Written Answers Nos. 1188-1210
1188. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE speech and language therapist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist posts, by grade, which have been filled at CHI Crumlin as of 4 February 2026, in tabular form. [10308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1189. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when the follow up meeting with the HSE and the Board of Newport Day Centre will happen, which was agreed at a meeting on 19 December 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10331/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1190. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the current reimbursement arrangements in place for GLP-1 medications; to identify the products currently available under each scheme and the criteria for access; if there are plans to expand access; if further products are undergoing pricing and reimbursement assessment; if so, the status of that work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10332/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1191. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the work of the Commission on Care for Older People; the timeline for publication of its first report; if it has commenced work on module two; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10333/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1192. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if she or her Department intend to introduce a 'no wait card' or similar scheme to entitle customers with certain medical conditions to make use of staff toilet facilities in establishments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10336/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises the challenges faced by people living with chronic and invisible medical conditions, including those which may require urgent access to toilet facilities. For many individuals, timely access to appropriate facilities is essential to maintaining dignity, independence and full participation in daily life.
‘No Wait Cards’ are currently issued by a number of patient advocacy organisations to support individuals in requesting access to toilet facilities where required. While these cards do not have a statutory basis, they can assist in raising awareness and facilitating understanding of the needs of people living with certain medical conditions.
The provision and management of toilet facilities in private establishments is generally a matter for the premises concerned, subject to relevant equality and health and safety legislation. However, the Department of Health remains supportive of initiatives that promote accessibility, inclusion and reasonable accommodation for people with health conditions and disabilities.
The Department will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders and organisations in relation to measures that may support improved awareness and access for those affected.
1193. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to outline her plans to expand supports for those with epidermolysis bullosa and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn EB care pathway, approved by the HSE Clinical Forum under the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) as a national paediatric and adult care pathway in May 2023, sets out the recommended steps in care for people living with EB. I am advised that the HSE is actively developing a service model for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and are directly engaging with relevant patient representative groups as part of this process.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed that €3m was ring-fenced in Budget 2025 for targeted services for children under a number of projects. As part of this €3m funding, €125,000 in core-funding was made available to Debra Ireland in 2025 and going forward, a charity supporting those living with EB in Ireland.
The Deputy may also be aware that €1.5 million was allocated to rare diseases as part of budget 2025, with an additional €5 million for the implementation of the new National Rare Disease Strategy for Ireland. This funding will be utilised for the benefit of all people living with a rare disease including those living with EB.
1194. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that pharmacies have begun imposing a €20 monthly charge for the provision of blister-packed medications; the basis on which this fee is being permitted, given previous indications that the matter was under discussion with his Department; the steps he is taking to prevent the introduction of this charge, which disproportionately affects older, vulnerable and low-income patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. Phased dispensing means that the patient must attend the pharmacy multiple times per month (for example, weekly, twice weekly, or in some cases every day) to receive smaller quantities of their medication.
Phased dispensing and blister packing are not the same thing. The State has never funded blister packs. Therefore, there has been no removal of that service by the State. It remains a private service, and community pharmacies may decide to charge patients for providing this service.
However, the changes in phased dispensing fees have highlighted the broader use of blister packs.
The evidence and health policy on blister packs, including NICE guidance, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society 2013 report, indicates that blister packs are not always the most appropriate choice for all patients to manage adherence and medication compliance. Internationally the guidance is that blister packs should be a last resort, with patients being supported by many other interventions before prescribing a blister pack.
Nevertheless, I recognise that for certain patients, using them can be helpful, and they rely heavily on these products. My Department officials are currently examining this issue as a matter of priority.
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. My Department officials and the HSE are investigating the details of this further.
The current pause on the planned changes to phased dispensing rules will facilitate community pharmacists to talk with their patients in an individualised manner, about the circumstances, specific to that patient.
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 2025.
