Written Answers Nos. 76-100
76. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce preventable baby deaths, following a recent Oireachtas Committee on Health meeting in which this issue was highlighted (details supplied); if this will be a priority in the next National Maternity Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17724/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reduction of preventable baby deaths remains a priority for me and for the Government. I appreciate the devastating impact that the loss of a baby can have on women, families and the staff who care for them. My focus is on continuous improvement, transparency and learning across maternity services.
Through the National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026, measures implemented to reduce preventable baby deaths include the introduction and review of standardised clinical guidelines, strengthened clinical audit, strengthened governance through the implementation of Maternity Networks, enhanced multidisciplinary training including emergency simulation training in maternity units, and improved access to specialist services for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies.
We are also investing in better data collection and digital maternity records to support earlier identification of risk, alongside workforce planning to ensure the right skills mix across services.
In 2024, the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act was written into law. The new Act updates the definition of a stillbirth to babies born at over 400 grammes or 23 weeks gestation, reflecting developments in neonatal care in recent years.
All stillbirths in Ireland are monitored within the Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit report. This encompasses stillbirths, the loss of a baby during labour, and the loss of a baby up to 7 days after birth. All stillbirths are monitored and discussed at a local level in individual maternity services. Engagement and reporting also take place at a regional level through Maternity Networks. In some cases of stillbirth, a determination may be made that an external review is needed. Reviewing adverse outcomes is a standard practice in healthcare; these reviews and audits are commissioned to facilitate learning and improve the quality of care.
It is vital that particular care is directed to supporting families in the tragic event that a baby is lost, including providing much needed answers so they are supported in making decisions about any future pregnancies. The National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death are being implemented throughout our health services, through specialist bereavement teams funded in all 19 maternity hospitals and units.
Work is now also underway to inform the successor to the National Maternity Strategy. The quality and safety of our maternity services will be a continuing focus. The Programme for Government commits to requiring hospitals to improve their environments, spaces, and supports within maternity services to better assist and support individuals dealing with pregnancy loss or critical neonatal illness. Both the Department of Health and HSE will continue to identify and develop further improvements.
77. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on each primary care capital project in County Galway, at each stage of development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17083/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
78. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health the funding requested and approved for Clontarf Hospital this year; if the planned development of 50-single rooms and additional rehabilitation space will be included in the National Capital Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17496/26]
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.
79. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date with the development of the community nursing unit, Midleton Community Hospital, Midleton, County Cork; when it is expected to be opened to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17704/26]
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.
80. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to reduce the number of patients waiting on orthodontic assessment and treatment at the Louth County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17609/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
81. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health her plans to address staffing shortages in child and adolescent mental health services and eliminate lengthy waiting lists in the provision of vital care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17636/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a priority for me, and for Government, to ensure that children who need services can access them and access them on time. This is in line with our national mental health policy Sharing the Vision, our suicide reduction strategy Connecting for Life, and the HSE Annual Service Plan 2026.
Funding for mental health services has increased to nearly €1.6 billion in 2026. For context, funding since I took up this office has increased by over 51%. Specifically in relation to youth mental health, this year’s budget provided funding for new early intervention youth mental health services, funding to support a digital single point of access for youth mental health services, an additional specialist CAMHS eating disorders team, two new Mental Health of Intellectual Disabilities teams for children, and five new mental health Discovery Colleges for young people.
CAMHS nationally receives approximately €191 million annually, with a further €127 million provided to NGOs, many of which focus on youth mental health. Under Budget 2025, an additional €2.9 million has supported CAMHS to increase core staffing, develop a new CAMHS Emergency Liaison Service and expand CAMHS Hubs to improve crisis cover for services.
CAMHS has also initiated a targeted campaign to reduce waiting lists across all teams following the receipt of €3 million waiting list initiative funding from the HSE National Child and Youth Mental Health Office for 2025, and a similar initiative will take place this year.
