Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
544. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the potential development of a national strategy to reduce epilepsy-related deaths in Ireland; the outcome of a meeting between her Department and an organisation (details supplied) to discuss this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11170/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I recognise how difficult it is for the families and friends of those with epilepsy and those lost to Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy (SUDEP). I wish to acknowledge the important work of Epilepsy Ireland to support those with Epilepsy including raising vital awareness of SUDEP.
The HSE advise that the coordination of care for all individuals in Ireland with epilepsy to reduce the risk of SUDEP and epilepsy associated morbidity began with the creation of a specific National Clinical Programme for Epilepsy (2010). The Clinical Programme published a Model of Care for Epilepsy in 2016. A specific Model of care for women with Epilepsy (WWE) who are pregnant was published in 2018 of which one of its aims is to improve the safety of WWE.
Since the roll out of the Model of Care, the HSE advise that key advances include the development of six Epilepsy centres in Beaumont Hospital, St. James Hospital, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Sligo University Hospital, University Hospital Limerick and Cork University Hospital.
HSE also advise that as outlined in the Epilepsy Model of Care, first seizure pathways via epilepsy centres (adult and paediatric) remain the point of introduction and entry to the Epilepsy programme after first presentation with seizure. This assessment is facilitated by the provision of neurophysiology and neuroimaging services to provide understanding of the emerging Epilepsy syndrome. This guides early treatment decisions and reduces seizure related morbidity and mortality.
My Department officials engage with the HSE National Clinical Programme for Epilepsy who are responsible for implementation of the Epilepsy Model of Care. The HSE advise that key priorities include strengthening and training the epilepsy nursing workforce, roll out of neurologist and advance nurse practitioner roles in our maternity hubs, addressing the shortage in paediatric neurology and epileptology, reducing the risk of sudden unexplained deaths in epilepsy and implementation of the PREVENT programme for women with epilepsy.
Officials from my Department met representatives from Epilepsy Ireland in August 2025 to discuss the SUDEP Incidence Study. Officials welcomed the research and found the discussion informative. Robust data and evidence are essential for the development of policy and service improvement. This is important work, and I encourage continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that such new and emerging evidence is available to inform policy decisions.
The HSE also advise that the National Clinical Programme for Epilepsy are working with Epilepsy Ireland on the creation of a SUDEP check list for an educational campaign, due for completion in early 2026. SUDEP awareness is particularly needed for patients and their families who have not yet accessed an epilepsy clinic.
My officials will continue to work with the National Clinical Programmes for Neurology and Epilepsy to support implementation of the Models of Care which the HSE advise will support a reduction in seizure related mortality.
