Sorca Clarke
Ceist:16. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current rejection rate for referrals to CAMHS; and the action she is taking to reduce rejections and ensure timely access to care. [4906/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Services
Ceisteanna (16)
Freagraí scríofa
Improving timely access to CAMHS is an issue that I am dedicating significant time and focus to. Over the past six months, I have formally visited with 21 different CAMHS teams, and met with many more informally. I have met with teams from Cork to Donegal, and from Sligo, to the Midlands, and many here in Dublin.
I have invested significantly in CAMHS in the last three years. Ringfenced recurring funding for CAMHS totalled €181m in 2025, an increase of 32% since 2022.
As part of my visits to each team I discussed the challenges they are facing and discussed their productivity and referral acceptance rate. I saw many small teams doing incredible work, and larger teams with poor leadership who could be doing more.
As of the end of November 2025, CAMHS teams across the country delivered over 214,000 appointments, more than the total number delivered in 2024 (213,000).
Referrals to CAMHS increased by 48% between 2020 and 2024. As at end November 2025, CAMHS had accepted 15,257 referrals, 11% more than the same period in 2024.
The average acceptance rate nationally for CAMHS to end November 2025 was approximately 57%. This is in line with previous years, however I have visited teams where this rate has been much lower and I have also visited teams where it has been higher. I have impressed upon regional HSE mental health management that I expect every team to achieving at least the national average.
My intense focus is on reducing the overall waiting list for CAMHS, but in particular reducing the numbers of children waiting over 12 months.
There is some progress being made. The number of children waiting for over 12 months decreased by 18% between April and November last year, from 721 to 590. But we need much more targeted action, and my office is engaged with the HSE to implement specific initiatives to drive down numbers.
I do want to highlight areas that are performing well. Limerick and the Mid-West for example have done brilliant work and reduced their waiting list over 12 months by 90%, and over nine months by 59%. Similarly on a recent visit to Donegal, I was very impressed by the way all of the CAMHS teams there were working collaboratively with all of the mental health services in the county, including the new SCAN U programme for young people. I have also seen really great examples being set in the Lucena and Linn Dara services in Dublin and I want to commend the leadership and the clinicians in those teams for their efforts.
There are now 860 WTE staff working in CAMHS, 730 of whom are clinical.
I have allocated an additional 126 new posts to CAMHS over the past two years, with 68% of these posts filled by the end of October last.
There were also a further 93 vacancies on CAMHS community teams at 10 October last, which is a decrease from 184 in September.
I have written to each of the Regional Executive Officers in the six HSE regional areas to request all new and vacant CAMHS posts be prioritised for recruitment.
I keep a very close eye on the waiting lists and progress in recruitment, and I write to the REOs regularly in relation to both.
I believe young people with suspected ADHD are waiting too long for assessment as CAMHS understandably prioritises urgent referrals.
I held an ADHD roundtable in July 2025 to progress the development of a new model of care for ADHD within CAMHS to streamline assessments and ensure these young people are not waiting excessive periods in the future.
In the meantime, I am working with the REOs in the South West, Dublin & North East and the Child & Youth Mental Health Office to progress immediate solutions to reduce the numbers of young people waiting over 12 months.
I will continue to work with the HSE to ensure that all aspects of youth mental health are improved over this year and beyond.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (17)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:17. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health whether she is concerned about the number of biopsies carried out on children diagnosed with DMG and DIPG; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4680/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's commitment to cancer services is reflected in significant investment of more than €105m under the current National Cancer Strategy, including an additional €23m invested last year.
DMG/DIPG are rare forms of brain tumours that occur in children.
Typically, fewer than five children are diagnosed annually and between 2019 and 2023, a total of 22 patients aged 15 and under have been diagnosed with the condition.
HSE Children’s Health Ireland has advised that over the past 10 years, the international consensus has developed to recommend that a biopsy should be considered in all children who have imaging characteristics consistent with DMG/DIPG.
Data from the National Cancer Registry Ireland indicates that 59% of patients with DMG/DIPG received a diagnostic or staging procedure within a year of diagnosis. This includes biopsy, lymph-node excision, surgical exploration, endoscopic exploration and other diagnostic procedures.
The nature of the diagnostic or staging intervention is a clinical decision. CHI has advised that all patients suspected of having DMG or DIPG are offered biopsies where technically possible, based on the location of their brain tumour.
