2026.
The HSE is in the process of preparing its National Service Plan for 2026, setting out how the HSE will operationalise the Department’s priorities funded in Budget 2026, including the key priorities of improved access, quality and safety for those who use our services and value for money for the public more broadly.
The National Service Plan will include HSE plans, targets and timelines for specific measures to be progressed in 2026. Further information on the specific measures to be progressed in 2026, along with the associated funding and staffing, will be available when the National Service Plan has been completed and approved.
509. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66876/25]
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.
510. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health her views on correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66877/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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.
511. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if the National Ambulance Service are examining other possible air ambulance sites in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66912/25]
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.
512. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on filling roles in an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66913/25]
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.
513. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by her Department and its agencies; the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66931/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy relating to my Department is not immediately available. This information is currently being collated and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
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.
514. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if hospitals record the number of spiking cases that present to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66940/25]
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.
515. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if the HSE reports incidents of spiking to An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66941/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra516. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if sexual assault treatment units record incidents of spiking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66942/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra517. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if sexual assault treatment units report incidents of spiking to An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66943/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 515, 516 and 517 together.
As this is an operational matter, this PQ is referred to the HSE for direct response to the deputy.
518. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 687 of 14 October 2025 stating that the organisation are 'not the appropriate responders' to the question; if she intends to fully fund the Collaborative Tuberculosis Strategy for Ireland: 2024–2030. [66944/25]
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.
519. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her views on a new restriction on interviews in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (details supplied); if she will engage with the RCSI regarding this restriction and its implications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66958/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe RCSI is the body responsible for the selection and training of surgical trainees in the Irish health service. Their processes for selection are evidence-based and focused on appointing the most appropriate trainees to the training programmes, in the best interest of patient care.In June 2025 the ISPTC (Irish Surgical Postgraduate Training Committee) of RCSI made the decision to conduct face to face interviews. This decision was based on concerns about potential for misuse of AI by candidates during national selection processes. As part of the application process to Core Surgical Training (CST), applicants must complete surgical aptitudes. Previously these could be completed online and then submitted. Concerns were raised, however, that because the test was online and not invigilated, it was vulnerable to the possibility of not being a true assessment of the aptitude of the applicant and the potential for use of AI assistance to support or enhance the outcome of the test. It was decided therefore that the aptitude test would need to be completed in person, with invigilation in RCSI. The RCSI has informed the Department that it notified this change in early July 2025 on its website, and that all information regarding its applications process was advertised on its website in advance of the opening date of 14 October 2025. The RCSI states that the CST application process has not changed, and that all applications are still submitted via an online application portal. What has changed for applications in 2025 for the 2026 intake is that the surgical aptitude testing, and subsequent interview, have reverted to being completed in person.
The RCSI is engaged with stakeholders regarding these changes. The RCSI understands there may be significant challenges for potential applicants currently based in Australia and New Zealand, some of whom who have reached out to the RCSI regarding their inability to come home to complete the surgical aptitudes. Recognising the potential impact of the changes for applicants, the RCSI have undertaken the following steps:
• During the week commencing 17 November 2025, the RCSI provided a test centre in Melbourne, Australia, providing candidates in the southern hemisphere with an opportunity to undertake the aptitude test there in person.
• Notification of this option was communicated on the RCSI website and the RCSI was directly in contact with approximately 40–45 applicants regarding this process.
Over the last number of years RCSI has seen a significant increase in the number of applications for Core Surgical Training. For the 2025 intake, RCSI received 487 applications to Core Surgical Training and interviewed 214 candidates, appointing 100 to the programme. For the 2026 intake, applications have risen again to over 500, representing a continued upward trend in interest and a threefold increase since 2020, demonstrating the sustained appeal and competitiveness of surgical training through RCSI.
For the 2026 intake, RCSI facilitated 480 aptitude tests in Dublin, and 43 aptitudes were conducted in Australia. Following the aptitudes process, RCSI will shortlist candidates for interview, approximately 220 are shortlisted annually for interview but this can vary from year to year. The selection process for Core Surgical Training is not an entry level medical interview, but a detailed, evidence-based assessment of post graduate medical applicants who will work and train as Surgical Trainees in our hospitals. All RCSI Surgical and Emergency Training programme interviews between February and March 2026 will be held in person.
The RCSI decision to revert to face-to-face interviews and surgical aptitude assessments was not taken lightly. The RCSI recognises the potentially significant operational and logistical impacts for all stakeholders involved.
