Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Ceist:1026. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant WTE consultant posts, by speciality at St. James's Hospital, in tabular form. [5837/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services
Ceisteanna (1026)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1027)
Ged Nash
Ceist:1027. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of an eircode lottery in relation to the provision of home care (details supplied); and if her Department has plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5842/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1028)
Tom Brabazon
Ceist:1028. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of strike action taken by healthcare assistants at a provider (details supplied); and the actions her Department is taking to resolve this urgent dispute. [5870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1029)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:1029. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeons based at University Hospital Limerick as of 19 January 2026, in tabular form. [5888/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1030)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:1030. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the number of midwifery-led clinics operational in Limerick currently; and the clinic staffing levels and hours provided for, in tabular form. [5889/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1031)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:1031. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapists across CHO3 that are trained in manual lymphatic drainage therapy for lymphedema patients. [5890/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1032)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:1032. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE advanced nurse practitioners in epilepsy based at University Hospital Limerick as of 19 January 2026, in tabular form. [5891/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1033)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:1033. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if she will give a public apology for the manner in which professionals and the health system here let down children/young adults who were under CAMHS in County Kerry (details supplied). [5308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Maskey Report, published in 2022, examined deficits in relation to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in South Kerry. The review identified that 240 young people did not receive the standard of care they should have from CAMHS. The HSE issued an apology and offered meetings to all affected in South Kerry. The Government also introduced a non-adversarial route for children and their families to seek compensation for the shortfall in care received.
Both I, and the Department of Health, now await submission by the HSE of the Final Report by Dr. Halpin in relation to the North Kerry Lookback Review. I am closely monitoring developments in relation to CAMHS in North Kerry, including the timeline for the completion of the Lookback Review and any evolving issues in relation to the Compensation Scheme. The HSE has indicated that the Review will be made available as soon as possible, acknowledging that necessary due diligence and related processes must be adhered to in the finalisation of the Review.
All case reviews are now complete, with families informed of outcomes. Where deficits were identified, the HSE held open disclosure meetings and continues to provide support through the Clinical Liaison Support Team. My main concern throughout this process has been to ensure that children, young people and their families are communicated with directly in advance of the publication of the Lookback Review. The timing of the submission of the final report to the Department is not a matter for myself or the Department. However, all stakeholders are aware that I am keen to receive the report as soon as possible.
Both I and the Department will, in conjunction with the HSE and any other agencies as appropriate, review the final report and will use its findings to inform next steps.
I will continue to work closely with the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health National Office to drive reform of CAMHS nationally to ensure that this key specialist service which benefits so many young people and their families each year is safe, accessible, child-centered, and delivered to the highest of standards.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1034)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:1034. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on Áras Mhic Dara in An Cheathrú Rua, County Galway, in particular the details of the meeting between the Minister of State in her Department and the HSE, which was queried with her office on the 16 December 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5899/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I made a commitment in the Dáil on the 25th November 2025 in the context of a Topical Issue debate that I would meet with HSE management to discuss the ongoing issues in Áras Mhic Dara Community Nursing Unit regarding the opening of the nine beds that are currently not operational.
With Department of Health officials, I met with HSE West & North West on 12th January 2026 to discuss the ongoing issues with regard to increasing bed capacity at Áras Mhic Dara CNU. A further engagement is due to take place shortly. I am committed to working alongside HSE West & North West to get the nine beds open in Áras Mhic Dara CNU as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (1035)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:1035. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the steps she and her Department have taken to address grievances of staff at a facility (details supplied) in Coolock, which has seen them on indefinite strike since 16 January 2026; if she and her Department will liaise with the workers and their union to come to a satisfactory agreement around pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to acknowledge the very important role that Health Care Assistants play in delivering home care services to older persons and persons with disabilities in our communities.
It is very disappointing that Health Care Assistants employed by this home care organisation felt they had to commence strike action in recent days.
It is important to note that the organisation not a public body. Terms and conditions are set by the organisations themselves. The terms and conditions of employment of their staff, once in line with employment legislation, is strictly between the employer and the employee.
I understand this dispute relates to terms and conditions which differ from those that staff in section 39, grant funded, organisations are benefitting from because of the WRC agreement reached between ICTU and relevant Government Departments in March last year.
This agreement was to fund Health and Social Care, and Homeless sector employers for a 9.25% increase, equivalent to the Public Sector Agreement 2024-2026, and applied only to organisations funded under section 39, 56, 10 and 40 arrangements.
The organisation to which the Deputy refers are primarily funded through a tender arrangement for home care and, as such, are not encompassed within this agreement
The organisation is in receipt of a separate, smaller amount of grant funding under Section 39, in relation to a meals-on-wheels service they provide and workers within this service may be eligible. The HSE have reached out to the organisation in respect of this cohort.
