Written Answers Nos. 489-509
489. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the expansion of cardiac rehabilitation services for HSE West and North-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
490. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 427 and 428 of 13 November 2025, if she will advise on the outcome of the review conducted by her officials in relation to the proposed sale of the property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15714/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
491. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on an appointment for a person (details supplied). [15717/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
492. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the work of the non-statutory inquiry into the licensing and use of sodium valproate in women of child-bearing potential in the State; the details of the stages of the inquiry; the remaining timeline for the inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15728/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Non-Statutory Inquiry into the Historical Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child- Bearing Potential in the State formally commenced its work on 22 July 2025.
In advance of commencement, and following the appointment of an independent Chair, Ms. Bríd O'Flaherty BL, significant preparatory work was undertaken to establish and operationalise the inquiry, including staffing the inquiry team, securing office accommodation, procuring a secure IT system and website, and establishing a multi-supplier framework agreement to support the engagement of documentary counsel.
With the assistance of the Department, the Chair oversaw the development and implementation of a nationwide public awareness campaign for the inquiry which ran for eight weeks from August to October 2025 and included newspaper, radio, and social media advertisements.
The Chair also put in place a range of supports for participants, including financial, counselling and legal supports, recognising the needs of affected individuals and families and acknowledging that participation in the inquiry may be a difficult experience for many.
The inquiry is structured into three strands:
The first strand is the review strand, which is establishing a timeline for the use of sodium valproate in the State in women of childbearing potential including information on regulation, prescribing, dispensing and safety information issued. The inquiry seeks to document the evolution of sodium valproate regulation and the practices around the control of this product. The inquiry has responsibility for requesting documentation and submissions from a range of stakeholders.
The second strand of the inquiry enables oral statements from individuals diagnosed with Fetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD), their mothers and other family members who may wish to participate in this inquiry. These statements will be considered in the third phase by the Chair in developing recommendations on supports for patients. Other stakeholders may also be invited to provide oral statements, in separate sessions.
The third strand focuses on assessing the health service’s current capacity to respond to safety issues related to use of anti-seizure medications in women of child-bearing potential. It involves an assessment of the current systems in place to respond, disseminate and implement measures that address safety issues relating to use of sodium valproate in women of child-bearing potential; development of other recommendations regarding current control systems for sodium valproate and other anti-seizure medications, and the services and supports for those impacted by valproate. The results of this assessment will inform future service development.
The terms of reference envisaged a 12 - 18 month timeframe for the inquiry, including the submission of an interim report within six months of commencement. The Chair submitted her interim report to me on 20 January 2026, and it is currently under consideration.
493. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if she will confirm the current number of mental health inpatient beds in each RHA; the additional beds that have been promised to meet shortfalls; the location of the shortfalls; and the timelines attached to delivering those additional beds. [15737/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
494. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in developing a national eye health workforce strategy under Sláintecare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017, the Health Service Executive (HSE) published a National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology, which set out a model of care regarding how the realignment of eye services from an acute hospital setting to the community would be undertaken.
The HSE has been developing multidisciplinary Integrated Eye Care Teams in accordance with this model of care. These teams facilitate assessment, diagnoses, management and treatment, and in some cases pre-op/post-op care, enabling most patients to be seen in their own locality. Where necessary, patients can be referred onwards to acute Ophthalmology services to receive the necessary specialist input.
The Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future contains a commitment to review the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology to ensure more eye services are provided in the community. Engagement with relevant stakeholders regarding this is ongoing.
As the Deputy also raised a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
495. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if she will introduce independent prescribing legislation for qualified optometrists [15739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOptometrists are trained and equipped to prescribe and dispense spectacles and to examine the health of the eyes. They can diagnose eye conditions, and they can treat some eye conditions. People who require further investigations or treatments which are not under the scope of practice of optometry can be referred to secondary eyecare ophthalmology clinics. An ophthalmologist is a medically trained practitioner who has specialised in the ophthalmic area to manage / treat medical ocular conditions and eye disease.
The system of controls around prescribing and dispending of prescription controlled medicinal products for human use (excepting those products subject to additional parameters under the Misuse of Drugs Acts and Regulations) is derived from the framework of Directive 2001/83/EC and Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 and is implemented nationally by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003-2022.
These regulations apply an up-to-date and comprehensive system of control to medicinal products and particularise those products which may be supplied on medical prescription, and those that may be supplied without prescription by or under the supervision of a qualified optometrist.