The RCSI is committed to ensuring it has a transparent and fair process for all those who wish to compete for a CST programme for July 2026. The RCSI continues to engage proactively with stakeholders and applicants on these matters. Information about this process is readily available on the RCSI website each year, including communication of any changes deemed necessary to ensure the highest of standards are maintained.
520. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if consideration is being given to expanding access to a peanut oral immunotherapy drug for children with nut allergies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66960/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. I have reached out to the HSE on this matter.
As per the 2013 Act the HSE must robustly assesses applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure that it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver the best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to people living in Ireland.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds.
There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and / or reimbursed.
The HSE considers the following criteria prior to making any decision on pricing / reimbursement in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013:
(1) The health needs of the public,
(2) The cost effectiveness of meeting health needs by supplying the item concerned rather than providing other health services,
(3) The availability and suitability of items for supply or reimbursement,
(4) The proposed costs, benefits, and risks of the item or listed item relative to therapeutically similar items or listed items provided in other health service settings and the level of certainty in relation to the evidence of those costs, benefits and risks,
(5) The potential or actual budget impact of the item or listed item,
(6) The clinical need for the item or listed item,
(7) The appropriate level of clinical supervision required in relation to the item to ensure patient safety,
(8) The efficacy (performance in trial), effectiveness (performance in real situations) and added therapeutic benefit against existing standards of treatment (how much better it treats a condition than existing therapies) and
(9) The resources available to the HSE
In terms of the specific details of the application for pricing and reimbursement of Defatted powder of Arachis hypogaea L., semen (peanuts) (Palforzia®):
The HSE received a complete application for pricing / reimbursement on the 30th March 2022 from Aimmune Therapeutics (the applicant) for Defatted powder of Arachis hypogaea L., semen (peanuts) (Palforzia®) for the treatment of patients aged 4 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy. (Palforzia® may be continued in patients 18 years of age and older).
• The first step in the process is the submission of a Rapid Review dossier (a clinical and economic dossier) to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) for assessment. The HSE commissioned the Rapid Review process on the 1st April 2022.
• The NCPE Rapid Review assessment report was received by the HSE on the 5th May 2022. The NCPE advised the HSE that a full HTA was recommended to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Defatted powder of Arachis hypogaea L., semen (peanuts) (Palforzia®) compared with the current standard of care.
• The HSE commissioned a full Health Technology Assessment on the 26th May 2022 as per agreed processes.
• The NCPE Health Technology Assessment Report was received by the HSE on the 29th November 2023. The NCPE recommended that Defatted powder of Arachis hypogaea L., semen (peanuts) (Palforzia®) not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments. (www.ncpe.ie/defatted-powder-of-arachis-hypogaea-l-semen-peanuts-palforzia-hta-id-22019/)
• The HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit (CPU) is the interface between the HSE and the Pharmaceutical Industry in relation to medicine pricing and reimbursement applications. CPU met with the applicant to discuss their application for Arachis hypogaea L., semen (peanuts) (Palforzia®).
• The Drugs Group is the national committee which the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The membership of the HSE Drugs Group includes public interest members. The HSE Drugs Group consider all of the evidence and make a recommendation to the HSE Senior Leadership Team. The totality of clinical and economic evidence for Defatted powder of Arachis hypogaea L., semen (peanuts) (Palforzia®) for the treatment of patients aged 4 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy was comprehensively and extensively reviewed by the Drugs Group at the September 2024 meeting. The HSE Drugs Group recommended in favour of reimbursement of Arachis hypogaea L., semen (peanuts) (Palforzia®) subject to an improved commercial offering.
• The decision making authority in the HSE is the HSE Senior Leadership Team. The HSE Senior Leadership Team decides on the basis of all the demands it is faced with (across all services) whether it can fund a new medicine, or new use of an existing medicine, from the resources that have been provided to it in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
• The HSE CPU proposed a meeting with the applicant to discuss the HSE Drugs Group recommendation. The applicant communicated to the HSE CPU in October 2024 that they wished for the application for Palforzia® to be paused until the end of 2025.
The application remains under consideration. The HSE cannot make any comment on possible outcomes from the ongoing process.
521. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to a white paper by an organisation (details supplied); her views on each of the five actions identified by the committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66961/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the white paper referenced by the Deputy has been received by my Department and the HSE, and it is currently under consideration.
I am also aware that the matters raised in this paper are the subject of a separate industrial relations claim that has been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). As this matter is due before the WRC shortly, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
522. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the number of radiography clinical practice tutor posts, by site, in tabular form. [66962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible
523. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her plans to increase the number of radiography clinical practice tutor posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66963/25]
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.
