Written Answers Nos. 34-49
34. 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 Maynooth, which has a rising population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5020/26]
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.
35. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the average length of time it takes for an ambulance response to reach a patient after a 999 call in each county in the State; if she will provide a county by county breakdown on the time, starting with the county with the longest average wait time, to the county with the lowest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3836/26]
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.
36. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will report on the 24-hour mental health triage supports in emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4897/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCrisis 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 Waterford. An additional Solace Café is due to be established this year in Limerick.
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 a 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.
37. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Health the NDP provision for the health sector for 2026-2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4980/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2025 NDP Review is the largest ever capital investment plan in the history of the State and largest investment ever in health infrastructure in the State. The enhanced NDP provision for the health sector for 2026 – 2030 is €9.25 billion. The 2026 allocation of €1,560m is a €100m (7%) increase over the 2025 allocation of €1,460m. Overall, there is an average 8% year on year increase in allocation straight-line across the period 2026-2030. This increased investment for 2026 to 2030 will help manage medium term demographic challenges, be an enabler to provision of a modern and productive health service and will underpin the progression of key strategic reform priorities set out in Sláintecare and sectoral policies and strategies. The new NDP funding envelope will support the progression of key health sector priorities and will support the shared vision of a modern, integrated and patient centred health service across the country with a renewed focus on health outcomes. The National Development Plan Sectoral Plan for Health 2026-2030 was published on 28 November 2025 and is available online at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/national-development-plan-review-2025-sectoral-investment-plan/. The Sectoral Plan sets the strategic direction for health sector capital investment under the revised NDP allocation (2026–2030). Detailed plans, including individual projects and progress updates, will be published annually in the HSE Capital Plans.
The health sector maintains a strong track record of delivery and intends to maximise the allocated funding to enable high-quality and efficient services with equitable access across the country, while actively managing projects to respond to internal and external opportunities and challenges.
38. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to the establishment of mental health emergency rooms separate to general hospital emergency departments for people experiencing a mental health crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3671/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-related Ideation, services have been put in place so people presenting to emergency departments (EDs) receive a compassionate response, as well as a therapeutic assessment and intervention from a suitably trained mental health professional. This programme is delivered in all 26 adult emergency departments and in one paediatric hospital, and the National Clinical Lead for the programme is currently leading work to ensure that the service has access to separate, dedicated spaces within our EDs to more appropriately support people presenting with a mental health issue.
Crisis supports is a priority area for me this year, with significant investment under Budget 2026 to enhance services, expand out of hours care, and improve access to crisis services, both within our EDs and in the community.
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.
However it is widely accepted emergency departments are an inappropriate environment for people in a mental health crisis, and that alternative care pathways and therapeutic environments should be developed. People experiencing mental health distress and illness often find busy Emergency Departments the wrong setting for their needs and evidence indicates this is often the reason some people leave before meeting a clinician.
As Minister, I have also 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 Waterford. An additional Solace Café is due to be established this year in Limerick.
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 a 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.
As the question raises operational issues, I have also referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
39. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the measures her Department is taking to reduce hospital waiting lists in public hospitals across the IHA-4 HSE Area Midlands, in light of the most recently published national hospital waiting list figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4957/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
40. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when the strategic review of general practice will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4992/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health with support from the HSE is currently undertaking a Strategic Review of General Practice. With input from key stakeholders, the review is examining the range of issues affecting general practice, focused around five themes: GP Training, GP Capacity, eHealth Agenda, Out-of-Hours Reform, and Support Model for General Practice. The Review will identify the arrangements necessary to improve the current system of GP care as part of a primary care-focused health service.
Significant progress has been made under the review, and the report is to be completed early this year. Following its completion, the report will be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice into the future. The report will be published subsequently.
41. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health for an update on the national linear accelerators (linac) replacement programme, including details of replacement plans outside Dublin. [4990/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are three public radiation therapy services that operate linear accelerator (LINAC) treatment machines in Ireland. Public facilities are located in Galway, Cork and in Dublin across the St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON).There are a total of 23 LINACs across these services.
Galway has four machines, Cork has five machines, and SLRON has 14 machines (6x St Luke's Rathgar, 4x Beaumont and 4x St James Hospital).
The lifespan of a LINAC depends on many factors including for example the type of LINAC, how it is used, how it is maintained and the manufacturer support lifespan including software upgrades. The typical lifespan is 10 - 15 years.
Work is progressing to replace the LINAC equipment within the St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network. The design process is currently underway and it is expected that step one of the procurement process for the works and the equipment supply will commence in Q1 2026 with a contractor in place by Q4 2026. Capacity at Beaumont Hospital is also being expanded with additional LINACs being installed alongside replacement of the existing equipment.