CORU, the regulator for health workers and social care professionals, is satisfied that the current provisions under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), together with the Standards of Proficiency and Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Optometrists, provide an appropriate framework for optometrists to prescribe and administer a limited range of controlled medicines. CORU is committed to enabling the professions it regulates, including optometrists, to deliver the highest standards of care and contribute to delivery of Sláintecare.
The Department of Health is committed to the ethos of ensuring that the right care is delivered in the right place and at the right time for all citizens and recognises that all healthcare professionals have a role to play in optimising patient care and service delivery in line with this vision. This includes supporting health care professionals to practice at the top of their license.
496. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking in preparation in the context of 50% of the global population being short-sighted by 2050; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are various public services to ensure that appropriate eye care is delivered to patients across the country.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides optical services free of charge to pre-school children and national school children referred from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have sight problems. These children are referred to the appropriate service for treatment. In such circumstances, these services will continue to be provided until the child has reached the age of 16.
Under the Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS), medical card holders aged over 16 years can be seen by local ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic physicians, optometrists or dispensing opticians. Eligible patients can receive an eye examination and be provided with prescribed optical appliances in accordance with a national schedule of approved optical appliances.
In 2017, the HSE published a National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology, which set out a model of care regarding how the realignment of eye services from an acute hospital setting to the community would be undertaken.
The HSE has been developing multidisciplinary Integrated Eye Care Teams in accordance with this model of care. These teams facilitate assessment, diagnoses, management and treatment, and in some cases pre-op/post-op care, enabling most patients to be seen in their own locality. Where necessary, patients can be referred onwards to acute ophthalmology services to receive the necessary specialist input.
The Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future contains a commitment to review the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology to ensure more eye services are provided in the community. Engagement with relevant stakeholders regarding this is ongoing.
As the Deputy also raised a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
497. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to expand training places and HSE employment for optometrists, orthoptists, and ophthalmologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartment of Health officials engage on an ongoing basis with colleagues in the HSE and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that we train enough graduates with the skills necessary to support the delivery of health and social care services and to develop a strategic approach to health and social care workforce planning.
Workforce modelling undertaken by my department indicates that Ireland will require approximately 60 additional optometry graduates annually by 2030 to meet projected service demand. Optometrists are a relatively new grade and profession in the HSE. At present, there is one optometry programme at Technological University Dublin, which produces approximately 30 to 35 graduates each year. There is strong and sustained student demand for optometry training, as demonstrated by consistently high CAO points and strong application levels, indicating clear potential to expand education provision over time. There are currently 1,057 optometrists registered with CORU, up from 995 in 2023 and 895 in 2020.
More broadly, the Government has made substantial progress since 2022 expanding healthcare education capacity as part of long-term workforce planning. This includes an increase of 200 medical training places by 2026, significant expansion in nursing education, and significant growth in pharmacy and dentistry programmes. In particular, in June 2025, the Government announced major expansion in Health and Social Care Profession Training Places, with 461 new places to be delivered in nine priority disciplines by 2028. This expansion will see up to 315 additional student places created in 2025, up to 123 additional places in 2026, and the remainder in subsequent years, in disciplines critical to disability, health, and education services.
This expansion reflects a coordinated cross-government workforce planning approach involving my Department, the Department of Further and Higher Education, the HSE, and the Higher Education Authority (HEA), ensuring education capacity aligns with service demand.
A further Expression of Interest (EOI) process for HSCPs is scheduled to be conducted by the HEA in early 2026. This will provide an important opportunity for Higher Education Institutions to propose new training programmes and expand existing ones in high-priority areas related to the Health, Disability and Education sectors.
While that upcoming expansion process will prioritise specific therapy disciplines, my department will continue to engage with DFHERIS and the higher education sector regarding other priority professions including optometry and orthoptics as part of longer-term workforce planning for the heath and social care sector.
Overall, my department remains committed to strengthening workforce planning across the health and social care sector, to ensure patients have timely access to high-quality care both in hospitals and in community settings.
In 2017, the HSE published a National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology, which set out a model of care regarding how the realignment of eye services from an acute hospital setting to the community would be undertaken. The HSE continues to progress implementation of the Primary Eye Care Model of Care, which supports delivery of integrated eye care services across hospital and community settings.
