Written Answers Nos. 94-114
94. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the movement of CH01 into the new Dublin-Northeast Health Region, which includes Cavan and Monaghan; and the parameters for meeting that timeframe. [63658/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
95. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the recent study by the health and welfare division of a trade union (details supplied) which found that over two thirds of health workers are actively considering leaving their role; the measures she is taking to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4676/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister is aware of the Fórsa report on morale among health and social care workers.
Supporting staff wellbeing and retention is a core priority for Government and the HSE.
The most robust evidence available is the HSE’s 2025 Your Opinion Counts survey. Over 25,000 staff participated, showing high job satisfaction and engagement overall. Almost nine in ten staff reported satisfaction with job security. Eight in ten were satisfied with independence and responsibility in their roles.
Since 2020, Government has delivered the largest health workforce expansion in State history. Over 31,000 additional staff have been recruited, increasing the workforce by 26 percent. The total HSE workforce now exceeds 151,000 staff. Turnover stands at 1.9 percent, down significantly since 2022.
The Government continues to support recruitment and retention through pay agreements, training expansion, and workforce planning.
96. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health her plans with regard to the provision of new acute beds and projects in acute hospitals through the regions, including theatres and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4982/26]
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.
97. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of a building (details supplied); when it is expected to be handed over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4904/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
98. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the measures she is taking to improve treatment for mental health amongst children and adolescents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4675/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a priority for me, and for Government, to ensure that children who need services can access them and access them on time. This is in line with our national mental health policy Sharing the Vision, our suicide reduction strategy Connecting for Life, and the HSE Annual Service Plan 2026.
Funding for mental health services has increased to nearly €1.6 billion in 2026. For context, year on year funding for mental health services has increased by over 5%, and funding since I took up this office has increased by over 51%.
Specifically in relation to youth mental health, this year’s budget provided funding for new early intervention youth mental health services, funding to support a digital single point of access for youth mental health services, an additional specialist CAMHS eating disorders team, two new Mental Health of Intellectual Disabilities teams for children, and five new mental health Discovery Colleges for young people.
CAMHS nationally receives approximately €181 million annually, with a further €127 million provided to NGOs, many of which focus on youth mental health. Under Budget 2025, an additional €2.9 million has supported CAMHS to increase core staffing, develop a new CAMHS Emergency Liaison Service and expand CAMHS Hubs to improve crisis cover for services.
CAMHS nationally has also initiated a targeted campaign to reduce waiting lists across all of its CAMHS teams following the receipt of €3 million waiting list initiative funding from the HSE National Child and Youth Mental Health Office for 2025, and a similar initiative will take place this year.
CAMHS is a secondary care specialist service for those aged up to 18 years, who have a moderate to severe mental health difficulty. Access to CAMHS is on the basis of prioritised clinical assessment, in line with the CAMHS Operational Guidelines which are available on the HSE website. All referrals to CAMHS are assessed by a multidisciplinary team. Approximately 2% of the population require support from this specialist service with over 90% of mental health needs requiring treatment in a primary care setting.
I established the National Office for Child and Youth Mental Health in the HSE to improve leadership and all aspects of care across youth mental health. The Office published its new Youth Mental Health Action Plan in February last. This ambitious plan for comprehensive reform across all youth mental health services, including the specialist CAMHS service, will deliver services which are safer, effective, easier to access and which offers appropriate support at all levels when needed.
The three-year Plan sets out a clear roadmap for the Department and HSE to ensure children and families have equitable and timely access to high-quality mental health care, including better links with Primary Care and Disability Services, and greater use of e-mental health responses. My aim is that services will be better connected and easier to navigate, with increased focus on the rights of young people and their families. The development of a Single Point of Access for all child and youth mental health referrals in partnership with disabilities, primary care, and voluntary and statutory agencies is a key priority within the new Action Plan.
I also commenced a series of visits to all HSE Regional Health Areas to meet with the Regional Executive Officers and their staff to focus on improvements to all aspects of Youth Mental Health care, to identify areas where increased activity is needed, and also areas of innovative and positive service delivery. This includes improving access and reducing CAMHS waiting lists particularly for those waiting over 12 months. I have stressed also the importance of filling all approved posts for each CAMHS team to ensure the effective delivery of services.