I appreciate that workers and organisations not encompassed by the WRC Agreement may be disappointed. However, the agreement reached applies only those aforementioned, grant-funded organisations.
The maintenance of industrial peace is vital to safeguarding patient safety and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services, and I would strongly encourage the employer and its employees to engage with the State’s established industrial relations machinery to work towards a resolution.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (1036)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:1036. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if consideration can be given to abolishing parking charges for cancer patients (details supplied). [5921/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Hospitals that charge parking fees are very cognisant of the financial implications of parking costs for patients and their families, particularly for those with long-term illnesses. As a result, many hospitals have introduced reduced rate parking for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship, and all hospitals that charge for parking have a fixed maximum daily rate. The majority of hospitals have some form of exemption or allowances in place such as the option of flexible day passes or multi-trip entry passes for regular hospital attenders, and various concessions based on the type of inpatient.
The National Cancer Control Programme also funds the Travel2Care Scheme, which is administered by the Irish Cancer Society and offers financial supports towards travelling for cancer treatment. The Travel2Care Scheme is a limited transportation assistance fund. It is available to patients travelling long distances to designated cancer centres, approved centres, or an approved children’s hospital and covers part of the associated costs, including parking charges, for said travel.
The Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future, makes a commitment to “explore further ways to reduce hospital car parking charges.” This is a reflection of the Government’s appreciation of the financial challenge that can be faced by people in meeting these expenses, in particular where they are frequent users of hospital services. Accordingly, in line with this commitment, the HSE continues to keep all fees and concessions under review, in order to progress any opportunities that will ease the burden for those most affected.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1037)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:1037. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health if she will arrange with a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5925/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1038)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1038. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health for an update regarding an appointment for a person (details supplied); if a date has been set for assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5927/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (1039)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:1039. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the Health Service Executive uses any recognised international guideline, benchmark, or population-based standard to assess the adequacy of whole-time equivalent consultant staffing levels in chronic pain services; if so, to specify the guideline or comparator used; if not, to state how the adequacy of consultant capacity in chronic pain services is currently assessed; and to outline any actions planned, with timelines, to align consultant capacity with identified population need. [5929/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (1040)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Ceist:1040. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health if there are sufficient GP services serving the South Kildare area; the number of GP vacancies currently in existence in Kildare and surrounding hinterland; the measures being taken to recruit and retain GPs locally; if she will improve access to primary care for patients in the Kildare area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5932/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients, and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in any area.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,598 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. A further 634 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the delivery of health services. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. While recruitment is ongoing, the HSE put a locum or other suitable arrangement in place to provide continuity of care for the area concerned. As of November, there is one GMS GP vacancy in County Kildare for Naas/Monasterevin.
Work is ongoing to increase the number of GPs practicing across the country and thereby improve access to GP services for all patients.
Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The Agreements provide for increased GP capitation fees, increased and new supports for practices, as well as new fees for additional services. The 2023 Agreement also provided for the expansion of GP visit card eligibility in 2023 to all children under 8 years of age and all those who earn up to the median household income. Specific supports are available for eligible practices in rural areas and in areas of urban social deprivation.
The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. The number of new entrant training places is to increase again this year by 50 places to 400. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years.
In addition, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. As of end of Q3 2025, there are 115 IMG GPs within the programme placed in general practice and a further 39 have completed the 2-year programme. The placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas.
With regard to access to other primary care services, improving timely access to healthcare for all by reducing waiting lists, including Primary Care waiting lists, is a key focus of the Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government 2025+.
In Autumn 2025, the Department and the HSE began a targeted programme of work to address Primary Care therapy waiting lists and reduce waiting times for patients, beginning with three therapies in the first instance – Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy. This measure will remove up to 60,000 people from the waiting lists across these three therapies.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (1041)
John McGuinness
Ceist:1041. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if she will provide details of the circumstances surrounding the removal, without notice, of the personal effects belonging to a resident (details supplied); if proper procedures were followed; if the person's family were informed of this significant change prior to any action being taken. [5935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1042)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1042. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting on a cardiology appointment in Cavan General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6002/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1043)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1043. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review the case of a child (details supplied) and expedite an appointment for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6009/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Residential Institutions
Ceisteanna (1044)
Sean Fleming
Ceist:1044. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health to provide an update in respect of a person (details supplied) in need of residential care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6023/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 1045 answered with Question No. 949.
Question No. 1046 answered with Question No. 949.
Question No. 1047 answered with Question No. 949.
Question No. 1048 answered with Question No. 949.