1195. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health whether patients diagnosed with cancer are automatically entitled to a medical card to ensure full access to necessary diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, treatment, and follow-up care; if not, if she will introduce measures to guarantee automatic medical card provision for all cancer patients to remove financial barriers to care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10358/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn per week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
People under 70 are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after deduction of tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Detailed guidelines are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/applying/assessment/. People aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. However, those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high medical costs. Details are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/over-70s/.
The issue of granting medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card - in particular, to take full account of difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In such circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, for example:
• Discretionary medical cards issued to patients with significant medical expenses but who do not satisfy the means test.
• Emergency medical cards are issued to patients that are terminally ill, or are seriously ill, and in urgent need of medical care that they cannot afford.
Furthermore, I can advise the Deputy that, since 2015, medical cards are awarded without the need of a financial assessment to all children under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer. Details are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/emergency-medical-cards/.
Separate to medical cards, the NCCP Revised Best Practice Guidance for community cancer support centres was published in March 2022. The Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres was also established in 2022. The Alliance is a HSE initiative which aims to develop a collaborative framework for community-based cancer support centres and services. This programme promotes participation in capacity-building activities and communication and networking forums aimed at ensuring that community-based cancer support services are integrated. The NCCP operates an activity-based funding model for organisations who have joined the NCCP Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres & Services.
Ireland’s Programme for Government 2025 makes a commitment to increase supports for cancer survivors and continue to invest in community cancer support services. To support this commitment, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres has been allocated €5.5m in funding for 2025, an increase from €3m in 2024.
Maximising the quality of life of those living with and beyond cancer is one of the four pillars of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026. Recommendations in the current Strategy aim to further survivorship supports and services in cancer care in Ireland. This includes the establishment of psycho-oncology services, provision of treatment summary and care plans, and the development of survivorship programmes. In tandem with these developments, in line with recommendation 41 of the Strategy, The National Cancer Survivorship Needs Assessment was carried out and published in 2019. Findings from this assessment have informed the development of survivorship supports. The National Cancer Strategy recognises the significant contribution of the voluntary and community sector in providing services to cancer patients, their families, and carers. It emphasises the importance of psychosocial support and integrated care.
1196. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the process for the involuntary admission of a child on the grounds of mental health crisis. [10366/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mental Health Act 2001, which was fully commenced in 2006, is the key piece of legislation currently in place regarding the rights of people, including children, involuntarily detained and treated in approved centres. The key principle of the 2001 Act is the ‘best interests’ of the patient.
In relation to the involuntary admission of children, Section 25 of the 2001 Act provides for involuntary admission of children through application and hearing by the District Court.
The first step of the process is for the HSE to make an application to the District Court where a child is believed to be suffering from a mental disorder and requires treatment that they are unlikely to receive in the community. The child must first be examined by a consultant psychiatrist, who will furnish the results of their examination to the Court for consideration.
Where the parent(s)/guardian of the child refuse to consent to the examination of the child, or they cannot be found, the HSE may make an application to the Court without any prior examination of the child by a consultant psychiatrist and if the Court is satisfied that the child may be suffering from a mental disorder, the Court will direct the HSE to arrange the examination by the consultant psychiatrist and furnish the Court with the results.
If the Court is satisfied following consideration of the consultant psychiatrist’s report that the child is suffering from a mental disorder, an order is made for the admission and treatment of the child in a specified approved centre for up to 21 days.
The Act also permits the renewal of admission orders for children for a further period of up to 3 months (and further periods of up to 6 months thereafter) following further application and examination by a consultant psychiatrist and another hearing by the District Court.
The 2001 Act contains a number of additional safeguards, such as the Inspector of Mental Health Services, who inspects all approved centres at least once a year for compliance with the Act and Regulations made thereunder, and the making of Rules regarding the use of seclusion and restraint.
Considering the developments in mental health policy and services over the past two decades, the 2001 Act does not fully reflect our approach to mental health services now, such as the shift towards community-based services, the adoption of a recovery approach in service delivery and the involvement of service users as partners in their own care and in the development of the services.
