Thomas Gould
Ceist:1027. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the amount paid to Southdoc to date in 2025. [72109/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1027)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1028)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:1028. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of complaints received about Cork health services in 2025, by complaint category or health service provider. [72110/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1029)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:1029. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of active litigations for healthcare malpractice in Cork currently underway; and the amount paid for litigating same in 2025. [72111/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury and third-party property damage claims on behalf of State authorities including the Health Service Executive (HSE). The SCA has provided me with the information set out below in respect of the HSE South West Region, which provides health and social care services to Cork and Kerry.
The total number of active claims for the HSE South West Region in respect of clinical care as of 01/12/2025 was 611.
The total transactional amount paid during 2025 up to the end of November (including VAT where applicable) for open and closed claims, as well as a small number of incidents and inquests, in the HSE South West Region under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme was €34,393,217. This amount relates to 386 unique claims.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (1030)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:1030. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if she will consider extending special leave with pay or providing a similar measure for those who worked on the frontline during the pandemic and contracted long-Covid and as a result are still suffering from serious health issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72116/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
After a hearing in the Labor Court in June, it was recommended that a final extension of the current Special Scheme to the 31st of December 2025, at which point anyone remaining on the scheme should transition to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme. Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell beyond that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support. Employees who did not qualify for the Special Scheme but are also impacted by Long-Covid may also utilise the supports of the sick leave scheme. The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (1031)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:1031. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health to clarify the rationale for including the Adamstown primary care centre in Dublin within the ARK assessment process for primary care centre development intended to serve Kilcock, Maynooth and Leixlip; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72117/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (1032)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:1032. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health in view of Kilcock's designation as a standalone facility, the investment and staffing measures planned to ensure that Maynooth is adequately resourced and formally recognised within the ARK framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72118/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (1033)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:1033. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the way in which Maynooth, which currently operates only as a satellite of the Celbridge primary care centre, will be resourced to address the requirements of a growing population without recognition as a standalone centre under the ARK model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72119/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1034)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1034. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of unfilled CAMHS consultant psychiatry posts; the recruitment plan to address vacancies; and the timeline for achieving full staffing levels. [72127/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this refers to staffing/recruitment we have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1035)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1035. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of people presenting to emergency departments with mental-health crises each month; the average wait time to be seen by a mental-health professional; and the measures being introduced to improve emergency mental-health pathways; in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [72128/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1036)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1036. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the staffing levels in community mental-health teams by RHA; the number of teams operating below recommended levels; and the plan for achieving multidisciplinary staffing targets. [72129/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1037)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1037. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of people on primary-care psychology waiting lists; the proportion of children waiting more than 12 months; and the steps being taken to expand access to psychological therapies. [72130/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Budgets
Ceisteanna (1038, 1131)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1038. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the total mental health budget for 2026; and the proportion of overall health spending this represents. [72131/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSorca Clarke
Ceist:1131. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the overall health budget allocation for 2026; the exact percentage allocated to mental health; and the way in which this compares with the Sláintecare target of 10% by 2030. [72454/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1038 and 1131 together.
The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I would note that Budget 2026 saw a record allocation for mental health services of almost €1.6bn.
The 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 300 additional whole time equivalent staff within Mental Health in 2026.
This is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. This increase in funding for mental health services represents a significant investment which will enable continued policy implementation and service improvement in line with our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, and our national suicide and self-harm reduction strategy Connecting for Life, across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, through to specialist mental health services.
This year’s budget provided the opportunity to focus on investing in crisis support and suicide prevention; youth mental health and CAMHS, and expanding the National Clinical Programmes.
The HSE has published 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 includes HSE plans, targets and timelines for specific measures to be progressed in 2026
It should be noted that mental health funding has increased significantly since 2020, with the table below outlining the budget allocation for HSE Mental Health Services between 2020 and 2025:
|
NSP Allocation |
2019 €m |
2020 €m |
2021 €m |
2022 €m |
2023 €m |
2024 €m |
2025 €m |
|
Mental Health |
987 |
1,031 |
1,114 |
1,159 |
1,227 |
1,338 |
1,458 |
While Sláintecare recommends that 10% of the health budget should be ringfenced for mental health, it is important to note that the mental health budget does not capture all spending on mental health under the health budget. For example, the figure of just under €1.6 billion does not include funding for other parts of the health service that provide mental health supports, such as Primary Care, Disability services, liaison mental health in acute hospitals, some dual diagnosis (addiction and mental health) services, and mental health and well-being promotion.