I will continue to work closely with the HSE to ensure that all aspects of youth mental health care are improved over this year and beyond.
99. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the barriers identified by her Department in recruiting RGNs in community settings; the steps being taken to address these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4978/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment of nurses and midwives continues in line with the Government’s commitment to increase the nursing and midwifery workforce. Community Registered General Nurses (CRGN) are qualified general nurses who are employed by the HSE within Public Health Nursing Service to deliver safe, quality and person-centred community nursing care in various settings including homes and primary care facilities.
The HSE established The National Oversight Group Community Nursing Service and published a Report on recommendations to improve recruitment and retention of Public Health Nurses and Community Registered General Nurses in Community Nursing Services in 2023 which includes 39 recommendations. The HSE has reported that 16 recommendations are complete including the development of clear career and educational pathways for CRGNs, continuous promotion and marketing campaigns to attract RGNs to work in community, and the creation of a specific pathway for CRGN to apply for the PHN Sponsorship Programme. Work is ongoing to implement the remaining recommendations.
Research to inform the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in the Community Care Settings (Phase 3ii) (which includes the Public Health Nursing service) is underway which will support future work force planning in community settings.
100. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to ensure RGN posts in community settings are being adequately filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4977/26]
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.
101. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Health the status of planned primary care centres in County Offaly, and the expected timelines for their delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4914/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in advancing a building project at a healthcare facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
105. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when the facilitator to scope the statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services will be appointed; when draft terms of reference will be brought to Government and published; the interim actions being taken now to ensure no child is left waiting years for spinal care while the inquiry is established; the way in which families and advocacy groups are being engaged with now and will be formally engaged throughout the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5075/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tánaiste and I met with the parents of Harvey Morrison Sherratt along with other advocacy groups and their legal representatives who have been calling for a public statutory inquiry into the spina bifida and complex scoliosis services at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). Arising from those discussions, I brought a Memo to Government on 18th November to proceed with a statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services and this was approved by cabinet.
As an initial step, a facilitator will be appointed to consult with stakeholders and assist in defining the scope and potential terms of reference for an inquiry. I am actively engaging with the Attorney General and key stakeholders to appoint a senior counsel who will lead the scoping exercise. I aim to confirm the facilitator as soon as possible so that this important process can begin.
This will be a time-bound exercise, but there is a considerable body of work to be undertaken to ensure that we ultimately have the clearest possible terms of reference for a statutory inquiry. It is important that the many issues raised are carefully considered as to what may be the best way to achieve the outcomes sought by families and other stakeholders.
Once this scoping exercise is complete, further Government approval will be sought for the final terms of reference.
In relation to interim measures, several initiatives are underway to help improve access to services including a ringfenced theatre, additional outpatient clinics, and national and international outsourcing to maximise capacity.
As of end 2025, 47% of patients on the CHI active waiting list were within the Sláintecare targets. Additionally, the Weighted Average Wait Time for inpatient procedures fell significantly from 5.9 months in December 2024 to 4.2 months in December 2025, an improvement of 1.7 months. Only 3% of those on the active list were waiting over 12 months, which is an improvement against last year when 11% of patients were waiting over 12 months. At the end of December, there were no IPDC (inpatient day case) patients waiting over 24 months.
There was also a 46% reduction in the new outpatient waiting lists since start of year. The Weighted Average Wait Time for new outpatients fell significantly from 9.7 months in December 2024 to 3.9 months in December 2025. At the end of December, there were no patients waiting over 12 months for an outpatient appointment.
The Paediatric Spinal Services Management Unit, led by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, and supported by wider Multi-Disciplinary Teams, ensures patients are prioritised correctly for surgery and works to reduce waiting times.
106. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the latest expected completion date and opening date for the new Children’s Hospital; the number of claims in dispute before the Courts; and whether she will commit to publishing a monthly public progress report detailing the schedule, risks, costs and claims until opening. [5074/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOpening the National Children’s Hospital Ireland (NCHI) is a Government priority. Everything possible is being done to ensure this world-class hospital will open as quickly as possible, on behalf of children, young people, and their families.