I established the National Office for Child and Youth Mental Health in the HSE to improve leadership and all aspects of care across youth mental health. The Office published its Youth Mental Health Action Plan in February 2025. This ambitious plan for comprehensive reform across all youth mental health services, including the specialist CAMHS service, will deliver services which are safer, effective, easier to access and which offers appropriate support at all levels when needed.
The three-year Plan sets out a clear roadmap for the Department and HSE to ensure children and families have equitable and timely access to high-quality mental health care, including better links with Primary Care and Disability Services, and greater use of e-mental health responses. My aim is that services will be better connected and easier to navigate, with increased focus on the rights of young people and their families. The development of a Single Point of Access for all child and youth mental health referrals in partnership with disabilities, primary care, and voluntary and statutory agencies is a key priority within the new Action Plan.
I also commenced a series of visits to all HSE Regional Health Areas to meet with the Regional Executive Officers and their staff to focus on improvements to all aspects of Youth Mental Health care, to identify areas where increased activity is needed, and also areas of innovative and positive service delivery. This includes improving access and reducing CAMHS waiting lists particularly for those waiting over 12 months. I have stressed also the importance of filling all approved posts for each CAMHS team to ensure the effective delivery of services.
There continues to be growing demand for CAMHS with the number of referrals to Community CAMHS increasing from 17,436 in 2020 to 25,721 in 2024. This is an increase of 8,285 or 48% in referrals. Despite this increasing demand, the total number on the waiting list at the end of December 2025 was 4,462, down from 4,554 in April 2025. Significantly, the number waiting over 12 months decreased by 161 between April and December 2025 down from 763 to 602.
National community CAMHS staffing at December 2025 was 861.3 WTEs, of which 730.7 were Clinical WTEs. I allocated an additional 126 new posts to CAMHS over the past two years, of which 91 have already been onboarded with a further 16 in the latter stages of recruitment. A dedicated recruitment campaign has been launched for CAMHS and it is expected the remaining 19 posts will be filled in the coming months. I also allocated an additional 94 posts to youth mental health initiatives under Budget 2026, across crisis response, early intervention, specialist services and inpatient.
Across 2024, 2025, and 2026, 220 posts have been allocated to child and youth mental health, making up 34% of all new development posts allocated over this period. In addition, there were approximately 93 vacancies on CAMHS community teams at 10 October last, which is a decrease from 184 in September. 84 of these were at various stages of recruitment, with 8 in post. I have written to each Regional Executive Officer in the HSE to request all CAMHS posts be prioritised for recruitment.
In addition to the above, recommendation 75 of Sharing the Vision states that the organisation of mental health services should be aligned with emerging integrated care structures under Sláintecare reforms including those under the six new Regional Health Areas and those within the community. These reconfigured structures will support integrated management of the clinical workforce, with single lines of accountability, across hospital and community settings to meet population needs.
A key focus of the recently published StV Implementation Plan 2025-2027 will be to ensure greater equity of allocation of resourcing across and within regions, reflecting population need. This will involve taking account of demographics, socioeconomic factors and other relevant variables.
I will continue to work closely with the HSE to ensure that all aspects of youth mental health care are improved over this year and beyond.
82. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Health given the growing population in County Wicklow, the plans being made to increase GP services across the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health her plans to increase the number of GPs in Ireland and, in particular, in County Meath, which has the lowest number of GPs in the State per population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16265/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 110 together.
GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients, and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in any area.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. There are currently 2,601 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. A further 636 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the delivery of health services. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP.
As per the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to increasing the GP workforce. Work is ongoing in this regard, to increase the number of GPs practicing across the country and thereby improve access to GP services for all patients.
Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The Agreements provide for increased GP capitation fees, increased and new supports for practices, as well as new fees for additional services. Specific supports are available for eligible practices in rural areas and in areas of urban social deprivation. These measures make a career in general practice here more attractive. The 2023 Agreement also provided for the expansion of GP visit card eligibility in 2023 to all children under 8 years of age and all those who earn up to the median household income.
The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. The number of new entrant training places is to increase again this year by 50 places to 400. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years.
