Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
486. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the funding which has been made available for the national stroke strategy; what the funding is being used for; the actions being implemented in 2026 and 2027 as part of the national stroke strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15693/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027 aims to modernise and reform stroke services in line with Sláintecare policy and address the challenges facing Ireland from population ageing and the predicted increase in the total number of strokes right across Europe, including Ireland. The strategy provides a blueprint for investment in stroke services over the five-year period from 2022 to 2027.
This government is fully committed to supporting improvements and advances in stroke services and will build on the €13.5m in funding allocated to the Strategy since its publication in 2022.
Budget 2026
The HSE has adopted a regional, integrated-care budget model. The HSE CEO sets the overall budget and workforce limit for each Health Region, and the Regional Executive Officer has the authority to prioritise funding across hospital, community and other services, in line with national priorities and local population needs.
The HSE National Stroke Strategy will be now funded through the integrated care budget in each Health Region, and decisions on resource allocation within that budget will be made at Regional level. Regional allocations for the Strategy remains ongoing and is yet to be confirmed for 2026.
Priorities 2026-2027
• In Budget 2025 a total of €5.0m was allocated to the Strategy. This funding will enable the recruitment of 56 new posts to support the expansion of early supported discharge teams and access to acute stroke units to support stroke services through the provision of additional consultants, psychologists and a range of health and social care professionals.
• As of December 2025, approximately 80% of these posts have been recruited.
• The NCP for Stroke is engaging with each Health Region and has provided a tailored summary of stroke priorities, site-specific staffing asks and resource requirements to enable equitable implementation of the Stroke Strategy across each region.
• Plans are underway for Ireland to sign up to the Stroke Action Plan for Europe in 2026. The aim of the Stroke Action Plan for Europe is to improve the entire stroke care pathway, from prevention and early treatment, to support and after-care. The implementation of the Plan will improve outcomes for patients and carers and is recommended as a cost-effective measure by the European Stroke Organisation.
• Signing of the plan will set the direction for the development of future stroke strategy in Ireland recognising the unique needs of those who suffer a stroke.
• Other priorities include improving Acute Stroke Unit access and bed capacity.
• Building on its success to date, there will be a focus on the development of our thrombectomy services in Beaumont and Cork to ensure their sustainability.
I remain fully committed to making further progress on implementing the stroke strategy and will continue to work with the HSE to ensure its successful implementation to further reduce mortality from stroke, as well as supporting survivors of stroke to live as independently as possible in their communities.