• The HSE has been developing multidisciplinary Integrated Eye Care Teams in accordance with this model of care. These teams facilitate assessment, diagnoses, management and treatment, and in some cases pre-op/post-op care, enabling most patients to be seen in their own locality. Where necessary, patients can be referred onwards to acute Ophthalmology services to receive the necessary specialist input.
• The Model of Care recommended the reconfiguration of the Medical Ophthalmology training pathway to support community-based integrated eye care teams, and the HSE has supported this through development of a defined entry point for specialist training in Medical Ophthalmology, in collaboration with the Irish College of Ophthalmologists, and the associated development of training posts. Training numbers across both the surgical and medical Ophthalmology specialist pathways are reviewed annually, taking account of service need, workforce projections and training capacity.
• The Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future contains a commitment to review the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology to ensure more eye services are provided in the community. Engagement with relevant stakeholders regarding this is ongoing.
498. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if she will immediately reassess the safety and clinical appropriateness of telemedicine abortion services in light of rising concerns regarding coercive control; if she will establish a taskforce to investigate the ease with which controlling partners can obtain such medications; her views on the immediate steps being taken to ensure in-person clinical safeguards are restored to protect vulnerable women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that termination of pregnancy services are available to those who need them.
In accessing these services, it is important that the woman is placed at the centre of care. We must ensure that her rights and choices are respected and protected, irrespective of whether the service is provided in-person or remotely.
In Ireland we have a blended Model of Care for early medical termination services in the community.
It is important to emphasise that while this Model does provide for remote consultation, it does so as part of a blended approach, with only one of the two consultations required for termination in early pregnancy taking place remotely. In general, the service is provided by in-person, or a blend of in-person and remote, consultation.
Full remote provision of early medical termination of pregnancy is only provided in extenuating circumstances, with trained medical staff exercising clinical judgement, and putting appropriate safeguards in place.
Exactly as is the case for an in-person consultation, medical practitioners undertaking a remote consultation remain alert for any verbal or visual cues which might raise concern about the patient’s safety.
It is worth noting that the safety of termination of pregnancy by telemedicine is endorsed by organisations with significant experience in providing termination of pregnancy care including, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), the National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
499. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the total State funding allocated specifically to post-abortion counselling services in each of the years 2023, 2024, and 2025; the number of women who accessed these specific supports in that period; if she is satisfied that the current 'MyOptions' model provides sufficient face-to-face long-term psychological support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply.
500. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the data-sharing protocols between GPs and community pharmacists regarding the distribution of abortion medication; if there is a centralised tracking system to monitor if multiple requests for such medication are made by or for the same individual across different providers; and if she has engaged with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding the potential for telemedicine to be exploited by human traffickers or those engaging in domestic abuse. [15747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no specific data-sharing protocols regarding the dispensing of medicines for termination of pregnancy. GPs and pharmacists do communicate with respect to prescriptions, where necessary, in line with the professional standards of their roles.
While there has been no engagement with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding telemedicine, it is important to note that a review as to whether remote consultation as part of a blended approach to termination of pregnancy care should be continued post covid found that that remote consultation as part of the termination of pregnancy service is safe, effective and acceptable to both service users and providers. It improves access for many women and addresses geographical and logistical barriers.
The revised blended Model of Care or Termination of Pregnancy Services provides for remote consultation. However, in general, early medical termination of pregnancy will be provided by in-person or a blend of in-person and remote consultation.
Full remote provision of early medical termination of pregnancy will not be routine and will only be provided in extenuating circumstances, using clinical judgement and putting appropriate safeguards in place.
Exactly as is the case for an in-person consultation, medical practitioners undertaking a remote early pregnancy TOP consultation:
• Take a detailed medical history;
• Determine the duration of pregnancy based on the date of the woman’s Last Menstrual Period (LMP);
• Remain alert for any verbal or visual cues which might raise concern about the patients safety.
The safety of termination of pregnancy by telemedicine is endorsed by organisations with significant experience in providing termination of pregnancy care including, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), the National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
501. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the health and social care professional training or degree programmes which are reviewed, validated, recognised or otherwise regulated, standardised, or certified by the HSE; the date on which the HSE assumed such roles relative to each profession and each course; the professions covered by this; the reason the HSE has assumed the role in each case rather than adhering to standard practice of independent professional regulators; her intentions regarding the establishment of independence in the regulation of each profession for which the HSE assumes responsibility; her views on the HSE’s rationale of exercising its role as an employer as a reason to take charge of the regulation of a profession and whether she considers this an appropriate exercise of the HSE’s authority in relation to the directions she has given the HSE in statute and otherwise regarding professional independence in regulation and development, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15758/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
502. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health the measures her Department intends to take to support healthcare workers who continue to suffer ongoing health complications as a result of contracting Covid-19 in the workplace during the pandemic; if she will consider recognising long-term post-Covid illness among affected healthcare staff as an occupational illness; and if she will reinstate the special leave with pay scheme, which ended on 31 December, in order to provide appropriate financial and employment protection for those who remain unwell and unable to return to work through no fault of their own. [15766/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAfter 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 contact their local HR to discuss their options as these are approved on a case by case basis.