Whilst this form of childhood cancer is extremely rare, its impact is profound, and I sympathise deeply with any family impacted.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (18)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:18. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the waiting lists in Galway University Hospital, which are the highest in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4965/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While many patients are still waiting too long for care, progress has been made since the commencement of the multi-annual Waiting List Action Plan approach in September 2021.
In Galway, to the end of December 2025, we have achieved a 63% reduction in the number of patients waiting over 12 months for an outpatient appointment.
Important projects are underway to further improve waiting times. New outpatient clinics are operational on the Merlin Park site since February 2025 providing an additional 2,340 new outpatient appointments compared to 2024 across a range of specialities. In cardiology, there has been a 77% reduction in the number of patients waiting 12 months for an outpatient appointment which is significant.
Construction of the surgical hub is underway on the Merlin Park campus. The building infrastructure is due to be completed in Q1 2026, and it is due to be operational by Q3. This will make a substantial difference to waiting lists just as we have seen at Mount Carmel
The planning application is expected by this summer for the Elective Hospital.
All of this builds on sustained investment in Galway over recent years, with funding increasing by 57% over the last 5 years. These developments represent a major commitment to the people of the region and allow us to take real steps towards our ultimate goal: achieving the Sláintecare targets and ensuring that patients receive timely, high-quality care when they need it.
Mental Health Policy
Ceisteanna (19)
Catherine Ardagh
Ceist:19. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Health her response to the Mental Health Commission’s recent report on the use of restrictive practices in approved centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4979/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The use of restrictive practices in Ireland is highly regulated in line with the Rules made by the Mental Health Commission. I welcomed the Mental Health Commission’s recently published report on the use of restrictive practices in 2024, which confirms a significant shift away from restrictive practices which is an important goal of our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision.
It is encouraging to see the impact of adopting a person-centred, human rights-based approach to mental health care, in line with the Commission’s Seclusion and Restraint Reduction Strategy.
Overall, the number of reported restrictive practices continued to decline in 2024. This decline is the continuation of a trend observed over the previous five years.
• In 2024, there were 2,836 total episodes of restrictive practices (seclusion and physical restraint), a decrease of 18% from 3,467 episodes in 2023.
• Total restrictive practices have decreased by 48.64% over five years, from 5,830 episodes in 2020 to 2,836 in 2024 – the lowest annual total since reporting began in 2008.
The new Mental Health Bill, which I am currently progressing through the Seanad, also includes a range of safeguards for situations where restrictive practices may still be necessary.
Any restrictive intervention which compromises a person’s liberty should be the safest and least restrictive option of last resort necessary to manage the immediate situation, be proportionate to the assessed risk, and employed for the shortest possible duration.
The use of restrictive practices is highly regulated in line with the Rules made by the Mental Health Commission, and this will continue to be the case under the new Mental Health Bill, which I look forward to enacting in the coming weeks.
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (20)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:20. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of times she has visited Our Lady’s Hospital Navan since she took office. [3835/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to reassure the Deputy that I look forward to visiting Navan Hospital in the near future to meet staff and patients. A ministerial visit would allow me to acknowledge the significant developments already underway and to engage directly with those delivering care on the ground.
These visits are hugely important, and I value the opportunity to understand where things can be improved but equally learn about what works well.
I would like to take this opportunity to underscore the significant recent investments in Navan Hospital. Staffing has increased by 17.5% since 2020, and the hospital’s budget has increased by 51% from 2020 to December 2025.
Under the Acute Hospital Bed Expansion Plan a total of 46 new and replacement beds will be delivered at Navan Hospital by 2031. This includes 31 beds delivered between 2021-2024 and 15 beds between March 2025-2031.
Additionally, there have been marked improvements in the hospital’s infrastructure. In recent years, significant investments have been made to enhance the operating theatres. The modifications included an enhanced recovery area to make the second theatre operational for elective surgery.
A new MRI and Phlebotomy Unit were completed in 2023 with an upgrade to mortuary facilities in 2024.
Capital investment projects also include an extension to the rear of the Outpatient Department which houses the Rheumatology Day Centre, completed in 2024. An upgrade of the Electrical Power Infrastructure including a new Main Distribution Board and upgrade of electrical backup provision is underway.