The Mental Health Bill 2024, which will replace the 2001 Act, includes a standalone part for children as recommended by the 2015 Expert Group Review of the 2001 Act, and similar to the 2001 Act, the new Bill provides for the involuntary admission of children through application and hearing by the Family District Court.
Part 4 of the Bill is dedicated to the care and treatment of children and young people in an inpatient setting. The Bill provides for the presumption of capacity for young people aged 16 and 17 years to consent to or refuse admission and treatment to inpatient mental health services.
The Bill strengthens the safeguards provided to adults and children involuntarily admitted to mental health services, modernises provisions related to consent to treatment and provides enhanced safeguards for those accessing inpatient treatment.
The Mental Health Bill completed its passage through the Dáil in July 2025 and I was delighted to complete Committee Stage in the Seanad last month, following robust debate with Senators. I look forward to bringing the Bill to Report Stage in the Seanad in March, where final amendments to the Bill will be introduced. These will include further amendments in relation to the Child Care Act 1991, transitional provisions to provide a legal basis for the transition from the existing 2001 Act regime to the 2024 Bill regime, as well as further amendments arising from Committee Stage.
1197. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the location and number of adolescent mental health beds in Cork. [10367/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1198. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health the WTE staff, by job title currently working at the Supra-Regional Endometriosis Centre in Tallaght University Hospital; the WTE vacancies, by job title; the estimated timeframe for filling each of those vacancies, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10383/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1199. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE occupational therapists, by grade posts filled at Springfield-Tallaght primary care centre as of 4 February 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10384/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1200. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health her plans to regulate spoken language interpretation within the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1201. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to clarify if private patients who were previously in a programme can be included in the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme (details supplied); the plans to expand CDM eligibility to include all patients with chronic diseases, irrespective of their general medical services or doctor visit card status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10400/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The General Practitioner (GP) Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme commenced in 2020 and has been rolled out on a phased basis to adult GMS (Medical Card and GP Visit Card) patients over a 4-year period.
The CDM Programme represents a new approach in Ireland to working with patients to manage their healthcare. It has brought the care for chronic disease further into the community and closer to the patient, and has reduced hospital attendance by patients with one or more of the specified conditions.
The Programme was expanded in 2023 to include women who have had gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, and a further expansion of the Programme, to include the addition of chronic kidney disease and a number of other conditions will be rolled out over the coming months.
It is not currently planned to expand eligibility for the Programme to all patients on a universal basis. However, this may be considered in the context of broader expansions of eligibility and the implementation of Sláintecare. It is important to note that any expansion of the Programme requires careful clinical consideration and consultation with GPs and other stakeholders to ensure that the expansion can be rolled out effectively.
With respect to the specific programme queried, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1202. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 945 and 946 of 27 January 2026, the reason no clear next steps or timelines have yet been set out for the inclusion of same sex couples in the publicly funded assisted human reproduction scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised, the access criteria and the terms of the assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment initiative are being kept under ongoing review by the Department of Health and the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme, who engage directly on a day-to-day basis in respect of operational matters with both their HSE colleagues in the Regional Fertility Hubs, as well as the HSE-approved private providers.
Consideration has been and is being given to extend the types of AHR treatment provided under the initiative, including treatment involving the use of donated gametes. Nevertheless, and as previously advised, there are a number of further clinical and regulatory requirements regarding the donation of gametes and the use of such gametes which will arise from provisions in the AHR legislation, once it has been fully commenced.
Notwithstanding the above, extensive consultation between Department officials, colleagues in the HSE, and relevant specialists in the field of reproductive medicine on this matter is continuing, including in respect of examining the position in other jurisdictions regarding publicly funding such treatment and the consideration of additional funding requirements which may ensue from such an expansion of the initiative. This consultation process will inform any policy decisions in relation to any potential expansion of the initiative.