While the EU Advisory Committee on Health and Safety recommended the recognition of COVID-19 (not long-COVID) as an occupational illness in health and social care settings, recognition of COVID-19 nationally as an occupational illness falls under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection. After reviewing the EU recommendation, the Minister for Social Protection found that COVID-19 did not meet the requirements to be recognised as an occupational illness in the context of the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme and the Social Welfare Consolidation Act.
503. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15781/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
504. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) was refused approval for cover under their medical card; if she will review the case which has been appealed by the GP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
505. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will review correspondence in respect of a person (details supplied) who has been informed that the night-time rate payable to their personal assistants is to be reduced; the reason this decision has been made in this case; whether the matter will be reconsidered in light of the person’s care need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15785/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
506. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health when she expects screening for spinal muscular atrophy will commence; the progress being made by the Beneluxa initiative in treating these patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Health, I am determined to support our screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
Currently, all babies (between 3 and 5 days old) are offered newborn bloodspot screening (generally known as the ‘heel prick’ test), which tests for nine rare but serious conditions that are treatable if detected early in life. The Programme for Government commits to continually reviewing the number of conditions babies are screened for.
Incremental progress continues to be made on the expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme (NNBSP). In 2023, two recommendations from the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) on the addition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to the NNBSP were approved.
In Budget 2024, an additional €1.4 million of new development funding was provided to support the SMA/SCID implementation process. Once both conditions have been fully implemented, the number of conditions screened for in Ireland will increase to 11.
In terms of the current implementation status, the HSE has advised that the equipment needed to enable the roll-out testing for SMA and SCID has been purchased, delivered and successfully installed at the newborn screening laboratory and significant progress continues with regards to the laboratory verification process. The recruitment process to hire the additional staff required to support the expansion of the NNBSP has been completed and work on developing screening and treatment pathways for both conditions is in its final stages. It is expected that screening for both SCID and SMA will commence in early Q2 this year.
In relation to concerns raised around the length of the implementation process, it should be emphasised that Ireland is not taking longer than other comparable countries to assess and implement additions to the NNBSP.
The Health Council of the Netherlands first recommended screening for SMA in 2019 and implementation was completed three years later in October 2022. In the United States of America, it took six years to fully implement SMA screening after it was added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) in 2018. In the United Kingdom, screening for SCID and SMA have been under consideration by the UK National Screening Committee since 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Nevertheless, I am acutely aware of how difficult it is for parents, families and children who have received a diagnosis of a rare disease, and how challenging daily life can be for them. This is why I remain committed to the further expansion of screening in Ireland in accordance with internationally accepted criteria and best practice.
In response to the query on the Beneluxa Initiative, this a voluntary collaboration between Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Austria. Beneluxa plays a role in member states’ shared priority of securing faster access to high cost, innovative treatments at affordable prices, while respecting the national competencies of pricing and reimbursement. Since joining in 2018, Ireland has worked closely with members of the Initiative on horizon scanning, health technology assessment, information sharing and policy exchange, and joint price negotiations, to create opportunities for greater access to new medicines.
Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma®) was selected by Beneluxa member states as a new medicine which would be suitable for a joint assessment and negotiation process. It was approved for reimbursement in Ireland following joint assessment and negotiations under the Beneluxa Initiative, involving Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, for the treatment of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with a bi-allelic mutation in the SMN1 gene and a clinical diagnosis of SMA type 1, or pre-symptomatic patients with 5q SMA with a bi-allelic mutation in the SMN1 gene and up to 3 copies of the SMN2 gene.
As a condition of reimbursement, an individual patient approval system has been put in place by the HSE, to enable reimbursement for patients who meet the pre-defined criteria as per a HSE devised managed access protocol.
Medicines pricing and reimbursement is a national competency. The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE, the company must submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria, including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
The HSE has advised that it is committed to providing access to as many medicines as possible, in as timely a fashion as possible, from the resources available (provided) to it.
