Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1043. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the current number and waiting times for each radiation oncology unit, in tabular form. [14865/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCancer Services
Ceisteanna (1043)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (1044)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1044. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of new patients who started anti-cancer therapy in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, in tabular form.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14866/26]
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.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (1045)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1045. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of delayed treatments or appointments for cancer treatment since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. [14867/26]
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 Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1046)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1046. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the budget for medical compensation in each of the years from 2016 to 2026. [14868/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of Delegated State Authorities including the Health Service Executive (HSE). The table below sets out the budget allocations from the Health Vote to the HSE for payments to the SCA for the years from 2016 to 2026 for the management and settlement of health related claims, including those relating to medical compensation.
|
Year |
Amount allocated under the Health Vote to the Health Service Executive for payments to the State Claims Agency (€000) |
|
2016 |
198,000 |
|
2017 |
274,000 |
|
2018 |
320,000 |
|
2019 |
370,000 |
|
2020 |
400,000 |
|
2021 |
410,000 |
|
2022 |
530,000 |
|
2023 |
510,000 |
|
2024 |
485,000 |
|
2025 |
427,000 |
|
2026 |
400,000 |
Budget allocation for health-related claims from the Health Vote to the HSE for payments to the State Claims Agency. The above figures include supplementary estimates provided, where relevant.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1047)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1047. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the amount the HSE paid out in compensation for medical negligence in each of the years 2016 to 2025, and to-date in 2026. [14869/26]
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.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (1048)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1048. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to any increase or perceived increase in the number of persons since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic diagnosed with stage four cancer; if she will provide any data or statistics held by her Department which detail annual trends in cancer diagnosis over the past decade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) is the definitive source of cancer data in Ireland, collecting data on every new case of cancer since 1994. It has a statutory obligation to collate information in relation to national cancer incidence across all tumour types. This information is typically available 2 to 3 years after the year of incidence, in keeping with international standards
In December 2025 the NCRI published its report; The initial impact of COVID-19 on cancer in Ireland. According to the NCRI’s analysis, a consistent increase in late-stage cancer diagnoses (where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body) following the pandemic is not evident. Survival rates for all cancer sites in 2020–2021 remained broadly consistent with those observed in previous years.
While Covid-19 disrupted health services including cancer detection during 2020, a key finding in the NCRI’s report is that Ireland’s cancer outcomes remained stable overall and there is no clear evidence of a lasting impact on cancer mortality or on 1-year survival.
The number of overall cancer diagnoses (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) was 10% lower than expected in 2020 and 4% lower than expected in 2021. The largest decreases were observed in the four most common cancers: breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung. By 2022 the number of diagnosed cases had returned to expected levels, and it was only 2% lower which was in the predicted range.
Early in the pandemic the continued delivery of cancer care was identified as a key priority. It was highlighted in the National Action Plan on COVID-19 published on 16 March 2020 and cancer treatment continued throughout 2020 and 2021.
Significant funding of €12 million was allocated to cancer services in 2021 to address COVID-19–related disruption. This funding was used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, increasing diagnostic capacity, and providing locum or temporary support.
The benefits of these measures is reflected in the findings of the NCRI’s Covid-19 report. While across cancer types, the stage at diagnosis reflected the overall reduction in incidence, with fewer patients presenting with early stage disease, particularly in cancers included in national screening programmes. The NCRI found no evidence of a significant shift in the overall stage distribution, meaning no overall increase in later stage diagnoses was found.
One-year net survival remained stable once differences in age and stage at diagnosis were taken into account. Longer-term effects cannot be fully excluded, but current evidence indicates that the measures implemented during the pandemic to maintain cancer services supported the protection of patient outcome.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (1049)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1049. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health in regard to North Kerry CAMHS, the number of the 374 cases recorded as active on the CAMHS database on November 2022, which were examined as part of the review (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14886/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I initiated the North Kerry Lookback Review following the publication of the Maskey Report in 2022 in relation to CAMHS in South Kerry. The HSE published this latest Lookback Review on 18 February 2026.