A new Pulmonary Function Laboratory was completed in 2025, with further ward refurbishments planned for this year.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (21)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:21. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the Finglas primary care centre; the progress to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4880/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank Deputy McAuliffe for providing me the opportunity to update the House on Finglas Primary Care Centre.
Finglas has long been identified as a priority location for the development of a Primary Care Centre (PCC) due to the population level, care requirements for the community and the HSE Sláintecare programme which will provide care for patients closer to their home.
The optimal location identified for the Primary Care Centre is located on the existing sports facilities and car park for Coláiste Íde.
A final grant of planning for Finglas Primary Care Centre was received in April 2024. The project will be delivered in two phases.
Phase 1 of the works will involve the removal of the Coláiste Íde facilities to a new location at the rear of the PCC. The tenders returns for Phase 1 have been received and the HSE expect a positive outcome on tender award over the coming weeks. Enabling works are anticipated to commence on site in mid 2026.
Phase 2 will comprise of the construction of the Primary Care Centre itself and this is currently at detailed design stage. The programme to deliver the construction for Phase 2 will be developed during the design stage.
The HSE Capital Plan 2026 will set out the allocation for capital programmes across the country, including for Primary Care infrastructure. The HSE Capital Plan 2026 will be published in the coming weeks.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (22)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:22. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if a value-for-money assessment has been undertaken on the leasing of primary care centres in Cork. [3473/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Primary Care Centre (PCC) Programme is a fundamental element in the delivery of reform of the health sector. Opening of more primary care centres is a goal of the Programme for Government.
The HSE is delivering PCCs via different mechanisms of (1) the operational lease model (2) HSE direct build.
The majority of Primary Care Centres to date have been delivered through the Operational Lease model.
Value for money assessments, in line with requirements of public financial procedures and relevant guidelines, are undertaken on a project-by-project basis in the delivery of all Primary Care Centres.
The main steps involved in carrying out value for money assessments on PCC development include:
Determining and probing service needs.• This involves a review of current and future service needs for each proposed Primary Care Centre location. This is to ascertain and confirm service needs to ensure the project scope is “right sized”.
An assessment of delivery options including cost assessment is then undertaken• . Different delivery options are compared using appraisal tools that help weigh the pros and cons of each option.
A robust, public and open tendering process is carried out• . Current competitions undertaken by the HSE for operational lease and HSE Direct Build are advertised on Etenders.
Along with the earlier assessment of service needs and delivery options, having a competitive response from the market, which can be then benchmarked against other competitions, ensures that value for money is assessed.
Additionally in 2026, officials in my Department and the HSE are undertaking a review of the PCC programme. This will look at factors including usage and utilisation of space, definition of minimum scope of services and delivery timelines. This work will further strengthen the delivery of value for money in this important infrastructure.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (23)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:23. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the steps she has taken improve resourcing for the National Gender Service since the decision in December to close wait lists due to resourcing issues; if she, a Minister of State, and/or senior Department officials have met with the National Gender Service following their decision to close their wait list; to clarify that the National Gender Service is currently accepting new referrals as per HSE comments stating they do not have the authority to close that list; the other actions her Department is undertaking to improve the model of care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Gender Service communicated its decision to close the waiting list to the HSE on 10th December 2025. I was deeply concerned that health services continue to be provided to those who need them, and Minister Butler and I met with HSE officials at that time to ensure that services remained in place.
The HSE have advised the National Gender Service that they do not have the authority to close this waiting list. Under the National Waiting List Management Policy and associated HSE protocols, waiting lists may only be managed in accordance with established, documented procedures that ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with governance standards.
In addition, the Saint John of Gods Community Services also wrote to me to assure me that such a critical decision cannot be made without consideration by their Executive and Board and approval from the senior HSE management team. As such, I can confirm that the National Gender Service will continue to accept referrals for those 17 years and older. However, as demand continues to increase, there are long waiting times for the initial assessment. Currently, there are over 2000 people waiting to be seen, and waiting times stand at over four years.
In terms of resourcing, I understand that in 2019, a number of staff were hired to support the National Gender Service programme being developed in St Columcille’s Hospital. I am aware that the matter of additional staff and clinical space, to meet increased demand and to help reduce waiting times, remains under review with the HSE and HSE Dublin South-East.
