Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
1015. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the basis for the policy position that requires families to travel abroad for treatment in cases (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1018. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the HIQA report published in February 2023 that recommended that a specialist stem cell transplant service be made available in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5820/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1019. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the basis for the delay in implementing the recommendations of the HIQA report published in February 2023 that recommended that a specialist stem cell transplant service be made available in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1020. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a timeline for the implementation of the recommendations of the HIQA report published in February 2023 that recommended that a specialist stem cell transplant service be made available in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5822/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1015, 1018, 1019 and 1020 together.
In 2023, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the repatriation of paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant (allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)) services to Ireland. The HTA was undertaken following a request from the HSE and examined the choice of treatment location for children with certain rare, inherited conditions who require stem cell transplants.
A HTA systematically gathers evidence to assist a decision-maker, such as the HSE, in informing policy choices on adopting, funding, or disinvesting in a health technology. A HTA report provides evidence-based recommendations on the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and budget impact of the assessed technology. The conclusions and information in a HTA are advisory and form just one element informing the decision making. A HTA cannot, for example, determine if there is adequate budget available to fund a new technology.
Where children are referred abroad for specialist treatment, CHI works closely with the HSE's Treatment Abroad Scheme and other organisations to support families.
As the HSE commissioned this HTA, and the implementation of recommendations is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
