Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
219. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she plans to develop a new national cardiovascular health plan following publication of the EU’s Safe Hearts Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2023 and is estimated to cost the Irish state €1.7 billion annually, with 46% of this being direct healthcare costs.
Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. Today, CVD mortality is about half of the levels of 1995, however, CVD still accounts for 27.8% of all deaths in Ireland. The absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.
Irish officials, working closely with EU colleagues, contributed to the development of a new Council Conclusion on the improvement of cardiovascular health, adopted on 3rd December 2024, marking a strong political commitment to tackling cardiovascular disease across Europe. This engagement demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to cardiovascular health, ensuring that national priorities align with European efforts to reduce the burden of CVDs.
On 16th December 2025, the European Commission published Safe Hearts – the EU Cardiovascular Plan, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing premature deaths by improving prevention, early detection, and treatment, while also driving innovation. Ireland’s active role in shaping these policies reflects our ambition to strengthen cardiovascular health outcomes for our population and contribute to a healthier Europe.
On April 8th 2025, the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services was published. This comprehensive, evidence-based report provides 23 key recommendations to inform future cardiac health policy. It offers both a data-driven analysis and a clear roadmap for reforming cardiac services across the country. Department officials are now working closely with the HSE to progress the implementation of these recommendations. This is a complex, multiyear reform programme that will ensure a comprehensive and deliverable approach in achieving outcomes.
Cardiovascular health was prioritised in Budget 2025, which allocated over €9 million in full-year funding to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Budget 2025 allocated €4 million full year costs, and 45 WTEs to progress cardiac services. To date, 28 of these 45 WTEs have been prioritised and 5.1 WTE posts have been accepted.
This investment facilitates the initial steps in cardiac services reform and will support the development of a new cardiovascular strategy as committed to in the Programme for Government. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.