The Deputy will also be aware that, as set out in the Programme for Government 2025, this Government is committed to ensuring a transgender healthcare service that is based on clinical evidence, respect, inclusiveness and compassion.
The provision of proper, appropriate and integrated gender healthcare services is something that Minister Butler and I want to ensure is in place for those who are questioning their gender identity or are experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria.
It is in this context that the HSE has established a new National Clinical Programme for Gender Healthcare to develop an updated clinical Model of Care with the aim of designing clinical pathways to deliver safe and effective health and social care for those seeking gender affirming healthcare services. This work will also inform an implementation plan for its delivery.
Minister Butler and I are focused on progressing the Model of Care for gender healthcare and a key aspect of the development of the new model of care is stakeholder consultation. I am committed to ensuring that all stakeholders are heard and actively involved in this process. This inclusivity is vital for the success of the Model of Care that we aim to create.
Gaining an understanding of the experiences of those in the transgender community will be integral to the development of the model of care. That is why there has been and will continue to be a strong focus on the experience base which will bring in stakeholder perspectives and experience, as well as, the evidence base, which relates to the clinical research on the topic. This collaborative approach will ensure that the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders are considered, leading to a more inclusive and effective care model.
A number of lived experience engagement design sessions, attended by several advocacy groups, have already been held to inform the development of a plan to maximise stakeholder engagement. It is our sincere hope and expectation that this approach not only will strength the relevance and inclusivity of the final model but will also lead to better outcomes by the services truly reflect the experiences and populations they are meant to serve.
A cross-speciality Clinical Advisory Group has been established with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and convened in June 2025 to support the Model of Care design and development. In addition, a working group, which has a number of representatives with direct lived experience has also been established and the first meeting took place in late 2025.
In terms of progressing the model of care, the HSE commenced the systematic review on the evidence base with respect to co-existing clinical needs in gender diverse people with support from the HSE Library Service. Interim results of this review were made available for public consultation during August of this year and the HSE are now reviewing the submissions and completing the evidence review. Further information on the evidence base review can be found the National Clinical Programme website.
Developing a model of care for Gender Healthcare Services is expected to be a complex process and the HSE and my department will work closely together to support the process, ensure transparency and keep the patient at the centre of the process.
It is important that the HSE is given time to develop a model of care that is based on the best clinical evidence and that will deliver the best outcomes for persons with gender incongruence or dysphoria.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (24)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:24. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made be made on whether the community access support team will be renewed for an additional, year; if the programme will be expanded; and if central funding will be provided to support the programme. [4441/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot project in Limerick arose from the Final Report of the High Level Taskforce on mental health and addiction. This initiative, the first of its kind in Ireland, has been a priority for me, the Minister for Justice, the HSE, and An Garda Síochána.
The CAST team are working to enhance diversionary practices for those experiencing crisis and situational trauma leading to mental health difficulties, with the shared goal of providing a compassionate and effective response to people in distress. The pilot became operational in January 2025 and has been beneficial for vulnerable people in Limerick.
Given that CAST is a pilot project, additional funding was not required under Budgets 2025 or 2026 to expand the pilot. Instead, as part of the original workplan, an evaluation of CAST will be finalised this year which will provide an evidence base that will help inform next steps, including any potential rollout of this model of care as appropriate nationally in the future. The recommendations from the evaluation will be considered by the Department of Health and Department of Justice, alongside key stakeholders.
I will continue to liaise with the Minister for Justice on this matter and the HSE will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána on this important new initiative.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (25)
Joe Neville
Ceist:25. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Health if her Department has plans to open more primary care centres in north Kildare, specifically in the town of Leixlip, which has a rising population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5019/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to thank the Deputy for allowing me to update the house on this matter.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that significant consideration is been given to the development of a Primary Care Centre (PCC) to serve the North East Kildare region. It is important to note a decision was made to develop a North East Kildare PCC to service the area, along with the existing Maynooth Health Centre remaining in operation.
The proposed North East Kildare PCC is to be delivered through the Operational Lease Model. Under this model, the HSE enters into fixed-term leases with a preferred provider for locations selected for the provision of PCCs. The preferred provider delivers the completed facility and has responsibility for maintaining it.
In line with the Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework (SHIF), all HSE community services have been asked to review the local needs and service plans in the North East Kildare area. This review process will refine the level of healthcare estate required in the area.