In addition, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. As of end of Q3 2025, there were 115 IMG GPs within the programme placed in general practice and a further 39 had completed the 2-year programme. The placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas.
Of note, a Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway. The review is examining the issues effecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will consider possible mechanisms to attract GPs to rural and underserved areas. When completed the review will set out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.
83. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to bring forward a new cancer strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17300/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne in two people are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Today over 220,000 people are living with or beyond cancer, 50% more than a decade ago. The Government is fully committed to improving cancer care for those patients, ensuring timely access to treatments, boosting cancer survival rates, and of course, supporting prevention.
Ireland’s approach to cancer control has been guided by National Cancer Strategies since 1996. This strategic approach has ensured that international best practice and evidence-based measures have been adopted into our cancer services and they transformed cancer care and patient outcomes.
The current Strategy, which was published in June 2017, contains 52 recommendations. 43 of these have been implemented and the HSE National Cancer Control Programme is continuing to progress implementation of the remaining nine. These will drive further reforms and service improvements.
Alongside this, the regional variation in some of our cancer services must be addressed. Patients are entitled to high quality, timely, effective care, irrespective of where they live.
It is important that we continue to plan for future demands in cancer services. In addition to growth in the absolute numbers of cancer cases, estimated at 3% per year, the complexity of treatment is increasing. We must ensure that we harness the exciting new developments in medical care that can transform outcomes for patients.
These will be key questions to be considered when the evaluation of the current strategy is being conducted and will inform our future strategic planning.
84. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will support banning social media companies from targeting toxic recommender algorithms at children as a key part of implementing Operational Recommendation Three of the Final Report of the Online Health Taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI published the Final Report of the Online Health Taskforce in December 2025. The Report provides a comprehensive framework to understand and address the complex challenges facing children and young people in digital environments. It includes four proposed foundational principles and 10 recommendations aimed at increasing the protection of children from online threats and ensuring the creation of safer online spaces.
The recommendations provide a clear roadmap for action – one that puts children's rights at the centre and requires a whole-of-government response. I will shortly establish a group to examine implementation of the recommendations and will engage with colleagues across Government.
Recommender systems or algorithms are dealt with from a legislative perspective under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which is the policy responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
85. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health to clarify if the ten beds in Abbeyleix Hospital that are currently used for respite will be retained for this purpose; the plans to increase that number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17086/26]
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.
86. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health following the latest funding announcement in the HSE Capital Plan 2026, when the next stage of long-term works at Beaumont Hospital is expected to progress; if the new funding will in any way expedite the delivery of the planned works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
87. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that Sligo University Hospital orthopaedic theatre is not-fit-for purpose, and the hospital needs a new surgical theatre as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17288/26]
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.
88. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Health for an overview of the progress made under the current Cancer Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17325/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy. There has been significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past eight years and my Department has invested heavily in the National Cancer Strategy and associated initiatives in recent years, enabling the further development of our national cancer services, and leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.
Ireland’s approach to cancer control has been guided by National Cancer Strategies since 1996. These ensured that international best practice and evidence-based measures were adopted in our cancer services and they transformed cancer care and patient outcomes.
The current Strategy, which was published in June 2017, contains 52 recommendations. 43 of these have been implemented and the HSE National Cancer Control Programme is continuing to progress implementation of the remaining nine. These will drive further reforms and service improvements.
National Cancer Registry of Ireland data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal non-melanoma skin cancers).
It is essential that we continue to build on our investment and progress. As the current National Cancer Strategy ends in 2026 an evaluation on the current National Cancer Strategy will be carried out which will inform the next steps to be taken. Evaluation will be carried out by my Department working closely with key stakeholders such as the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland.
It is also important that we continue to plan for future demands in cancer services. In addition to growth in the absolute numbers of cancer cases, estimated at 3% per year, the complexity of treatment is increasing. We must ensure that we harness the exciting new developments in medical care that can transform outcomes for patients.
