Written Answers Nos. 280-295
280. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason that preservative-free cosopt eye drops have not been made available on the drugs payment scheme given that it is being prescribed to patients in Ireland; the reason that the licence for preservative-free cosopt drops was withdrawn by the Health Products Regulatory Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13130/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, a medicine must have a marketing authorisation (licence) to be included in the formal list of reimbursable items. A pharmaceutical company can apply to the HSE for reimbursement for a specific indication of a specific licensed medicine. Medicines can have more than one licensed (market authorised) indication and each indication represents a separate application.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority have advised that Santen OY, the previous Marketing Authorisation Holder for the product COSOPT Preservative-Free 20 mg / ml + 5 mg / ml, eye drops (licence number PA0879/005/002), withdrew the product licence from the Irish market in October 2024 for commercial reasons.
281. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health if all funding has been allocated for the 2025-26 year under the social deprivation practice grant support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13148/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the GMS scheme, the financial supports available to eligible GPs/GP practices include practice staff supports, locum contributions for leave taking, rural practice supports, and a contribution to GMS GPs medical indemnity insurance is also paid.
The 2019 GP Agreement introduced a grant to support GPs in socially deprived urban areas to provide additional services. The grant can be used for covering the costs associated with additional clinical supports such as increased doctor or nurse hours, increased key worker hours, or additional counselling hours to meet the needs of patients within the practice.
Following extensive engagement between relevant stakeholders, it was agreed in late 2025 that the distribution of the grant will be concentrated so that eligible GMS GPs will receive significantly increased amounts, allowing for more meaningful support for the practices concerned. This change applies for allocations awarded for 2025 onwards.
Following my approval, the relevant circular issued to GPs on the 28th of January. As the dispersal of the funds is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
282. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health the standard pathway of care when a person presents in an acute mental health crisis to an emergency department, GP out-of-hours service or other HSE service; whether this pathway is applied consistently across all hospitals; the target timeframe for assessment and referral to appropriate mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13149/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCrisis mental health supports, including those with 24/7 coverage, are currently provided across a number of settings and services, including hospital based services, out of hours services such as CAMHS on call, and non-governmental organisation services such as crisis phone and text supports, funded by HSE Mental Health Services.
The National Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020-2030) is currently overseeing a piece of work by the HSE Implementation Group to bring together the range of available out-of-hours and crisis services and supports, with a view to aligning and streamlining supports and identifying any potential gaps in service provision. It is envisaged that this work will form the basis of an Adult Crisis Response Framework. This project is currently in an advanced state of preparation and is expected to be initiated formally before end-2026.
In addition, as Minister, I have overseen the rollout of a range of out of hours supports for people experiencing mental health difficulties as alternatives to Emergency Departments.
Crisis Resolution Services
The model of care for Crisis Resolution Services was developed as a direct recommendation of Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy. It recognises that people who are experiencing a mental health crisis need specialist services to provide timely brief intensive supports to keep people safe.
Crisis Resolution Teams• : These comprise of teams of mental health professionals who work out of hours to meet people in a crisis and provide rapid assessment and intensive intervention. There are 6 pilot Crisis Resolution Teams currently operational in Galway, Sligo/Leitrim, Cork city (two teams), Waterford City and County, South Dublin/Wicklow. The Limerick Crisis Resolution Team is due to commence operations this year.
Crisis Cafés• : Solace Cafes provide a welcoming, non-clinical safe environment in the style of a café where people can go at evenings and weekends. The Cafés provides a range of support for those who needed to use its services including crisis support, signposting, peer support, and community support. The Cafes are now open in Cork City, South Dublin, Sligo, Waterford, and Limerick.
Additional funding has been provided for more Crisis Resolution Teams and Solace Cafes in Budget 2026, for Donegal, Kerry and the Midlands (Tullamore/Westmeath).
Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) Service
The Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service is critically important safety net for people in suicidal crisis and the Minister fully supports the intention within the second Sharing the Vision implementation plan to expand these services to provide full coverage nationwide. These services provide a timely response to requests for assessment of patients in suicidal crisis from GPs, and the assessments often take place in primary care settings.
The SCAN service was originally developed under the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation (NCPSHI) which was introduced in Irish public hospital emergency departments in 2014. Primarily delivered by clinical nurse specialists with support from a consultant psychiatrist in each hospital area, the programme supports people presenting with suicidal ideation as well as self-harm.
The model of care for the service envisages a dedicated mental health assessment room within hospitals to provide a more appropriate environment for assessments to take place. Even when the full network of alternative Crisis Resolution Services is in place, we know people in distress will still present to emergency departments for support. Given most acute mental health in-patient units are co-located with our acute hospital network, it’s important people in distress are assessed in clinically appropriate environments when they present for support. I have allocated funding for the recruitment of additional SCAN nurses in 2026.
Specialist Crisis Nurses in hospitals
Under funding which I allocated in Budget 2026, the HSE will establish specialist nursing teams in the emergency departments of all Model 4 hospitals out-of-hours, made up of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists to support people in crisis. By placing specialist nursing teams in our emergency departments out-of-hours, coupled with the expansion of community alternatives such as crisis resolution teams and crisis cafes, we are fundamentally changing how we respond to the needs of people in distress.