The HSE has further advised that this process is being finalised with HSE Estates and the service at present, with the intention to submit to the Property Review Group in Q1 2026 to seek permission to advertise a PCC location.
The location for the North East Kildare PCC will be informed by a number of elements including the service need outlined in the expressions of interest for development of the PCC, along with consideration of zoning by the local authority and responses to the expression of interest process.
I welcome the HSE’s commitment to reviewing and updating the health service requirements of North East Kildare and the efforts being made to progress the development of this PCC to tender.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (26)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:26. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the primary care centre for Dundalk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4896/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to thank the Deputy for allowing me to update the house on the new Primary Care Centre (PCC) for Dundalk.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the proposed PCC for Dundalk, which is being delivered through the Operational Lease Model, is fully approved and a preferred provider is in place. The HSE has entered into a legal agreement to lease the facility upon its delivery by the preferred provider.
The preferred provider has commenced their own tender process for a building contractor, and submissions are expected in the coming weeks. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, subject to the successful appointment of a building contractor, the HSE expects that works will commence on site by early Q2 2026.
When operational, planned services available in Dundalk PCC will include GP services, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health services and Disability Day services. Dundalk PCC will be an important addition to the PCCs currently serving the people of County Louth across Drogheda, Carlingford, Ardee and Castlebellingham.
Nationally, we have made real progress in developing Primary Care infrastructure. There are a total of 180 Primary Care Centres operational across the country with 51 of these PCCs opening since 2020. It is welcome news that the development of the new PCC in Dundalk is progressing.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (27)
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:27. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health if she will report on the possible site selection for a community nursing unit in Roscrea; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4892/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to Community Nursing Units (CNU), I am committed to completing the HIQA CNU Programme (Refurbishment) and also, as set out in the Programme for Government, expanding community bed capacity nationally.
The HIQA CNU Programme, launched in 2016, was established to ensure that all public facilities providing long-stay residential care for older people are registered and meet HIQA standards.
This significant capital programme is transforming these care environments across the country.
The programme is provided for in the NDP Health Sectoral Investment Plan 2026 – 2030, published in November 2025, and is expected to reach completion during the course of the sectoral plan.
In addition, as also set out in the Sectoral Investment Plan, funding is being allocated to deliver additional community bed capacity, include dementia specific provision, in long term residential care. A community bed capacity plan is in development to progress this capacity.
In this work we are progressing additional community capacity across the regions, including Roscrea.
Regarding the site at Roscrea, the HSE sought an Expressions of Interest for suitable Development Site/Lands for a CNU in Roscrea in 2025.
Advertisements were placed in local Tipperary newspaper publications.
Many sites were identified initially, and a shortlisting exercise was undertaken to identify the most suitable sites for the proposed development.
There is a site identified that is suitable for this for this project.
The site acquisition process is ongoing, and details are commercially sensitive due to this. It is hoped that same will be concluded by HSE in Q1, 2026.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (28)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:28. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI), and the thirteen-year delay in progressing regulation of the profession through CORU; the reasons for this delay; the actions taken by her Department to advance the process; whether she will meet with representatives of ARTI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5026/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI). Athletic therapists are among the professions which have approached my department seeking regulation.
Considerations regarding proportionate regulation are complex. Regulation is applied when warranted by risks to protection of the public. Regulation should also be proportionate to those risks.
Work is underway in my department to modernise our approach to professional regulation. Officials are developing a framework to guide policy in this complex, technical area. It is timely that we update how decisions are made. The approach will be evidence and risk-based.
We also need a nuanced approach to the ways we regulate professionals. Options should include varying degrees of regulatory burden for the State and professionals. The framework will be informed by requirements under the EU Proportionality Test Directive.
This significant project requires considerable research and engagement. It is likely to take a number of years. No new professions will be regulated until the framework is in place.
Officials will hold workshops with stakeholders in the coming months. ARTI and other professional bodies representing unregulated professions will be invited to attend.
My officials have already met with ARTI on a number of occasions. They recently attended the World Federation of Athletic Therapy and Training’s World Congress. I have asked them to consider how the profession might support the public health system.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (29)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:29. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if she will report on the increase in presentations at University Hospital Limerick; the number of patients being treated on hospital trolleys and in hospital corridors; and the immediate steps being taken to address this increase. [4440/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for this question regarding University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
During 2025, UHL experienced significant demand with over 95,000 attendances, which is over 9% above what they saw in 2024.