The HSE must robustly assess applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure that it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver the best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to Irish citizens and patients.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The HSE has advised that once a medicine is approved by the European Medicines Agency, the HSE is dependent on a pharmaceutical company making an application to Ireland for its drug or new indication to be assessed for reimbursement. All medicines are considered for pricing of reimbursement in order of application.
While many companies engage proactively with the HSE, Ireland, by virtue of its size and market share, may not always be prioritised by some companies in the first stages of marketing a new medicine. Reports describing timelines for reimbursement from EMA approval to HSE reimbursement approval do not consider this important factor, as statutorily the HSE are not able to add a new medicine to the reimbursement list until an application is received.
507. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when the next round of grant supports will be made available to the National Cancer Control Programme through the National Alliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15800/26]
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.
508. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health the current plans for the proposed elective hospital at the Merlin Park site in Galway city; the number and type of beds to be delivered as part of the current plans; the number of operating theatres, endoscopy suites and minor operation rooms to be delivered as part of the current plans; the proposed phases of delivering this project along with a timeline for each phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15801/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe government is fully committed to increasing elective-only day-case capacity through the Elective Ambulatory Care Programme, in line with the 2017 Sláintecare Report. The government’s commitment to delivering this has been set out in successive Sláintecare Implementation Strategies and Action plans in 2018, 2021 and 2025, the National Elective Care Ambulatory Strategy of December 2021, and the Programme Preliminary Business Case (PBC) and project PBCs for Galway and Cork approved in December 2022, all of which have proposed elective day-case only facilities in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
Whilst there had been a scoping paper prepared for the Saolta Group in 2019 for an elective hospital at Merlin Park, this was superceded by the elective strategy agreed by Government in 2022 and which is being delivered in two phases: a national network of Surgical Hubs in the first instance to meet medium-term demand and capacity, and then, a national network of Elective Treatment Centres, known as Elective Hospitals, in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
There has been no decision to limit or change the scope or ambition of these elective facilities including the project business case for Galway. The 2022 preliminary business case (PBC) for the elective care programme proposed a phased approach to the development of the Elective Hospitals. The first phase (which was the focus of the PBCs and has been the HSE’s work to date) included day cases only. As per the Government decision of 2022, the sites identified for these facilities have sufficient capacity for future growth and reconfiguration to facilitate potential future phases, including some elective in-patient capacity, if required.
The design phase for the Elective Treatment Centres, known as Elective Hospitals, is ongoing, and plans will be refined based on the evidence and data available in relation to demand and capacity, as required by the Infrastructure Guidelines. The HSE and its appointed design team are working through these plans at the moment, with an expectation that a planning application can be submitted in the middle of this year.
509. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on ICT improvements for patient files across hospitals to ensure patient files are up to date, especially for review case appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15808/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe need to ensure patient information is accurate, up to date and available when needed, is central to our ambitions under Digital for Care, the Government’s national digital health transformation programme.
Furthermore, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to 'Continue to work towards the full digitisation of Irish healthcare records and information systems'.
Delivering Digital for Care will strengthen digital and ICT infrastructure across the health service, and support the safe and appropriate sharing of information to deliver coordinated, integrated care.
Significant progress is under way across our hospitals, with a series of major digital upgrades now being implemented to improve how patient information is recorded, accessed and updated.
The National Shared Care Record programme has been established to harness this data and provide clinicians with a consolidated view of a patient’s hospital history across all regions.
Future enhancements to the HSE Health App will ensure patients themselves can securely access their own health information, empowering them to better manage their own care and improve their experience when receiving care and treatment.
Work is also progressing on the procurement of the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR), which will ultimately replace multiple legacy hospital systems with a single, integrated digital health record platform and the procurement for that system will progress through 2026. This will ensure that clinicians across all hospitals have access to consistent, up-to-date information at the point of care.
In parallel, hospitals are continuing to modernise existing systems — including digital diagnostics, electronic test ordering and results reporting, electronic clinical notes, and improved discharge summaries — and to digitise high-volume paper-based workflows. These advancements strengthen the completeness and accuracy of patient files, particularly for review and follow-up appointments, where timely access to reliable information is essential.
Taken together, these measures will reduce reliance on paper, improve the consistency of patient information across the hospital system, and ensure clinicians have faster, safer access to the information they need to deliver high-quality and efficient care.