Work at the St James’s site is in its final stages. The project’s two satellite centres at Tallaght and Connolly Hospitals are open and delivering the new model of care for the Greater Dublin Area. On 19 December 2025, partial additional early access to the Level 6 Ward block area of the building was provided to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) by BAM. This has enabled CHI to begin the deep cleaning of the area and begin bringing certain clinical equipment into the building. This access will allow CHI to derisk the onsite operational commissioning period, which commences following substantial completion.
It is for BAM, to commit to, and deliver substantial completion of the hospital. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), BAM and the Employer’s Representative-(ER) the independent third party responsible for administering the contract- are engaging on securing a compliant programme detailing how and when BAM will complete the building to the expected standards and hand it over in totality to the NPHDB.
The NPHDB is delivering the NCHI capital project under a modified PW-CF1 public works contract. Under the provisions of the public works contract, Contractors are entitled to submit claims for time and the true value of additional works. Equally the employer, in this case the NPHDB, is entitled and continues to robustly defend claims it considers to be without merit or to be inflated. The submission and management of claims will not impact the opening of the hospital.
Five claims have proceeded through the disputes process under the contract and are before the High Court. These disputes concern a frame claim (served in September 2025), a critical path conciliation, Level 7 steel, inflation regarding a critical path reconciliation (served in October 2025), and the Phase B instruction for BAM to begin the above ground works on the project.
The NPHDB provides a quarterly update on the NCHI capital project to the Committee of Public Accounts, in line with the ‘Update on the implementation of previous recommendations made by the Committee of Public Accounts to the NPHDB following the Committee’s engagements of 9 February and 13 July 2021’ and Minute of the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform dated April 2022. This includes an update on the construction of the hospital, an update on early access, the substantial completion programme timeline and claims/adjustments, and legal disputes. The most recent update was provided by the NPHDB on 14 October 2025 and the NPHDB has advised that it expects to issue its next update to the Committee shortly.
While much focus has been on the challenges faced by the project, it is important to reiterate that once open, the NCHI will provide world class facilities to its patients. It will be transformational in how we treat and deliver care to children and their families, for decades to come.
107. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health the alternative arrangements being developed by the HSE to ensure continuity of coronial post-mortem services for the south-east region from January 2026, given that consultant pathologists at University Hospital Waterford will no longer provide this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has responsibility for coroners' legislation and policy, and is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including my Department and the HSE, on this urgent matter.
Since 2 January 2026 coronial post-mortems have been provided by locum consultants recruited by the Department of Justice, using the available facilities and auxiliary staff of University Hospital Waterford.
The Department of Justice has advised my Department that the service will be provided on a three day per week schedule, that is, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Historically, the Health Service has assisted in the provision of coronial post-mortem services, on a “grace and favour” basis. While Consultant Pathologists are employed by the HSE, coronial post-mortems are carried out independently for the Department of Justice.
Increasingly the “grace and favour” model is not working. Hospitals are withdrawing from the provision of coronial post-mortem examinations.
The reasons for these withdrawals are diverse and complex. They include a shortage of consultant pathologists willing to undertake this work and increasing diagnostic workloads.
My Department and the HSE will continue to engage constructively with the Department of Justice to support a long-term resolution to this issue. All stakeholders remain committed to ensuring the continuity, quality and efficiency of coroner directed post-mortem services.
108. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health the immediate contingency arrangements now in place for children awaiting community ophthalmology services in south Tipperary, in circumstances where recruitment of a consultant community ophthalmologist has repeatedly failed and the previous postholder has retired; if weekend clinics, private provision, cross-HSE-area referrals, temporary contracting, or emergency outsourcing are currently being utilised; to explain how it is acceptable that 1,449 children under four years of age are on a waiting list, with some waiting since 2021; when children referred in 2023, including named cases already supplied to the Department, will receive appointments; the urgent intervention she will now direct to ensure children are not left without timely eye care [1396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has responsibility for coroners' legislation and policy, and is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including my Department and the HSE, on this urgent matter.
Since 2 January 2026 coronial post-mortems have been provided by locum consultants recruited by the Department of Justice, using the available facilities and auxiliary staff of University Hospital Waterford.
The Department of Justice has advised my Department that the service will be provided on a three day per week schedule, that is, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Historically, the Health Service has assisted in the provision of coronial post-mortem services, on a “grace and favour” basis. While Consultant Pathologists are employed by the HSE, coronial post-mortems are carried out independently for the Department of Justice.