This includes a 17% rise in presentations from patients aged 75 and over, who often present with greater acuity and complexity.
Regarding overcrowding, the daily average of patients on trolleys at 8am was 45 in 2025, a 10% reduction from the previous year.
It is important to clarify that the 8am trolley count includes all patients in non-appropriate areas such as hospital corridors.
To address these pressures, the Government is taking immediate action through investment and capacity expansion.
The 96-bed block, opened in October 2025, has already nearly halved the average number of people waiting on trolleys compared to the weeks prior to its opening.
Furthermore, we have expanded the acute virtual ward to 40 beds and extended opening hours for Medical Assessment Units in Ennis and Nenagh to midnight.
Staffing at UHL has also grown by 53% since 2019.
Looking forward, I welcome all three options proposed by HIQA in their Mid-West review report, including further expansion at UHL, securing an adjacent site, and progressing a strategic plan for a second Emergency Department in the region.
These measures will collectively deliver 420 additional beds across the Mid West by 2031.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (30)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:30. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if consideration can be given to providing a funded scheme for blister packs for vulnerable and/or incapacitated patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5051/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025, all parties agreed to introduce improved controls for phased dispensing. This will ensure that patients on high-risk medicines, such as anti-psychotics or opioids, are appropriately targeted with support.
The State has supported phased dispensing for medical card holders since 1996 for patient safety reasons and will continue to do so. Community pharmacies receive additional fees for this service.
The State does not, and has never, funded blister packs. Therefore there has been no removal of that service by the State, and I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to clarify that again.
Evidence from the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) does not support improvements in health outcomes by the use of blister packs. Internationally, including from the NHS, the literature and guidance is that blister packs should be a last resort, with patients being supported by many other interventions before prescribing a blister pack.
However, I do recognise that for certain patients using them can be helpful, and they rely heavily on these products.
There are three groups of patients using blister packs. The first is those people who know they have always been paying for blister packs as a private service. The second group have been getting blister packs for free from their pharmacy. There should be no change for those two groups of patients.
The third group of patients are those where their pharmacy has been giving them blister packs for free but charging the State under phased dispensing.
I have been investigating the details of this with my Officials and I am concerned about the figures that are being presented.
The Deputy will be aware that the proposed changes for phased dispensing have been paused until the end of March 2026. This will allow Community Pharmacies to have more time to engage with their patients currently using blister packs in an individualised way.
Of course, it remains open to pharmacies to charge patients, or not, for the use of blister packs as a private service, as many currently do.
It is important where a pharmacy charges a fee for any professional service, that they provide updated information to patients in line with the new Pricing Transparency Guidelines, which came into effect on 1st December.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (31)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:31. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the current number of children on the waiting list for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services; the average waiting time for an initial appointment, with a breakdown of waiting list figures, by county; and the number of children who have been waiting longer than 6, 12 months and 24 months for assessment or treatment. [72983/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (32)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:32. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the actions her Department has undertaken to regulate the parent companies of nursing home operators in Ireland and to bring them under the remit of HIQA which the Minister of State recognised as a systemic flaw in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on the 18 June 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4909/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Care of the Elderly
Ceisteanna (33)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:33. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the additional services that will be provided for older people’s care in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5031/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Service Plan for 2026 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring older people receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
A key area of investment is in expanding home support services. The target home support hours to be delivered increases from 24 million hours in 2025 to 26.7 million hours for 2026, an increase of roughly 11%. Action will also be taken to reduce the home support waiting list. It is an aim of this Government to ensure that, regardless of where you live, you should have timely access to high quality care.
Additionally funding will be provided to deliver over 3.3 million Meals on Wheels. 313 day centres will be resourced to support 15,800 older people in 2026 and the Carer’s Guarantee will have a dedicated funding allocation. These services are invaluable in helping older people to maintain their health and independence. The social benefits both to the client and the wider community are clear, and their expansion will continue into 2026.
Also, under the National Service Plan for 2026, the HSE has committed to opening new Memory Assessment and Support Services in Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Mullingar, Waterford and Wexford, and to developing a Regional Specialist Memory Clinic in north Dublin to improve access to dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic support.