PCRS expenditure is not budgeted or controlled at individual scheme level, and the breakdown of Subhead L.1 in the Revised Estimates appendices was constructed for presentational purposes only. The scheme-level PCRS figures shown for 2025 in the Revised Estimates appendix were incorrectly stated and do not reflect the correct indicative 2025 allocations for these schemes.
To allow for a more accurate comparison of PCRS programme allocations, the Department has provided an indicative analytical breakdown of the 2025 Subhead L.1 PCRS allocation. This is based on applying the relative scheme proportions used in the 2026 breakdown to the 2025 PCRS allocation. This approach provides a more meaningful comparison of relative scale across schemes, while recognising that PCRS expenditure is not budgeted or controlled on this basis.
On this indicative basis, immunisation expenditure in 2025 would be estimated at approximately €52 million, rather than the €10.8 million shown in the Revised Estimates appendix. This does not represent a change to the voted Estimate, but is provided to avoid a misleading comparison with 2026.
In relation to RSV, a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on RSV immunisation for infants and adults is currently being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
The findings of the HTA will provide advice to my Department to inform a policy decision on the most appropriate RSV immunisation strategy for infants and adults aged 65 and older. HIQA’s assessment will assess the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and budget impact of alternative strategies for the immunisation of infants and adults aged 65 years and older against RSV. This HTA will also consider the organisational, resource, ethical, patient and social implications associated with these alternative strategies.
The outcome of the HTA will inform the development of any longer-term programme and future decision making on the matter of RSV immunisation in Ireland.
PCRS Schemes Allocations