Increasingly the “grace and favour” model is not working. Hospitals are withdrawing from the provision of coronial post-mortem examinations.
The reasons for these withdrawals are diverse and complex. They include a shortage of consultant pathologists willing to undertake this work and increasing diagnostic workloads.
My Department and the HSE will continue to engage constructively with the Department of Justice to support a long-term resolution to this issue. All stakeholders remain committed to ensuring the continuity, quality and efficiency of coroner directed post-mortem services.
109. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health for an update on the increase in the provision of community nursing home beds in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4895/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have requested the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
110. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to address the urgent need for major investment in the public dental schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4554/26]
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 2025, over 241,000 additional treatments were provided under the DTSS, supporting over 50,000 extra patients compared with 2022.
Fees paid to dentists for DTSS care are now aligned with other European countries which provide comparable public dental care, noting that many European countries, especially in the southern and eastern regions, don’t have any scheme in place for adults, which is free at point of access.
I acknowledge that the current public dental service, which was developed in the 1990s in response to the identified oral healthcare needs at that time, needs to be modernised and aligned with current needs. I am committed to reforming oral healthcare services through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte. The National Oral Health Policy sets out the vision for oral healthcare services in Ireland and has two key goals:
• to provide the supports to enable every individual to achieve their personal best oral health.
• to reduce oral health inequalities across the population, by enabling vulnerable groups to access oral healthcare and improve their oral health.
Reform of our services is vital to enable people of all ages to access modern, prevention-focused care. A plan for the first phase of implementation is currently at an advanced stage, for publication in the coming months and contains reform of primary care services for adults and children as priorities. The Policy also contains a range of strategic workforce planning actions to increase national workforce capacity, in support of improving patient access to care.
111. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health whether she plans to bring forward proposals for the reestablishment of the sub-committee on mental health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4905/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sub-Committee the Deputy references was established in November 2020 by the Committee on Health to examine the growing mental health demands and the impact Covid-19 has had on individuals and services. With its work programme completed, it was dissolved on the 11th July 2023.
Since the Committee was dissolved there has been significant progress made in the delivery of mental health services, through the progress of the Mental Health Bill through the Oireachtas, the development of the [successor strategy to Connecting for Life] (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/irelands-next-suicide-reduction-strategy/) our National Suicide and Self Harm reduction policy, the establishment of the HSE's Office of Child and Youth Mental Health and publication of its [Action Plan (www.about.hse.ie/news/hse-publishes-action-plan-for-the-reform-of-child-and-youth-mental-health-services-in-ireland/)] and the ongoing implementation of Sharing the Vision: Ireland's Mental Health Policy 2020-2030, with a detailed [second implementation plan] (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/national-implementation-and-monitoring-committee-steering-committee/#sharing-the-vision-implementation-plan-2025-2027)
published in April 2024. The development of the second implementation plan involved a wide-ranging consultation process including those with lived experience and the updated plan reflects the experiences of Covid and broader developments in the sector.
Key achievements are published regularly on the Department of Health's website at the links provided above.
112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health to address concerns that Pathfinder services for older people are being withdrawn in certain locations (details supplied). [4989/26]
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.
113. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if she will invest in new equipment to radically increase access to deep brain stimulation for preventive and routine treatment of neurological conditions, such as early onset Parkinson's; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5073/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
114. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any research her Department has carried out into making the flu vaccine free for all to encourage greater uptake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
NIAC review and revise their recommendations on an ongoing basis to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland, to incorporate findings from horizon scanning and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. NIAC continuously monitor global developments in the field of immunisation. The immunisation schedule, therefore, continues to be amended over time based on emerging evidence.
The Influenza Vaccination Programme provides a free flu vaccine to those most vulnerable to the effects of the flu. For those in recommended groups, the influenza vaccine offered as part of the Influenza Vaccination Programme reduces the risk of serious illness and death from influenza. Ensuring high vaccine coverage is a priority for my Department as it is the key public health intervention that is required to reduce severe illness from influenza over the winter period. Strong surveillance, immunisation programmes and healthcare system readiness including Infection Prevention control are key to protecting public health.
While Ireland performs well compared to other countries in Europe, achieving high vaccine coverage in older age groups, it is essential that all those in recommended groups come forward to avail of the influenza vaccine.