These will be key questions to be considered when the evaluation of the current strategy is being conducted and will inform our future strategic planning.
89. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health to provide urgent funding to address the issues within the orthopaedic theatre at Sligo University Hospital; the current status of any planned interventions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17611/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
91. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if she will meet with the HSE to discuss broadening the criteria to provide access to continuous glucose monitoring sensors to more diabetics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17802/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health and the HSE meet regularly to discuss all issues of relevance to health service provision, including continuous glucose monitors.
Under 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 devices.
The Act provides a rigorous process for the assessment of new medicines and devices for reimbursement. The Act specifies nine criteria which must be considered. These include the health needs of the public and the clinical need for the medicine. All these factors, taken together, allow the HSE to make an informed decision on new medicines and devices.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Rapid Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was published on 29th September 2023.
The published document can be found at: Rapid Health Technology Assessment of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus | HIQA
Following the recommendations in this HTA, the HSE-MMP in conjunction with the HSE-PCRS, and with the support of the HSE Chief Clinical Officer, introduced an online reimbursement application system for CGM sensors on 1st December 2023. In the 13 months of operation of the reimbursement application system up to 31 December 2024, 3,165 additional patients have been approved for reimbursement support for CGM sensors. This represents an additional investment by the HSE of approximately €9.7 million across the first full year of reimbursement support for these patients. In December 2024, 19,861 patients were in receipt of CGM sensors under the Community Drug Schemes.
To date, a HTA of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, type 3c diabetes, or other types of diabetes excluded from the HTA referenced above, such as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), monogenic forms of diabetes etc. has not been undertaken. Therefore, there is limited information to support the extension of reimbursement to this cohort, including cost-effectiveness assessment and budget impact of same.
The HSE-MMP and National Clinical Programme for Diabetes, with the support of the HSE Chief Clinical Officer, submitted a joint proposal requesting HIQA to consider including a HTA of CGM for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes in their 2026 workplan. A HTA could identify if CGM technology is clinically and cost-effective in patients with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, which populations of patients will likely derive greatest benefit from the availability of CGM, and could support decision making regarding long-term funding and availability of this technology.
92. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the current status of the new emergency department at Beaumont Hospital. [17673/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the current status of the new critical care unit at Beaumont Hospital. [17674/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 127 together.
I am pleased to update you on the progress of key capital developments at Beaumont Hospital including the new emergency department and critical care unit.
There are a number of significant proposals for capital investment in Beaumont. All are progressing through the requisite design and planning stages. As a live hospital campus there is an added complexity in terms of planning, sequencing and enabling each of these projects. All of these proposals are being managed through the HSE capital development process in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
In May 2025, the new Emergency Department received final grant of planning permission. The project was approved to move to the detailed design stage through 2025 and 2026. That detailed design will inform a tender and market engagement strategy for construction works that will ultimately determine construction timelines.
A more detailed programme will be prepared as part of this detailed design stage and a schedule within the planned overall campus development will be determined. The project remains funded on the HSE Capital plan through the design stage.
Proposals for the 64-bed Critical Care Unit (CCU) are at a preliminary design stage. The CCU is dependent on the relocation of the existing Endoscopy Department. In March 2025, a final grant of planning was received for the new two-storey Endoscopy unit, and the proposal is now progressing through to detailed design stage, which will inform a tender and market engagement strategy for construction works that will ultimately determine construction timelines.
Separately, I can confirm that the in-patient ward block project is progressing through the design stage at present. I am also advised that the pre-tender business case for the Radiation Oncology Unit at Beaumont was approved by the HSE just before Christmas.
93. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Health the key measures in the Mental Health Capital Plan for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17326/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I have set out my priorities for capital projects for 2026, with over €40m allocated to initiate and progress mental health infrastructure projects this year.
The funding represents another record level of investment in 43 separate mental health capital projects across the country, with annual investment set to increase further over the next four years.
I am prioritising the development of three regional adult Eating Disorder Inpatient Centres to provide improved access to specialist public beds in Cork, Dublin and the North West. The new facilities will provide specialist inpatient eating disorder care closer to home people who are acutely unwell and reduce the HSE’s current reliance on private placements.