I would also point out that it would be prudent to have the appropriate regulatory framework in place before a decision on the State providing for the type of treatment the Deputy is referring to is made. I am not in a position, therefore, to provide definitive timelines or indeed a definitive policy position in relation to same at the present time.
Finally, in relation to same-sex male couples, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 includes provisions which will introduce the regulation of surrogacy in Ireland. However, these provisions have not yet been commenced and there are no plans to introduce public funding of AHR treatment undertaken in pursuance of a surrogacy arrangement. My officials inform me that very few, if any, other jurisdictions provide public funding in respect of the carrying out of surrogacy arrangements.
1203. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when the HIQA Expert Advisory Group on modifications to the BreastCheck screening programme will be established; when she expects the publication of the health technology assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Health, I 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.
The Programme for Government commits to extending the ages for the BreastCheck Screening Programme, in line with updated standards from HIQA.
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular intervals to have a screening mammogram. In Budget 2025, an additional €2.9 million was allocated to the BreastCheck programme to support the recruitment of 22 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) posts, with an additional 15 WTE posts approved. This will assist in expanding and future-proofing the programme to meet increased demand.
I would note that any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes, will be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols.
The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister.
NSAC continues to progress work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted several requests to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
HIQA has commenced a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to consider proposals for the expansion of the BreastCheck programme. This review will comprise two elements; the proposed extension of the age range eligibility to those aged 45-49 and 70-74, and also the potential introduction of a standardised breast density notification.
The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) for the BreastCheck HTA process held its first meeting in 2025, with additional meetings scheduled throughout 2026.
HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology.
HTAs are time intensive and rigorous processes that must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. This is particularly relevant in the context of the BreastCheck HTA, which is considering three distinct areas, the potential to increase the age eligibility, to decrease the age eligibility and potential reporting of breast density.
Finally, I would emphasise 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.
1204. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if welireg is available to public HSE patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease; the way they can access this treatment; the alternative treatments that are offered through the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10417/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1205. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to standardise protocols for medicolegal autopsies under the Coroners Act 1962, to ensure consistency nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10418/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has responsibility for coroners' legislation and policy, including the Coroners Act 1962, as amended.
Acknowledging that, Part 3 of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Act 2024, once commenced, will establish a new regulatory regime to ensure best practice is followed in the conduct of post-mortem examinations.
The Act does not interfere with the independence of the Coroner in performing his or her statutory functions and it is important to emphasise that the Coroners Acts remain as the primary legislation governing post-mortem examinations directed by the Coroner.
Amongst other measures, the Act will amend the Coroners Acts 1962-2024 to address issues with regard to material removed and retained from the deceased person in a post-mortem examination directed by a coroner.
The Act will amend the Coroners Acts to introduce a better communication and information sharing process with families in cases where a coronial post-mortem is required and where material may be retained for investigative purposes.
Additionally, the Act will introduce regulations aligning practices in relation to the retention, storage and management of organs across the non-coronial and coronial systems.
The legislation will lead to improved standards of practice across both the coronial and non-coronial system and complement the HSE National Clinical Guidelines for Post-Mortem Examination Services published in 2023.
Part 3 of the Act dealing with post-mortem practice and procedures will be progressed to commencement at the earliest opportunity.
1206. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the way in which the overload of medicolegal autopsies is impacting hospital resources; the collaborations in place with the health sector to mitigate this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1207. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to review and update the fees payable to pathologists for coroner-directed autopsies and inquest attendance (unchanged since 2009), to better reflect actual costs and time involved and to encourage continued participation by hospital pathologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
1208. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists currently employed by the HSE in Longford, by WTE, the locations to which they are assigned, in tabular form. [10423/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1209. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review the case of a person (details supplied) and expedite surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
1210. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure alternative treatment arrangements are put in place for an elderly patient (details supplied). [10432/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