As the question raises operational issues relating to the standard pathway of care for crisis presentations to emergency departments, I have also referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
283. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health the number of dual-diagnosis clinical nurse specialist and advanced nurse practitioner posts, dealing with co-occurring addiction and mental health needs, currently approved nationally; the number filled to date; the number vacant; the number allocated to each CHO in the west of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
284. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health for an update on an NMBI overseas recognition application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of nurses and midwives in Ireland rests with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). As the recognition of overseas applications for nurses and midwives sits with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), I have referred the question to the NMBI for its attention and direct response to the Deputy.
285. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if she will consider a recent report commissioned by an organisation (details supplied); if she will consider adding Crohn's, colitis and irritable bowel disease to the list of illnesses which qualify an individual for a long-term illness card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13169/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions to be covered by the Scheme. Further information, including the list of conditions, can be found at:
www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/about/
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment.
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness 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.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the DPS threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
286. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health when the Chairperson of the Cannabis Access Review Committee will be appointed; when the committee is expected to commence its work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13170/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental officials are currently identifying suitably qualified candidates for the Chairperson’s role and the evidence review committee. The Chairperson must accept the nomination of the Minister. It is expected that the committee can commence is work in the second quarter of the year.
287. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health her plans to add Acarizax to the reimbursement list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13176/26]
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.
288. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if she is concerned that the proposal to ban flavoured nicotine inhalation devices could have a knock-on increase in the number of cigarette smokers; the actions she will take to address these concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13181/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra289. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health to outline any research carried out by her Department into the potential risks of banning flavoured nicotine inhalation devices; whether the potential knock-on increase in people reverting to cigarette smoking was considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13182/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.
The immediate focus of legislation regarding vaping is on reducing youth uptake.
The proposed measures in the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products)(Amendment) Bill arise from the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee in 2022, a large-scale public consultation held in 2023/2024 and a regulatory impact analysis based on the available data and research on the prevalence of vaping in young people and adults, the evidence of health harms and the interaction between vaping and smoking.
The draft Bill includes a review structure to monitor the impact of all of the measures and includes powers to amend by regulation the list of flavours that can be sold.
290. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (detail supplied) is waiting on a follow-up appointment in Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13183/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
291. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to fully implement the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 was signed into law by the President in July 2024, having passed all stages in both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The primary purpose of this complex and far-reaching legislation is to regulate fertility clinics providing treatment and ensure that assisted human reproduction (AHR) practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight. The 2024 Act encompasses the regulation for the first time of a wide range of practices undertaken in Ireland, including: the use and donation of gametes and embryos for AHR and research; pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos; and embryo and stem cell research. The establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA), as provided for in the legislation, is a vital component in the effective regulation of this sector.
The AHR Bill as initially published also included provisions in respect of domestic altruistic surrogacy. However, the final 2024 Act also includes substantive new provisions in respect of the regulation of future surrogacy arrangements undertaken by Irish residents in other jurisdictions and the recognition of parentage arising from certain past domestic and international surrogacy arrangements.
While the 2024 Act was progressing through the Houses of Oireachtas, issues were identified which required further consideration and consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. Formal drafting of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill – which is largely concerned with outstanding issues of parentage and citizenship, but also seeks to make other necessary amendments to various sections of the 2024 Act itself – is at an advanced stage, led by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, along with officials from my Department, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
Some administrative sections of the 2024 Act have been commenced, specifically to formally establish the AHRRA. In addition, work is underway with a view to commencing section 232 of the 2024 Act. This will result in the parentage of some donor-conceived children not covered by the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 being recognised.
I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge that much progress has been made on our path to providing the necessary oversight and regulation of assisted human reproduction.
This is a very complex area and we need to get it right. For practical and legal reasons, the 2024 Act can only be fully commenced when the Regulatory Authority is fully operational and the Amendment Bill is enacted.
292. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health for an update on the review of the model of care for the treatment of eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13193/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 16 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded. The HSE spends over €14 million on eating disorders services annually. As a result, access to eating disorder services is increasing, with 25% more assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 vs 449).
Over 110 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day. Enhancement for specialist mental health services including eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Our current focus is on completing and implementing the existing Model of Care and supporting the rollout of additional teams. Once this is complete, an evaluation will be undertaken, after which the Model of Care will be reviewed by the HSE.
The HSE report on inpatient bed capacity required for eating disorders was forwarded to my Department for consideration in July 2025. Accordingly the recommendations for enhanced bed capacity for eating disorders have been included in the National Development Plan.
293. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to develop mental health services in Beaumont Hospital; the number of beds at the Ashlin Centre in Beaumont; if there are plans to expand this centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13194/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
294. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the location and full staffing cohort of each Traveller healthcare project team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13234/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health if she plans to increase the remunerated hours for which staff within Traveller healthcare projects are employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13235/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
As this is a service matter I am referring to the HSE for direct answer.