In addition, it does not include either spending by other Departments on services that incorporate psychological or mental health supports, such as Tusla, the Department of Education, the Prison and Probation Services, Youth Justice, or Social Protection.
The OECD has noted similar methodological challenges when comparing mental health spending across countries. One significant issue when trying to make comparisons is the scope of services that are included. Dementia services in Ireland, for example, do not fall under the mental health budget, while they do in some other countries. In addition, some countries include only government expenditure, while others include all expenditure in their estimates. The OECD document New Benchmark for Mental Health Systems: tackling the social and economic costs of mental ill-health provides some estimates of mental health expenditure relative to total health expenditure.
Notwithstanding these methodological challenges, the OECD note a range of levels in mental health spending, from 4% to 15% of health spending, with only five countries spending more than 10% of their budget on mental health.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1039)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1039. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of adult and child inpatient mental-health beds currently available; the occupancy rate; and the timeline for delivering additional acute and specialist beds promised under national service plans. [72132/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1040)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1040. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for counselling in primary care by RHA; the number of people waiting more than six months; and the actions being taken to increase counselling capacity. [72133/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1041)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1041. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current provision of 24-7 crisis mental health services nationally; and the areas without round-the-clock coverage. [72134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Crisis mental health supports, including those with 24/7 coverage, are currently provided across a number of settings and services, including hospital based services, out of hours services such as CAMHS on call, and non-governmental organisation services such as crisis phone and text supports, funded by HSE Mental Health Services.
The National Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020-2030) is currently overseeing a piece of work by the HSE Implementation Group to bring together the range of available out-of-hours and crisis services and supports, with a view to aligning and streamlining supports and identifying any potential gaps in service provision. It is envisaged that this work will form the basis of an Adult Crisis Response Framework. This project is currently in an advanced state of preparation and is expected to be initiated formally before end-2026.
In addition, as Minister, I have overseen the rollout of a range of out of hours supports for people experiencing mental health difficulties as alternatives to Emergency Departments.
Crisis Resolution Services
The model of care for Crisis Resolution Services was developed as a direct recommendation of Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy. It recognises that people who are experiencing a mental health crisis need specialist services to provide timely brief intensive supports to keep people safe.
Crisis Resolution Teams• : These comprise of teams of mental health professionals who work out of hours to meet people in a crisis and provide rapid assessment and intensive intervention. There are 6 pilot Crisis Resolution Teams currently operational in Galway, Sligo/Leitrim, Cork city (two teams), Waterford City and County, South Dublin/Wicklow. The Limerick Crisis Resolution Team is due to commence operations this year.
Crisis Cafés• : Solace Cafes provide a welcoming, non-clinical safe environment in the style of a café where people can go at evenings and weekends. The Cafés provides a range of support for those who needed to use its services including crisis support, signposting, peer support, and community support. The Cafes are now open in Cork City, South Dublin and Sligo and Limerick. A additional Solace Café is due to be established this year in Waterford.
Additional funding has been provided for more Crisis Resolution Teams and Solace Cafes in Budget 2026, for Donegal, Kerry and the Midlands (Tullamore/Westmeath).
Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) Service
The Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service is critically important safety net for people in suicidal crisis and the Minister fully supports the intention within the second Sharing the Vision implementation plan to expand these services to provide full coverage nationwide. These services provide a timely response to requests for assessment of patients in suicidal crisis from GPs, and the assessments often take place in primary care settings.
The SCAN service was originally developed under the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation (NCPSHI) which was introduced in Irish public hospital emergency departments in 2014. Primarily delivered by clinical nurse specialists with support from a consultant psychiatrist in each hospital area, the programme supports people presenting with suicidal ideation as well as self-harm.