The Cork and Galway radiotherapy centres have each been constructed with an empty bunker. This can accommodate new LINACs should future demand projections require further expansion. Planning for the replacement of equipment will be initiated through the HSE region in the first instance and then progressed through the capital projects evaluation process.
42. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the action that will be taken to address home help waiting lists in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
43. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Health the role being played by community hospitals in Macroom and Millstreet in alleviating pressure on acute hospitals through step-down care; and whether all available beds in these facilities are being utilised to support delayed discharges from acute settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have requested the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
44. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Health the level of mental health staffing in the midlands region, and whether additional resources will be allocated in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
45. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to expand cancer screening services in Ireland by introducing multigene next generation sequencing to allow for earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes for citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4902/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed 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 consideration of any proposed 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 provides advice to myself as Minister for Health. The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards.
NSAC considers and assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to proposals changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. Any proposals received will be carefully considered by the Committee at its meetings.
The date for the 2026 Call for Submissions has not been determined but is expected to be announced in the second half of the year. All prospective applicants are encouraged to check the NSAC Work Programme, which lists submissions received through previous Calls. Further information about NSAC can be found on its website at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie
In terms of multi-gene sequencing, the national Hereditary Cancer Model of Care (2023) highlights the need to improve access to genetic testing for patients with cancer and their relatives. Mainstreamed cancer genetic testing is being implemented to this effect, bringing the testing for common scenarios into the care given by the patient’s oncology team.
It should be emphasised that screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional immediately.
46. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently without access to a general practitioner in the Wicklow–Wexford area and across the State, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3417/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. As of the 1st of January, there are 2,598 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme and a further 634 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold at least one other contract with the HSE for the provision of health services.
Where a person that holds a medical card or GP visit card experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE Eligibility Unit which has the power to assign a GMS patient to a GP's GMS patient list in accordance with the GMS contract.
Persons who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private practitioners, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients.
The HSE website provides a "find a GP" facility which can assist in locating and contacting GP in or around the area concerned.
As GPs are private practitioners, the Department of Health and the HSE do not hold data on the number of persons who are registered as private patients with any particular GP practice.
Several measures have been taken in recent years to increase the number of GPs practicing throughout the country and thereby improve GP access. The measures taken include significantly increasing investment in general practice to improve the attractiveness of working in this sector, increasing the number of GP trainees, and recruiting GPs from abroad under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme.
47. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the current situation with transferring the Coombe Maternity Hospital to the St. James's Hospital campus in James's Street, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4446/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCo-location of remaining standalone maternity hospitals with adult acute services aligns with international best practice. Co-location provides mothers access to a full range of medical and support services.
In July 2023, Cabinet gave approval for the new National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park, co-located with St Vincent’s University Hospital, to proceed to tender for a main contractor. The procurement and tender process, which began in September 2023, has been concluded by the HSE and the outcomes have been incorporated into a Final Business Case. This Final Business Case has been submitted to the Department of Health and is being reviewed in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The relocation project for University Maternity Hospital Limerick is at an early assessment stage. The timelines for the University Maternity Hospital, Coombe and the Rotunda projects have not yet been established.
48. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the total number of vacant posts across the health service, by staff group; whether she accepts that recruitment and employment ceilings are undermining safe staffing and service delivery; the outcome she is pursuing in the WRC process with health unions; and when she will publish a time-bound plan to fill vacancies and expand staffing in frontline areas. [5077/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of the Minister for Health is primarily to deal with legislation, policy, overall budgetary allocation, and corporate governance. The HSE is a separate entity to the Department of Health and as such, the HSE has responsibility for matters relating to the staff within their employ or staff going through the process of recruitment with the HSE's National Recruitment Service.
The Department have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
49. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health for an update on the pause on mid-urethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4879/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2018, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) asked the HSE to pause all vaginal mesh surgical procedures where clinically safe to do so, pending implementation of recommendations as set out in his report on The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedure.
In 2023 the HSE established a National Vaginal Mesh Implant Oversight Group. The focus of this group was to review and assess implementation of the CMO’s recommendations and assess the appropriateness of resuming uro-gynaecological mesh procedures. The Department received an updated report from the group in February 2025.
Officials in the Department are currently liaising with the HSE and other stakeholders as part of an evidence-based process to determine whether to re-introduce the procedure. As this is an extremely complex issue it is not possible to give a timeline for decision at present.
Women’s health is a key priority for the Department of Health. We understand the impact the pause on the use of uro-gynaecological mesh has on women who wish to avail of this surgery, however the Department must take a safety-first approach to this issue.