Another key priority is the development of Ireland’s first Perinatal Mother and Baby Units to support the mental health of pregnant women and new mothers. Funding has been allocated to advance the establishment of a Perinatal Mental Health Unit which will be co-located with the new National Maternity Hospital on the St Vincent’s University Hospital campus in Dublin. In addition, HSE Mid-West are progressing plans for six-bed Perinatal Mental Health Unit on the St Joseph’s Hospital campus in Limerick.
As Minister I am determined to drive progress to redevelop six priority Acute Mental Health Units in 2026 to provide an improved therapeutic and recovery-focused environment for people admitted for mental health treatment. This includes new and upgraded facilities in Waterford, Roscommon, Cork, North Dublin, Kildare and South Dublin.
Funding has also been allocated to progress the development of new departments of psychiatry for Cavan General Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny.
A new 10-bed specialist Community Mental Health Unit has been included in the plan for Wexford to provide intensive short stay care and treatment to people experiencing mental health difficulties in the county.
The investment for 2026 is the first tranche of funding to be allocated from an overall total of €470m earmarked for mental health projects in the National Development Plan 2026-2030.
A 10-year Capital Plan for Mental Health will be published this year which will set out a strategic investment plan to maximise the unprecedented level of investment in the mental health capital estate.
94. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on plans for the new elective hospital for Cork; the indicative timeline for when planning will be ready; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17475/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to increasing elective-only day-case capacity through the Elective Ambulatory Care Programme. This 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, also known as Elective Hospitals, in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
These new ‘elective-only’ facilities are for day-case patients, they are not for acute or emergency care. Significant international evidence supports the separation of scheduled (elective) and non-scheduled (emergency) care, leading to improved care for all patients.
Two Surgical Hubs are already operational (the Reeves Centre in Tallaght and Mount Carmel Hub in South Dublin). A further five hubs are expected to open this year in Swords, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Plans are also in development for Surgical Hubs in Letterkenny and Sligo.
In line with the Preliminary Business Cases approved by Government in 2022, the Elective Treatment Centres will provide significant additional service delivery capacity and facilities. This includes endoscopy suites, operating theatres and minor operation rooms.
The design phase for the Elective Treatment Centres is underway. The HSE and its appointed design team are finalising these plans in relation to Cork with an application for planning permission to be submitted in the middle of this year.
95. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of procedures funded through the cross-Border directive scheme in 2025, by the countries in which the procedures were carried out, the categorisation of the procedure type and the amount spent in each country. [17510/26]
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.
96. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of the Sexual Health Strategy recommendation to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based and fit-for-purpose model of care for sexual health; the progress made to date; the timeline she is working towards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSexual health is a priority for this Government. The National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035 (NSHS) and the first National Sexual Health Action Plan, 2025-2028 (NSHAP; included in the same document) were approved by Government on 10th June, 2025 and published on 25th June, 2025. Both are currently available on the Healthy Ireland website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/healthy-ireland/policy-information/national-sexual-health-strategy-2025-2035/
The scope of the Strategy is wider than that of its predecessor, encompassing a wide range of HSE services and schemes. The Implementation Group has met on a number of occasions so far and a number of sub-groups are commencing work. Work commenced on the Model of Care in 2025. The HSE advise that the Sexual Health Model of Care is currently under development. It is expected that it will be completed in Q4 2026.
Service improvements detailed in the Strategy have been ongoing while it was being finalised; additional supports were allocated to free home STI testing, HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and the free contraception scheme in Budget 2025. The PrEP funding included support for 7 WTE within the network of public STI clinics from July, 2025. These staff are now in position and supporting additional capacity for PrEP appointments within the public system.
Additional access to healthcare services for the delivery of a specialist clinic for the treatment of female genital mutilation (FGM) was also supported. This proposal seeks to address an identified need for FGM specialist care to marginalised women, support continuity of care, and support an initiative to reduce waiting times. This service is offered at no cost to the client(s).