The model of care for the service envisages a dedicated mental health assessment room within hospitals to provide a more appropriate environment for assessments to take place. Even when the full network of alternative Crisis Resolution Services is in place, we know people in distress will still present to emergency departments for support. Given most acute mental health in-patient units are co-located with our acute hospital network, it’s important people in distress are assessed in clinically appropriate environments when they present for support. I have allocated funding for the recruitment of additional SCAN nurses in 2026.
Specialist Crisis Nurses in hospitals
Under funding which I allocated in Budget 2026, the HSE will establish specialist nursing teams in the emergency departments of all Model 4 hospitals out-of-hours, made up of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists to support people in crisis. By placing specialist nursing teams in our emergency departments out-of-hours, coupled with the expansion of community alternatives such as crisis resolution teams and crisis cafes, we are fundamentally changing how we respond to the needs of people in distress.
As the question raises operational issues, I have also referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (1042)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1042. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of specialists eating disorder teams currently staffed and operational; the number of vacancies; and the timeline for opening the remaining planned hubs. [72135/25]
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 in the near future.
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1043, 1120)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1043. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the availability of dual-diagnosis services across the State; the number of regions lacking dedicated services; and the implementation progress of the national dual-diagnosis strategy. [72136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSorca Clarke
Ceist:1120. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number and location of specialist dual-diagnosis teams currently operational; the staffing levels; the waiting lists; and the plan to deliver a “No Wrong Door” model nationwide. [72443/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1043 and 1120 together.
Dual diagnosis in this context means a person experiences both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression or an anxiety disorder. Treatment options must address both issues, and as such the HSE have developed a Model of Care which recommends the development of 12 Adult Specialist Dual Diagnosis Teams nationally, 4 Adolescent Hub Teams, and a National Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation Centre. To date funding of over €5 million has resulted in the roll out of the Dual Diagnosis teams. Five Dual Diagnosis teams are being recruited into and developed at present – adult teams in Limerick and Cork commenced services in 2024, and a team in Waterford is in recruitment. 2 Adolescent hub teams in Dublin have also been developed, supported by funding from HSE Social Inclusion.
Under Budget 2026, funding has been allocated for an additional Dual Diagnosis team, and a Dual Diagnosis Day Programme in Dublin.
In relation to the additional specific information requested, as this is an operational issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1044)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1044. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant ophthalmic surgeons based at Nenagh Hospital in the years of 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [72164/25]
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 (1045)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1045. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE dentists and dental nurse staff, by grade, based at Tyone health centre, County Tipperary in the years of 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [72165/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1046)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1046. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of cataract surgeries carried out at Nenagh Hospital in the years of 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [72166/25]
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.
Emergency Services
Ceisteanna (1047)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1047. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of psychiatric liaison teams operating in emergency departments nationwide; the hospitals where no such team is in place; and the plan to ensure every major emergency department has dedicated mental-health liaison staffing. [72178/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I launched the national Model of Care for Consultation Liaison Psychiatry in May 2025, which is a comprehensive framework to guide the development of Liaison Psychiatry services in our hospitals. Liaison psychiatry, also known as consultation liaison psychiatry, provides specialist mental health input in emergency departments and general hospital wards. Liaison Psychiatry plays a critical role in supporting people who present with both physical and mental health needs, particularly people who may present with eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal ideation.
To complement the launch of this new psychiatric Model of Care, in Budget 2026 I have also funded the development of new specialist mental health nursing teams to staff the emergency departments of Model 4 hospitals out of hours and at weekends. These teams will support people who present in a mental health crisis, and integrate with other mental health professionals providing care including working with the new liaison consultant psychiatrists.
With reference to the information requested as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Emergency Services
Ceisteanna (1048)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1048. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of mental-health crisis presentations to emergency departments in which An Garda Síochána were involved in transport or initial assessment; the guidance provided to emergency departments on managing these situations; and the steps being taken to reduce reliance on Gardaí in clinical mental-health emergencies. [72179/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1049)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1049. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for mental-health patients awaiting an inpatient bed in emergency departments; the hospitals with the longest delays; and the actions being taken to improve patient flow and reduce prolonged stays. [72180/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (1050)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:1050. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress made over the past 12 months on each of her Department’s programme for Government commitments, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72198/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1051)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:1051. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant vascular surgeons based at Galway University Hospital in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [72216/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.