Ann Graves
Ceist:533. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of WTE psychologists, by grade posts filled at each CDNT within CHO9 as of 3 February 2026, in tabular form. [11482/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Services
Ceisteanna (533)
Freagraí scríofa
As this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (534)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:534. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health when funding approval is expected for the redevelopment of the emergency department at Beaumont Hospital and the proposed 95-bed block; the current stage of the project within the public capital approval process; and the anticipated timeline for tender and construction. [11581/26]
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.
Food Labelling
Ceisteanna (535)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:535. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to amend S.I. No. 307/2006 to extend mandatory country-of-origin labelling to poultry, pork and lamb in the hospitality and catering sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11118/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no current plans to amend S.I. No. 307/2006, the Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006, to extend mandatory country-of-origin labelling requirements to poultry, pork or lamb in the hospitality or catering sector.
Food Labelling
Ceisteanna (536)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:536. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health to detail the steps her Department is taking to ensure that processed meat products, such as chicken Kievs or pre-prepared meals, cannot use 'Product of Ireland' branding if the primary meat ingredient was hatched, reared or slaughtered in a non-EU country; and if he will address the impact of 'substantial transformation' rules on consumer clarity. [11119/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The overarching legislative framework for food information to consumers is Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers (FIC). Under this EU Regulation, the general rule is that the indication of the country of origin or place of provenance is mandatory where failure to indicate this might mislead the consumer as to the true country of origin or place of provenance of the food.
Article 26(3) of the EU FIC Regulation provides that where the country of origin or the place of provenance of a food is given and where it is not the same as that of its primary ingredient, the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient in question shall also be given. This Article aims at preventing misleading food information which implies a certain origin of a food, when in fact its true origin is different. The rules for indicating the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient of a food are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/775.
Prior to Regulation 2018/775, ‘substantial transformation’ was taken into account when determining country of origin information. With the introduction of Regulation 2018/775 where the origin of the primary ingredient is different from that of the food, that origin must be given, providing the consumer with additional information.
On the query raised by the Deputy relating to the labelling of processed meat products, such as chicken Kievs or pre-prepared meals, where the origin of a food or place of provenance is given and is different from its primary ingredient, the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient of a food must also be given. Where 'Product of Ireland' is displayed on the food and is different from the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient, it must be accompanied by country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient.
Under service contracts with the FSAI, official agencies carry out risk-based inspections of food business operators to verify compliance with food information and labelling requirements set out in the EU FIC Regulation.
Question Heading for question(s) 537
Ceisteanna (537)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:537. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11122/26]
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.
Disability Issues
Ceisteanna (538)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:538. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if additional respite beds will be made available in the north Kerry area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11129/26]
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 Heading for question(s) 539
Ceisteanna (539)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:539. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health for an update on the application for appropriate accommodation for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11141/26]
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.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (540)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:540. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed as home support workers, either full or part-time, by community health organisation, for each of the years between 2015 and 2025; the number of home help hours available per week, by CHO, for each of the years between 2015 and 2025, in tabular form. [11159/26]
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 Facilities
Ceisteanna (541)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:541. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason sanitary towels are not available whenever they are needed for patients in all wards in hospitals, both adult and paediatric; if the HSE has plans to ensure that sanitary towels will be available upon request in all wards in hospitals, both adult and paediatric; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11160/26]
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 Promotion
Ceisteanna (542)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:542. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if she will consider supporting a State-led awareness campaign on the promotion of seizure first aid and TIME, SAFE, STAY (details supplied) amongst the general public under Ireland's agreement to implement the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11168/26]
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 Promotion
Ceisteanna (543)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:543. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason no information on epilepsy, seizure first aid or infantile spasms is contained on the HSE's mychild.ie website, despite an offer from an organisation (details supplied) to provide already available resources for use on the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11169/26]
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 Strategies
Ceisteanna (544)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist: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 fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, 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.
Departmental Inquiries
Ceisteanna (545)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:545. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if there is a canteen in her Department headquarters; and if the Minister can provide assurances that all meat sold or provided in that canteen is of Irish origin. [11184/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has a canteen service at its headquarters. I can confirm that the economic operator providing the services has provided assurances that all meat supplied for sale is sourced in the Republic of Ireland.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (546)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:546. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the statutory role of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland in supervising, auditing, or enforcing food safety, hygiene, and traceability among suppliers participating in the hot school meals programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11194/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has overall responsibility for the enforcement of food law in Ireland; therefore, as this is an operational matter, I have asked the FSAI to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (547)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:547. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of women on waiting lists for endometriosis surgery across Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11201/26]
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.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (548)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:548. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the completion of her review of the European Scheme for Assisted Intervention in another State (ESAIS), particularly in respect of the potential inclusion of hospitals in Greece, Italy and Romania for the treatment of endometriosis; and a timeline for when any resulting changes will be implemented. [11203/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The list of approved centres abroad for the Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme (ESAIS) has been developed by the HSE's National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP).
