Written Answers Nos. 423-445
423. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to a discrepancy between published agreed eligibility criteria and campaign criteria for a role within the National Ambulance Service (details supplied); if this application process will be reviewed given that a number of eligible staff were deemed ineligible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22955/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
424. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the clinical pathways in the health system for treating myalgic encephalomyelitis. [22956/26]
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.
425. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the hospitals that currently provide care to those with severe and very severe myalgic encephalomyelitis; and the names of the consultant doctors. [22957/26]
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.
426. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that sufficient care and treatment is available to sufferers of severe and very severe myalgic encephalomyelitis in the public health system. [22958/26]
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.
427. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the arrangements, if any, the HSE has entered into with clinics or hospitals abroad for the care of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis. [22959/26]
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.
428. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of sufferers of severe or very severe myalgic encephalomyelitis that are currently in public nursing homes and are under 65 years-of-age [22960/26]
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.
429. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently assist a family in County Kerry with an extremely difficult medical situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22981/26]
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.
430. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health to outline her position on the use of AI scribes in healthcare; the current use and safeguards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23010/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAI scribes are an early example of where AI can make a meaningful difference specifically in the area of healthcare provision. Amongst all the AI technologies that have emerged since Chat GTP raised public consciousness of the potential impact of AI on everyday lives, AI scribes seems to have gathered particular momentum in healthcare settings in jurisdictions all over the world. For instance, Canada has already established a federal programme to select suitable products, agree price limits and fund their use by GPs across all of Canada for the first year of use. Thereafter GPs decide whether to continue to use this technology in which case it is funded by them thereafter.
This approach encourages adoption, provides assurance that GPs are using a trusted solution with clarity on pricing, and importantly, also allows the GPs themselves to decide whether this is of value to them in they daily engagement with patients. They have proven to save real time during consults and lead to more accurate patient summaries for committing to the electronic health record. Patients are given the option whether the AI scribe will be used during the consult as these solutions record the conversation in order to produce summarisations for the GP to sign off on. There is no obligation on patients to agree to their use.
As is the case with other potential applications of AI in healthcare, the final decision maker is the healthcare professional and the human must always be in the loop where care and treatment is involved, regardless of whether the AI solution is used to inform clinical decision support or simple AI scribing.The guidelines for the safe and responsible use of AI in healthcare that are currently being developed by the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) and will be published later this year, will be helpful in this regard. Further safeguards are provided of course through the EU AI Act.
431. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health for an update on plans for the secure use of anonymised and pseudonymised clinical data for research, policy-making, and service planning in healthcare. [23011/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the Health Information Bill and the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation will provide increased access to anonymised and pseudonymised health data that can be used for secondary purposes including for research, policy making and service provision. The Health Information Bill places a focus on the primary use of data, and this will provide the legal basis for the establishment of electronic health records. A statutory duty will also be introduced to share personal health data across healthcare providers, as well as at the patient’s request. The EHDS, which came into effect in March 2025, will follow a phased implementation timeline with deadlines for Member States between 2027 and 2031. It provides a common governance framework and harmonised infrastructure for the use and reuse of electronic health information in and between EU Member States.
A key feature of the EHDS will be the establishment of national Health Data Access Bodies (HDABs). HDABs will provide governance oversight and facilitate access to anonymised and pseudonymised health data for secondary purposes. My Department has been awarded €3 million in EU funding to support the establishment of an Irish HDAB. Key deliverables include scoping requirements for a secure processing environment and data access management system, deployment of a national metadata catalogue, and development of dissemination and training materials to support HDAB stakeholders.
My Department plans to use this increased access to data to develop policy relevant research on capital planning, workforce planning, health system productivity, health system financing, drug expenditure and behavioural economics. Data will also be used for the compilation of healthcare related statistics, monitoring of health system performance and quality of care. In order to expand the numbers of clinical trials taking place in the State, data will be used to inform the development of agile and responsive systems to reduce the time taken for regulatory approvals, increase pubic and patient involvement through accurate tracking of key performance indicators to grow recognition of the importance of clinical trials throughout the health system, as well as to promote value and incentivise activity among clinical research facilities. Furthermore, pseudonymised clinical data will aid research that supports workforce planning, in addition to informing the design of future clinical trials. During these activities the appropriate mechanisms of data and patient protection will continue to be applied.
432. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health if additional home support hours from the HSE will be provided for a person (details supplied); the supports that can be put in place to allow them to live independently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23016/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality and should be directed to that Department.
433. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the current staffing levels at the supra-regional endometriosis centre at Cork University Maternity Hospital; to provide a breakdown of the number of funded whole-time equivalent posts versus the number of filled posts; the current vacancies by role for example, consultant, clinical nurse specialist, physiotherapist; the current waiting times for a first outpatient appointment at the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23028/26]
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.
434. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Finglas Primary Health Care Centre, including an updated timeline for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23038/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE have advised that a final grant of planning for Finglas Primary Care Centre was received in April 2025, and this project will be delivered in two phases.
The most optimal location identified for the Primary Care Centre is located on the existing sports facilities and car park for Coláiste Íde. Phase 1 of the works will involve the replacement of these facilities in an alternative location for Coláiste Íde.
The tender process for Phase 1 is complete, and a contractor will be appointed in the coming weeks to deliver Phase 1 of the works. The Phase 1 works are anticipated to commence in Q2 2026.
Phase 2 will comprise of the construction of the Primary Care Centre itself, and this is currently at detailed design stage. The programme for Phase 2 will be developed through 2026.
435. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if a specific timeframe can be provided for the release of a subject access request for medical records (details supplied); if any partial disclosure can be issued in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23048/26]
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.
436. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health will consider running a pilot orphan drug early-access programme in order that children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy can access givinostat; if a pricing and reimbursement application has been received by the HSE for givinostat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23049/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the importance of timely access for patients to new medicines and supporting those living with rare diseases in Ireland. The Government is committed to investing in new medicines for patients, which has facilitated the introduction of 250 new medicines including 69 for rare diseases. For 2026, over €200m is available for medicines including €30 million for new medicines. The State has successfully negotiated new Framework Agreements with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), on the pricing and supply of medicines.
These agreements include commitments to reaching pricing and reimbursement decisions within 180 days, excluding stopclocks. In addition, suppliers will aim to shorten the timeline to submit medicine reimbursement applications in Ireland to within six months of formal authorisation by the European Commission. Together these measures will enable faster access for patients in Ireland. The Programme for Government contains a suite of measures on medicines which my officials will seek to progress over the lifetime of this Government. As part of the Agreement talks, the State and the pharmaceutical sector have agreed to establish a strategic partnership on the development of a sandboxed early access programme for rare diseases. This will be a proof of concept initiative, aligned with the commitments in the Programme for Government. As this work progresses, it will be essential that we take account of the views of patients, of industry, and of clinicians. The mechanisms involved are complex, and the potential impacts must be carefully considered to ensure any future system is fair, effective, and sustainable.
In parallel, my officials have commenced work examining reimbursement systems in use across the European Union. 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 medical devices; therefore, the question of receipt of a pricing and reimbursement application for givinostat has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
437. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if givinostat will be made available for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23050/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
438. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the way in which the commitments in the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025-2030 and 2026 IPHA Framework Agreement which aims for 180-day decision timeline are being applied to this specific case, to prevent further delay in addressing the unmet need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23057/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTwo new Framework Agreements with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) on the supply and pricing of medicines (FASPM) have been successfully concluded following extensive engagement and negotiation with the pharmaceutical sector.
The Agreements will enable faster access to new innovative medicines for patients. They also reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring security of supply for essential medicines, reducing the risk of medicine shortages for patients while safeguarding the sustainability of the health services.
The Agreements benefit patients by ensuring a commitment and a structured process towards achieving a 180-day timeline for completing pricing and reimbursement decisions for medicines, accelerating patient access to new treatments. This will mean that, by Q1 2029, the HSE will make decisions on medicine reimbursement applications within 180 days net. Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE), through its Senior Leadership Team has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed are made on objective, scientific, and economic grounds. There are formal processes that govern pricing and reimbursement applications for medicines and new uses of existing medicines. The HSE considers all criteria outlined in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 before making any decision on pricing/reimbursement.
The National Rare Diseases Strategy 2025-2030 was published by the Minister for Health in August 2025. An Implementation Oversight Group has been launched to progress the recommendations of the National Rare Diseases Strategy. It began meeting in February 2026 to commence work-planning for the Strategy’s 11 recommendations. Under the new FASPM, the State and the pharmaceutical sector have also agreed to develop a future strategic partnership which will support the development of a piloted early access programme for new medicines for rare diseases in line with Programme for Government commitments. Research and scoping work is underway in the Department to support the development of a pilot programme in this regard.
439. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of the clinical lead to support the implementation of the National Model of Care for Epilepsy; whether clinical lead hours continue to be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23064/26]
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.
440. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the main policy achievements of her Department since 22 January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continually engaged in policy development and implementation across the full spectrum of issues that impact health and wellbeing in Ireland. To respond to the Deputy, I outline below the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by my Department since I took office in Department Health.
Policy achievements and initiatives
Details of the main achievements are and will continue to be documented in the Department of Health Annual Reports. These documents detail the achievements of my Department over the period, in particular, the achievements as they relate our commitments in the Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future.
441. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for homecare in Westmeath and Longford in the past five years, in tabular form. [23090/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
442. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for homecare, per county in the past five years, in tabular form. [23091/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
443. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the status of a national Traveller mental health strategy; the progress that has been made on developing one; the timeframe for when it will be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra444. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been allocated for the implementation of a national Traveller mental health strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra445. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health when she envisages the establishment of a national Traveller mental health steering group which would collaborate in the implementation of a national Traveller mental health strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23105/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 443, 444 and 445 together.
The government is committed to working with all stakeholders to improve the health experiences and outcomes for Travellers, in a comprehensive, coordinated, transparent, and sustainable manner.
The Traveller Community are recognised as a priority group in national mental health strategies such as Sharing the Vision and the National Suicide and self-harm Prevention Strategy - Connecting for Life. Travellers experience disproportionately high levels of mental health difficulties and suicide rates.
In relation to funding, additional funding has been provided annually to address Traveller mental health, with a priority focus on funding Traveller organisations to co-develop mental health services and supports.
In Budget 2025, significant additional ring-fenced funding of €365,000 was secured By Minister Butler, Minister for Mental Health for Traveller mental health initiatives. Additionally funding of €200,000 for the National Traveller Counselling service which was allocated on a once-off basis for 2024, was mainstreamed under Budget 2025, bringing the total funding for Traveller mental health to €565,000.
An additional €480,000 was allocated by Minister Butler also to support Traveller Mental Health initiatives in 2026, which include co-created Traveller/Roma Led Mental health projects aligned to relevant strategies and action plans and support for the work of the Traveller Mental Health Network, among others. In addition, the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) received a record allocation of €16m in 2026 to expand crisis supports and suicide.
The first full bi-annual report by the National Traveller Mental Health Working Group was developed in November 2025 and covers a range of actions spanning the Department of Health’s and the HSE’s commitments to Traveller Mental Health. The report documents the work that took place between January – October 2025 (Q1-Q3)
Q1 – Q3 2025 Policy Level Key Accomplishments
1. Expanded Counselling Services for Travellers -
Expansion of Traveller Counselling hubs in Kildare, Mayo, and Cork (NTRIS II, CfL,JCR)
Introduction of two youth counsellors for Travellers in Dublin (NTRIS II, CfL, JCR)
2. Research and Evaluation
Evaluation of the Traveller Primary Health Care Projects (NTHAP)
Commissioned research on Roma Mental Health (NTRMHWG)
Partnership with National Suicide Research Foundation to support tracking incidents of suicide in Traveller community (NTRIS II, CfL)
3. Community Programmes and Development
Sláintecare Healthy Communities grants awarded (NTHAP, JCR)
Development of a Traveller Specialist Group under Sharing the Vision (StV)
4. Service Developments
Progression of Ethnic Identifier within Community Connect, the HSE programme that will implement a digital system for managing patient information in all community services (NTHAP, NTRIS II)
Pilot project for the development of an implementation guide to support Traveller women at risk of homelessness ongoing in 2025 (NTRIS II)
The population health approach that the Sharing the Vision policy advocates contains universal recommendations that benefit everyone in society but also acknowledges that additional work is required to promote positive mental health and build resilience among specific priority groups deemed to be ‘at risk’.
To support this Minister Butler requested the establishment of a Specialist Group for Traveller Mental Health. This is based on the need for a specific focus and leadership on supports for Traveller MH given the persistently poor mental health outcomes for this Community.
Minister Butler requested the Specialist Group to:
• Review existing data and research on Traveller Mental Health,
• Identify gaps in service provision and barriers to access,
• Include and engage with Traveller representatives and organisations to ensure culturally sensitive approaches,
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for policy and service development across Government,
• Produce an interim report to inform the 2027 Budget Estimates process
• Produce a Traveller Mental Health Action Plan.
The Group is being independently Chaired by Dr Fiona Keogh and is made up of members of the Traveller Representative Groups, members of the Department of Health’s Mental Health and Social Inclusion Units, HSE officials, Travellers with Lived Experience, a member of the HRB and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The Group was established at the end of January and will produce an interim report and a final Traveller Mental Health Action Plan within twelve months.
