Written Answers Nos. 450-467
450. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the steps she has taken to resolve the ongoing dispute arising from a decision to increase the number of student radiographers without a commensurate increase in the number of practice tutors in radiography; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23231/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department and the HSE are working closely with the Union to resolve the matter under the auspices of the WRC. As this is an ongoing industrial relations matter it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.
451. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if she will consider the concerns regarding the funding shortage of a charitable organisation raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23249/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
452. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the Health Technology Assessment’s proposed expansion of the BreastCheck programme, particularly relating to breast density; whether their expert advisory group has, or will, invite Lobular Ireland to participate; the criteria for selecting support or patient advocate groups for invitation; when she expects to receive recommendations from the NSAC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23253/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Health, I am committed to supporting our population 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.
The Programme for Government commits to extending the ages for the BreastCheck Screening Programme, in line with updated standards from Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular intervals to have a screening mammogram. In 2025, an additional €2.9 million was allocated to the BreastCheck programme to support the recruitment of 22 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) posts, with an additional 15 WTE posts approved. This is assisting in expanding and future-proofing the programme to meet increased demand.
Any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes must be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols.
The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister.
NSAC continues to progress work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted several requests to the HIQA.
HIQA has commenced a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to consider proposals for the expansion of the BreastCheck programme. This review will comprise two elements; the proposed extension of the age range eligibility to those aged 45-49 and 70-74, and also the potential introduction of a standardised breast density notification.
HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology.
HTAs are time intensive and rigorous processes that must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. This is particularly relevant in the context of the BreastCheck HTA, which is considering three distinct areas, the potential to increase the age eligibility, to decrease the age eligibility and potential reporting of breast density.
As part of their HTA processes, HIQA seek to ensure that a range of relevant stakeholders to a given topic are included in their Expert Advisory Group, including appropriate representation from patient/public voices. However, it is important to emphasise that the HTA process is conducted to inform the work NSAC, and is independent of my Department.
Finally, I would emphasise that screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.
453. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the number of days in 2025, and in 2026 so far, on which the full capacity protocol measures were implemented in Cork University Hospital. [23261/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.”
454. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the number of days in 2025, and in 2026 so far, on which the full capacity protocol measures were implemented in the Mercy University Hospital. [23262/26]
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.
455. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the recent outbreak of meningitis B in England, consideration is being given to a catch-up vaccine programme in Ireland for older children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23271/26]
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. NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by meningococcal B. The MenC vaccine protects against meningococcal disease (bacterial meningitis) caused by meningococcal C. The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by meningococcal C and also meningococcal types A, W and Y. The MenB vaccine is included in Ireland’s Primary Childhood Immunisation programme. It was introduced for children born on or after 1 October 2016. All children are offered MenB vaccination at 2 and 4 months of age, with a booster dose of MenB vaccine given at 12 months. Meningitis B disease is most common in babies under the age of 1 year old and the timing of the administration of the vaccine under the immunisation programme is provided on this basis. The MenC vaccine is also included in the Primary Childhood Immunisation programme, with all children offered MenC vaccination at 13 months. The MenC vaccine was introduced to the second level school vaccination programme in the 2014/2015 academic year. The HSE replaced the MenC vaccine with the MenACWY (which offers protection against meningococcal types A, W and Y as well as type C) in 2019/2020 academic year, following recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and instruction from the Department of Health to implement the change. The MenACWY vaccine was introduced to the 1st year school immunisation programme in 2019/2020 for all students and continues to be offered to 1st year students. The programme is also available for students who are age equivalent and home schooled and those who attend special schools. NIAC do not currently recommend a MenB vaccination programme for adolescents. NIAC continue to review the evolving epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness and possible vaccination strategies. Formal updates are provided to NIAC by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre on the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in Ireland.
In its work plan for 2026, NIAC has included an evidence review of Men B vaccination in adolescents and young adults. As part of its horizon scanning function, NIAC continuously reviews emerging health threats. The evolving situation in the UK is being closely monitored.
456. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if she intends to roll out a catch-up programme for MenB vaccines in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23283/26]
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. NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time. The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by meningococcal B. The MenC vaccine protects against meningococcal disease (bacterial meningitis) caused by meningococcal C. The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by meningococcal C and also meningococcal types A, W and Y. The MenB vaccine is included in Ireland’s Primary Childhood Immunisation programme. It was introduced for children born on or after 1 October 2016. All children are offered MenB vaccination at 2 and 4 months of age, with a booster dose of MenB vaccine given at 12 months. Meningitis B disease is most common in babies under the age of 1 year old and the timing of the administration of the vaccine under the immunisation programme is provided on this basis. The MenC vaccine is also included in the Primary Childhood Immunisation programme, with all children offered MenC vaccination at 13 months. The MenC vaccine was introduced to the second level school vaccination programme in the 2014/2015 academic year. The HSE replaced the MenC vaccine with the MenACWY (which offers protection against meningococcal types A, W and Y as well as type C) in 2019/2020 academic year, following recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and instruction from the Department of Health to implement the change. The MenACWY vaccine was introduced to the 1st year school immunisation programme in 2019/2020 for all students and continues to be offered to 1st year students. The programme is also available for students who are age equivalent and home schooled and those who attend special schools. NIAC do not currently recommend a MenB vaccination programme for adolescents. NIAC continue to review the evolving epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness and possible vaccination strategies. Formal updates are provided to NIAC by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre on the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in Ireland. In its work plan for 2026, NIAC has included an evidence review of Men B vaccination in adolescents and young adults. As part of its horizon scanning function, NIAC continuously reviews emerging health threats. The evolving situation in the UK is being closely monitored.
457. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if she will intervene with the HSE to ensure that a nursing home bed is urgently provided under the fair deal scheme for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23284/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
458. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she plans to meet with a representative group regarding a proposal (details supplied) [23292/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note that I met the Irish Dental Hygienist Association (IDHA) at their annual conference in Cork last November. At this meeting direct access for dental hygienists was raised among other matters. As Minister for Health, I am keen to ensure that all professions, including dental hygienists, work to the top of their expertise. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department officials met with the IDHA in February to discuss proposals for direct access for dental hygienists. Following this meeting, my Department officials are exploring the necessary consideration of this matter. Currently in accordance with the Dentists Act 1985, a dental hygienist can work to the treatment plan outlined by a dentist, who first examines the patient. Dental hygienists provide preventive focused oral health care to children and adults, of all ages. A legislative amendment to the Dentists Act 1985 will be required to enable direct access for dental hygienists. This will require working with our stakeholders, including the Dental Council, to ensure that it is done safely. This reform will take time as my Department considers the development of the most appropriate model for the Irish context. By considering this matter fully we will ensure that direct access for dental hygienists is safe and of course add value for patients by potentially improving access to preventive oral healthcare across both public and private settings.
459. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 666 of 19 February 2026, if her position has changed regarding the sole use of Pobal data with respect to the granting of social deprivation practice grants (details supplied); if work is now being carried out in her Department to address the flaws identified and the potential implications for other services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23293/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE, the Department of Health, the GP representative body and representatives of GPs working in areas of deprivation reached agreement in late 2025 to improve the targeting of the social deprivation grant for GPs which has been available since 2020. The 2019 GP Agreement introduced the grant to support GPs in socially deprived areas to provide additional services. It had been intended that allocation of this grant would be on the basis of a recognised deprivation index used to identify the GPs and practices most impacted by deprivation but work to do this was not possible in 2020 in the context of the Covid pandemic. Grants were therefore allocated in the years 2020 to 2024 on the basis of applications received from GPs. It was agreed, as always intended, that the grant allocation process would use a data analysis approach, based on GEO coding of GP practices and using a recognised deprivation index, in this case Pobal’s HP Deprivation Index which is widely recognised and used. As part of the agreement to improve the targeting of the social deprivation grant, the HSE, my Department, and the GP representative body will carry out a “look back” exercise of the new process before the end of 2026 with a view to ensuring that the new approach has been effective.
460. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if the appointment of a clinical nurse lead to support the implementation of the national model of care for epilepsy has been progressed; the reasons a permanent appointment has not been approved to date; if she will provide details on the allocation of time which will be given to the post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23296/26]
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.
461. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of children aged 12 to 17 years-of-age living with asthma in Ireland, and of this cohort, the number who hold a medical card and who hold a GP visit card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23297/26]
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.
462. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of ICS–formoterol combination inhalers currently reimbursed under the general medical services (GMS) scheme, including whether they are approved for use as maintenance and reliever therapy (MART); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23298/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter and 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, this question has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
463. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to estimate the annual cost to the State of extending reimbursement to provide ICS–formoterol combination inhalers, used as maintenance and reliever therapy (MART), to all children aged 12 to 17 years-of-age diagnosed with asthma; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23299/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter and 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, this question has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
464. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 340 of 26 November 2025, to provide an update on plans to address infrastructure constraints in Cork University Hospital’s rheumatology department (details supplied); the timeline being worked towards; if any funding has been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23300/26]
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.
465. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to introduce a universal healthcare system in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23305/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe “Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government 2025+", published on 14 May 2025, comprises 23 individual Sláintecare Projects and the milestones to be achieved on the path to achieving universal healthcare across the three strategic priority areas of Improving Access, Improving Service Quality and Increasing Capacity, underpinned by a suite of critical enabling reform programmes. The Sláintecare Progress Report for 2025, as well as the Sláintecare Action Plan for 2026 are currently at an advanced stage of development and will be published following Government approval.
466. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to open all beds in Kenmare, Cahersiveen and Dingle Community Hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23306/26]
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.
467. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure that patients, especially senior citizens, are not left lying on a trolly overnight in a corridor in University Hospital Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23307/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a high priority for the Department of Health and the HSE that patients are receiving the best possible care in the most suitable settings. This is especially relevant with regards to our most vulnerable elderly patients. In the Unscheduled Emergency Care Plan 2025-2026 several targeted actions are being implemented within the ED Operations and In Hospital Care Delivery pillars of the plan to improve the delivery of care including but not limited to:
• Screen patients 75 years for delirium and frailty at the point of triage and provide early access to emergency and specialist gerontology care
• Implement protocols for inpatients with length of stay over seven days and over 14 days
• Enhance access to community services over 7 days and in the evenings to reduce length of stay, improve hospital flow and support and enable safe and timely discharge
• Sites to make optimal use of the additional acute and community beds delivered under the Capital Plan in 2025
• Deliver planned additional acute and community beds and diagnostic capacity to improve access for patients while working with the DoH to progress an updated Health Services Capacity Review and extend services (acute and community) over weekend days to ensure equitable and timely access for our patients
• Implement processes and protocols to assign patients to specialty or dedicated wards with multidisciplinary care to support differentiated care requirements
• Implement a ‘Plan for Every Patient’
• Enhance access to diagnostics over 7 days and in the evenings to enable and support inpatient / ward flow
There has been a significant increase in investment in University Hospital Kerry since 2020. The budget for UHK has increased from €112 million in 2020 to almost €185 million in 2025, an increase of 67% over this period.
The Department has also invested in staffing at the hospital. Staffing has increased by 31% (376) since the end of December 2020 (1,215) to end of October 2025 (1,591).
University Hospital Kerry has 283 inpatient beds (Adult and Paediatric), including 19 critical care beds. Since 2020, 34 additional beds were delivered in UHK. The Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024 – 2031 aims to deliver an additional 4,367 acute inpatient beds nationally including an additional 108 beds for UHK. This will bring additional capacity at UHK to 142.