The Health Research Board Evidence for Policy research grant call also resulted in the award of two research grants supporting the NSHS in late 2024; these are the PrEPtimise project, aiming to streamline delivery of the public PrEP Programme (awarded to TCD and St. James's Hospital) and the SHIFT project, which is researching possible behavioural drivers of the increases in STI rates (University of Galway; 2 years). Both research programmes are making good progress.
The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025, included modules on contraception and menopause. Additional research is underway in collaboration with the National Women’s Council and TCD, to assess the awareness and experiences of women from key groups, qualitatively, in terms of their access to the Free Contraception Scheme. This research is currently scheduled for publication in Q2, 2026.
In Budget 2026, additional supports were put in place for information programmes supporting RSE and SPHE in schools, HIV anti-stigma measures, interventions addressing DSGBV awareness and further allocations for PrEP medication and period dignity, all of which are included in the Strategy.
Current priorities include forthcoming legislation to enable the prescription of contraception under certain circumstances through pharmacies, and commencing work on the HIV Action Plan. The Sexual Health Services Sub-Group of the NSHS Implementation Group has been convened and will oversee the current stakeholder consultation to inform the HIV Action Plan, and subsequent drafting.
In summary, significant progress has been made in terms of implementing the Strategy and Action Plan, including with respect to the Model of Care.
97. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the initiatives being undertaken to combat shingles amongst the over-65’s, including a vaccination programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17625/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.
The current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered for those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. HIQA’s HTA examined the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of shingles vaccines. The cost effectiveness and budget impact were also reviewed, along with the ethical, social and organisational implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
While the vaccine is considered safe and effective, its protective effect diminishes over time. HIQA also noted the substantial budget impact associated with vaccination. If made available to everyone aged 65 and older, vaccination would cost €218 million over five years.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department considered the findings of this HTA in 2024 and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable.
I can confirm that the introduction of the shingles vaccine to the immunisation schedule in Ireland is again being actively considered for a cohort of immunocompromised individuals, in line with NIAC advice and cognisant of the cost effectiveness of market pricing and available funding.
98. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health when the 11-beds in Linn Dara, which have been closed since 2022, will be reopened. [16782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that I secured €1.34 million under Budget 2026 to recruit 17 Whole Time Equivalent posts to bring into clinical use 11 additional beds at Linn Dara.
As the Deputy will be aware, this purpose built 24-bed CAMHS inpatient unit on the Cherry Orchard campus is configured as two 11 bed wards, and an additional 2-bed High Dependency Unit. In May 2022, due to nursing staff shortages one of the 11-bed units was temporarily closed, and the capacity of the service was reduced to 13 beds.
The additional funding to re-open 11 beds in Linn Dara is a significant service improvement. Importantly, there will be increased availability for inpatient assessment and treatment for young people with severe mental health difficulties.
I have referred this PQ to the HSE to reply direct to the Deputy in relation to the other operational information sought.
99. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if the integrated healthcare areas currently lacking approved multidisciplinary posts for older adult mental health (psychiatry of later life) services will be prioritised for development posts; and when primary notification numbers and funding will be provided to achieve the staffing targets of the Model of Care for Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People. [17534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnhancement of specialist mental health services including mental health services for older people is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government , and the HSE.
Mental health policy is guided by Sharing the Vision the national mental health policy , which promotes tailored, community-based services for older adults and better integration between primary care and specialist mental health teams. Over 30 Psychiatry Later Life Teams are currently in operation, and the Model of Care for Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People (2019) is being implemented, with five demonstration sites delivering liaison psychiatry services have established. Expansion of these services is ongoing, with additional teams planned based on identified needs and staffing gaps. Under Budget 2026, I have funded two additional teams for this Programme.
With reference to the specific information requested, as this relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
100. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the current level of provision of primary care and dentistry services in Waterford; and if she believes this level of provision is adequate. [17638/26]
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.