NWIHP has advised that patient safety and the provision of high-quality care are priority considerations. The approval process focused on identifying centres which meet international standards of clinical excellence.
The HSE has established a Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) that includes international expertise. One of the roles of the CAG is to assess clinics for possible inclusion in order to extend the list of approved centres under the Scheme.
The CAG has agreed criteria to assess other centres for possible addition to the list of approved centres. The criteria align with international accreditation requirements such as those required for recognition by the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) or the awarding of a Euro EndoCert by the European Endometriosis League (EELs), based in Germany.
Centres in France, Greece, Italy, the UK and Romania are being assessed under this process. A centre may be considered if it achieves the quality and safety requirements of BSGE or EELs even if it has not received formal international accreditation standards. This process may entail site visits or other engagements with the centres for approval. Once the CAG recommends the addition of a service to the approved list of centres for surgery via the ESAIS, the live list on the HSE website is updated to reflect this addition.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Ceisteanna (549, 550)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:549. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if her Department has sought or received advice from the attorney general in relation to surrogacy legislation; the way Ireland can ensure the safety of surrogates and children in other states; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11204/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeadar Tóibín
Ceist:550. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the way surrogacy legislation in Ireland will align with EU directive 2024/1712 which specifically mentions surrogacy as a form of exploitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11205/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) 2024 Act was signed into law by the President in July 2024, but has not yet been commenced. The legislation includes ground-breaking provisions in respect of domestic and international surrogacy, as well as the recognition of parentage arising from certain past domestic and international surrogacy arrangements.
The surrogacy provisions in the assisted human reproduction (AHR) legislation look to build on and learn from the experiences of other States which have sought to regulate surrogacy. Drafting is led by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, along with officials from my Department, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DoJHAM), and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), with important legal input provided by the Office of the Attorney General.
The new laws were also developed with due regard given to the views and recommendations of a number of national and international experts, such as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children, the Irish Special Rapporteur on Child Protection and the dedicated Oireachtas committee which was established to examine the issue. In addition, adhering as much as possible to the Verona Principles – a set of policy and legislative guidelines produced by experts in international law and human rights to ensure respect for the human rights of children born through surrogacy – has been a major consideration during the legislative drafting process.
Regarding the Deputy’s specific query on EU Directive 2024/1712, the Deputy will be aware that the transposition of the EU anti-human trafficking directive is under the remit of the DoJHAM. My Department is working with the DoJHAM to ensure that the AHR legislation has sufficient safeguards to protect the rights of surrogate mothers, including from the threat of human trafficking. My officials are engaging with the DoJHAM to ensure that the AHR framework operates consistently with the transposition measures, and that the respective safeguards are in place.
It is important to point out that a key aspect underpinning the regulation of surrogacy is that, whether undertaken in Ireland or abroad, it will only be permitted first and foremost if the particular proposed arrangements have been approved by the new regulatory body (the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority prior to the transfer of an embryo to the surrogate mother. The proposed surrogacy agreement will have to be undertaken in a jurisdiction which is included on a ‘Green List’ of approved surrogacy destinations which the AHRRA will draw up based on consideration of factors such as the laws regarding surrogacy in the jurisdiction, the regulation and oversight of those involved in the provision of services related to surrogacy, and the rights of surrogate mothers, including the extent to which they are enforced. The undertaking of surrogacy arrangements which have not been granted pre-conception approval by the AHRRA will constitute an offence, with potential penalties of imprisonment and/or a significant fine.
There is a large number of stringent criteria which need to be met before the AHRRA will grant approval of a proposed surrogacy agreement. These requirements primarily seek to provide strong safeguards against the trafficking and exploitation of surrogate mothers and protect the rights and welfare of any children born as a result of surrogacy.
Question No. 550 answered with Question No. 549.
Abortion Services
Ceisteanna (551)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:551. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if her Department has conducted or will conduct research into the reasons women seeking an abortion chose not to attend their second appointment after the initial consultation appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with statutory and Government commitments a review of the operation of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, including the 3-day wait, was initiated at the end of 2021.
The final report of this review made a range of recommendations, most of which are operational in nature with some proposing legislative change. The operational recommendations are being progressed and significant progress has been made.
Decisions in relation to the legislative recommendations require careful consideration.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (552)
Robert Troy
Ceist:552. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to provide details on the HSE supplementary pension; the persons entitled to claim; and the criteria to apply for same. [11212/26]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (553)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:553. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the resourcing of a CAMHS ID services in the Sligo area, as a specialist section of CAMHS for kids with intellectual disability was planned to be established in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11223/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.