My priority since I initiated the North Kerry Lookback Review has been the best interests of the children, young people and their families and to have this report published as quickly as possible. Throughout the Lookback process all young people and families have had access to on-going support, including the open disclosure helpline and a Clinical Liaison Support Team. As I have indicated on several occasions since the publication, I was seriously concerned with the findings of this report. However, I am satisfied that HSE South West has taken the necessary steps to address the deficits in care experienced by children and young people as highlighted in this report and in the Maskey review. Given that there is now increased governance, regular care and prescribing audits, standardised practice and a dedicated workforce, I am assured that the service has been significantly improved and that the necessary safeguards have been put in place to ensure that similar risks do not happen again. I have referred this PQ to the HSE to reply to the Deputy in relation to the detailed operational issues raised.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (1050)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:1050. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed new Community Hospital for Lifford, County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14903/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the development of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1051)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:1051. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total number of referrals made to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in 2023 to 2025 and to-date in 2025, nationally and by CHO area; the number and percentage of those referrals that were not accepted for service, nationally and by CHO area; whether suicidal ideation and/or self-harm risk are recorded as coded data fields within CAMHS referral systems; if so, the number of referrals not accepted where suicidal ideation and/or self-harm risk was indicated; if not, the way in which the HSE monitors safeguarding risks associated with referrals not accepted for service; whether a face to face or direct clinical assessment of the child is undertaken prior to a decision not to accept a referral; the written clinical governance and risk escalation protocols that apply when a referral is not accepted; and the alternative care pathway formally communicated to families and referring GPs in such cases [14904/26]
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 Data
Ceisteanna (1052)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:1052. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently awaiting CAMHS assessment; the number waiting over three months, six months, and 12 months; whether the HSE records adverse incidents, emergency department presentations, or suicide attempts involving children while awaiting CAMHS; whether children on waiting lists are subject to periodic clinical review; and the safeguarding protocols in place for children categorised as routine referrals [14905/26]
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 Data
Ceisteanna (1053)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:1053. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the State funded or HSE-funded training programmes which are currently available to general practitioners in the assessment and management of suicidal ideation and self-harm in children and adolescents; whether her Department or the HSE maintains data on GP participation in such training; the number of general practitioners who have completed suicide prevention training, including organisations (details supplied) or equivalent programmes in the past five years; whether the adequacy of GP training supports in managing child and adolescent suicidal presentations has been formally reviewed in view of pressures on CAMHS; and whether consideration is being given to the establishment of a formal specialist CAMHS consultation or advice line to support GPs managing high-risk youth presentations [14906/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention offers a comprehensive range of training programmes in relation to talking about suicide, understanding self-harm, and suicide intervention skills. Accordingly, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested regarding the relevant training programmes and in relation to the queries regarding CAHMS, as this is a service matter.
The Irish College of GPs (ICGP) is the postgraduate training body responsible for the training of GPs in Ireland, including training in relation to mental health, and it provides for the ongoing career development and education of GPs. It should be noted that while GPs can assess and treat some mental health difficulties, severe mental health issues require the services of dedicated specialist medical professionals; accordingly, patients may be referred by their GP as appropriate to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1054)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:1054. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of CAMHS referrals involving children with autism spectrum disorder in 2023 to 2025 and to-date in 2026; the acceptance and rejection rates of such referrals; the policy governing the allocation of mental health versus disability services for children with dual diagnoses; and whether a shared care protocol exists between CAMHS and disability services [14907/26]
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 Data
Ceisteanna (1055)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:1055. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of approved CAMHS posts versus filled posts by discipline; the vacancy rates; the number of teams operating below recommended staffing levels; the number of complaints received by the HSE regarding CAMHS in the past three years; whether an independent audit of referral rejection practices has been conducted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14908/26]
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 Reports
Ceisteanna (1056)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:1056. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health given that the Model 3 Clinical Care Plan for Letterkenny University Hospital identifies serious risks relating to staffing, funding and infrastructure, and warns of a potential crisis in service delivery, if she will outline the reason this report has not yet been published; who is responsible for approving it; whether the Health Area REO’s sign-off is required for its release; when the report will be published in full and made public; and the immediate actions that will be taken to implement its key recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14913/26]
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 Strategies
Ceisteanna (1057)
Keira Keogh
Ceist:1057. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health the current guidelines for children who suffer from PANS/PANDAS; the measures her Department is taking to develop these guidelines further; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14926/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (1058)
Keira Keogh
Ceist:1058. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health the measures her Department is taking to reduce financial hardship for healthcare workers who had to leave work due to contracting Covid, and subsequently Long Covid, in view of the fact that the special scheme has come to an end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14928/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
After a hearing in June, the Labor Court recommended that the Special Scheme would come to an end on the 31st of December 2025, therefore, the scheme has formally concluded. Importantly, this does not mean that supports have ended. Employees who remain unfit to return to work have moved into the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, ensuring continuity of care and financial protection. The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted. Employees should discuss their options with their local HR
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1059)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:1059. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the allocation of theatre time by speciality, together with details of the utilisation of that allocated time for University Hospital Limerick; if every allocated hour of theatre time is being fully utilised by each speciality; if any recorded periods during which allocated theatre time was not used, including the duration and reason where available, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14932/26]
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 (1060)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:1060. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2610 of 8 September 2025, the reason none of the urgent recommendations of the private psychiatry needs assessment a person (details supplied) was asked to supply by the HSE has not been implemented yet; if she will recognise the urgency of the situation, take steps to resolve it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14933/26]
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 Reports
Ceisteanna (1061)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:1061. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions No. 2610 of 8 September 2025, the reason four safeguarding reports have yet to be acted upon relating to a person (details supplied) who is in need of access to social work and OT; and if her Department will take urgent steps to correct this in light of the seriousness of the concerns raised in the reports and the time this person has been awaiting support. [14934/26]
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.