Written Answers Nos. 362-385
362. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether respiratory emergency medicines, including salbutamol nebules, are classified as clinically critical within any national prioritisation system; and if she will detail the specific safeguards applied to ensure continuity of supply for such medicines. [27516/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a multi-stakeholder Medicines Shortages Framework in place, operated by our medicines regulator, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health. The framework aims to help prevent potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages on patients by coordinating the management of potential or actual shortages as they arise. Stakeholders in this framework include the HPRA, the Department, the HSE, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, wholesalers, patient representative groups and marketing authorisation holders.
Under European law, pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers should ensure an appropriate and continuous supply of the medicines they market. Companies should notify the HPRA of medicines shortages or potential shortages impacting the Irish market. The HPRA maintains a list of current shortages on its website and is in regular contact with suppliers in relation to these shortages, with a view to minimising their duration and impact on patients. The webpage of the HPRA is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information related to ongoing and newly notified shortages. Shortages when published remain active until supply returns to an acceptable level to meet demand, irrespective of whether there is a suitable alternative supply available that is meeting that demand.
The Medicines Criticality Assessment Group (MCAG) is convened by the Department of Health and chaired by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate rapid assembly of relevant government and agency bodies to assess, address and resolve emerging medicinal product supply issues.
363. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the governance structure underpinning the Medicines Criticality Assessment Group; the decision-making authority within that structure; and the level at which final determinations are made in relation to supply risk mitigation actions. [27517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra364. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether formal escalation thresholds exist within the medicines shortages framework based on clinical risk levels; and if so, the criteria for escalation; and the actions triggered at each level. [27518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra368. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health which body holds ultimate accountability for ensuring continuity of supply of clinically critical medicines at national level; and the oversight mechanisms in place to monitor performance against this responsibility. [27522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 363, 364 and 368 together.
The Medicines Criticality Assessment Group (MCAG) is a collaborative working group of relevant government, regulatory and healthcare agency bodies that is convened by the Department of Health and chaired by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate ad hoc rapid assembly of nominated representatives to assess and address emerging human medicinal product (prescription and non prescription) supply issues. MCAG enables collaborative work and system wide perspective on non routine, potentially high impact events.
Following notification of a supply issue from a relevant health service stakeholder (Department of Health, HSE, HPRA and/or PSI) that is requiring more extensive and more immediate cross health-service input and is considered necessary to effectively prevent and/or mitigate a high impact supply issue, the Secretariat liaises with the Chair of the Group to convene an MCAG.
Consequent to its deliberations and where the MCAG deems it necessary, the MCAG membership shall issue communication(s), to healthcare professionals and patients, among other actions.
365. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether minimum stockholding requirements or buffer stock policies are in place for medicines deemed clinically critical; and the basis on which such levels are determined; and the mechanisms used to monitor compliance. [27519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing medicines shortages is complex and requires input from multiple stakeholders. A Medicines Shortage Framework (MSF) has been in place since 2018 when the Department requested that the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) assume responsibility for its coordination. Since its inception, the framework has been of enormous benefit nationally. It has served to avoid the occurrence of potential medicine shortages and, where they have occurred, ensured appropriate mitigation is in place.
It is acknowledged that medicine shortages, when they occur, can be a challenge for patients and healthcare professionals. Each medicine shortage does not represent a defined risk to patients, and not all medicines shortages have the same potential impact on patients. In the case of medicines that are used most often in Ireland, there are typically multiple forms, strengths, brands, and generic medicines available from various sources.
Where some individual medicines are in short supply, alternative options such as alternative strengths, brands, and generic medicines remain available to ensure continuity of treatment. When a notification of a shortage is submitted to the HPRA an impact assessment is carried out and combines two main considerations - the availability of therapeutic alternatives and the expected impact on patient. In some cases where the medicine initially prescribed for the patient is unavailable, patients may be switched to a suitable therapeutic alternative following appropriate consultation with a healthcare professional. Regardless of patients being treated with suitable alternatives – a different brand for example – the shortage of each individual medicine will remain listed until supply returns to an acceptable level. The notification form also provides for a proposal from the MAH to handle a shortage, which may range from minimal activity in the case of low impact shortages, to a detailed management plan for high impact shortages.
The Medicines Criticality Assessment Group (MCAG) is convened by the Department of Health and chaired by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate rapid assembly of relevant government and agency bodies to assess, address and resolve emerging medicinal product supply issues. Consequent to its deliberations and where the MCAG deems it necessary, the MCAG membership shall issue communication(s) to healthcare professionals and patients, among other actions. Further detail on the scope and objectives of MCAG is available in a Terms of Reference (ToR) document on gov.ie.
366. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether national early warning or predictive monitoring systems are in place to identify potential shortages of clinically critical medicines in advance; and if she will outline the data sources and indicators used within such systems. [27520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a multi-stakeholder Medicines Shortages Framework in place, operated by our medicines regulator, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health. The framework aims to help prevent potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages on patients by coordinating the management of potential or actual shortages as they arise. Stakeholders in this framework include the HPRA, the Department, the HSE, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, wholesalers, patient representative groups and marketing authorisation holders.
In European law, pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers should ensure an appropriate and continuous supply of the medicines they market. Companies should notify the HPRA of medicines shortages or potential shortages impacting the Irish market. The HPRA maintains a list of current shortages on its website and is in regular contact with suppliers in relation to these shortages, with a view to minimising their duration and impact on patients. The webpage of the HPRA is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information related to ongoing and newly notified shortages. Shortages when published remain active until supply returns to an acceptable level to meet demand, irrespective of whether there is a suitable alternative supply available that is meeting that demand.
The Medicines Criticality Assessment Group (MCAG) is convened by the Department of Health and chaired by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate rapid assembly of relevant government and agency bodies to assess, address and resolve emerging medicinal product supply issues. Consequent to its deliberations and where the MCAG deems it necessary, the MCAG membership shall issue communication(s), to healthcare professionals and patients, among other actions. The Terms of Reference for MCAG is available on gov.ie.
367. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of recorded patient safety incidents, adverse clinical outcomes, or treatment disruptions linked to medicine shortages in each of the past five years; and whether such data is centrally collected and analysed. [27521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
370. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the total amount of funding allocated and paid by the Health Service Executive under wig grant schemes (including medical wig or hairpiece supports) in each of the past five years; and the number of recipients in each year, broken down by county, in tabular form. [27591/26]
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.
371. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health for an update on an assessment for a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27615/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond direct to the Deputy as soon as possible.
372. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the supports available to children or adolescents that require support, assessment and treatment for their mental health but are deemed by child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) not to indicate moderate to severe mental health difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond direct to the Deputy as soon as possible.
373. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals received by Offaly CAMHS in 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27636/26]
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.
374. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals received by Offaly CAMHS in 2025 and to-date in 2026, that were not accepted, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27637/26]
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.
375. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the reasons given for referral refusal by Offaly CAMHS in 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27638/26]
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.
376. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the number of children or adolescents currently awaiting an appointment for the child and adolescent mental health services in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27639/26]
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.
377. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the number of home support service hours currently approved in Offaly; the number of home support service hours currently being fulfilled; the reasons for any discrepancy between approved hours and provided hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27648/26]
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.
378. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health for an update on the civil registration service in Tullamore County Offaly, specifically in terms of progressing the recruitment of a grade V senior registrar/marriage solemniser through temporary staffing arrangements and agency backfill, with the aim of resuming the full civil registration service in Tullamore as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27649/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
379. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to develop formal apprenticeship and certification pathways for barbers; the way in which such programmes will ensure consistent quality and safety standards nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA proposed NFQ Level 6 Barbering apprenticeship is currently going through the apprenticeship development process with SOLAS, the State agency responsible for further education and training.
The guidelines on how to develop a new apprenticeship programme are available on the Generation Apprenticeship website.
All new apprenticeships are national programmes, with industry playing a central role in programme design and delivery. All apprenticeships developed post 2016 are overseen by a consortium of employers and other partners including accrediting bodies and education providers. Regular reviews ensure that each programme remains aligned with required safety standards, evolving technologies and changing market requirements.
Other non-apprenticeship further education courses are also available for barbering which can be found on FETCHcourses.ie.
There is also an existing NFQ Level 6 Hairdressing apprenticeship, with a focus on teaching skills such as cutting, colouring and lightening hair, perming, blow drying, up-styling, and shampooing and conditioning. Some of the skills taught by this apprenticeship are relevant to the area of barbering.
380. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason for the lack of financial support available for students pursuing essential master’s degrees, particularly in healthcare-related fields, in private college (details supplied). [27473/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to assist students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The definition of an approved institution is set out in Section 7 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 3 of the Student Support Regulations 2026. Private colleges operated on a for-profit basis, are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes. A student attending a private college which is not listed in the Student Support Regulations 2026 would not be eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme 2026.
It is open to higher education institutions that operate on a 'for profit' basis to use their own resources to provide financial supports to any of their students that they consider to be in particular need.
However, I would like to point out that a significant expansion of student places in healthcare courses is underway across the publicly funded higher education system, with over 1,100 additional places approved in recent years across medicine, nursing and a wide range of allied health and therapy disciplines. These increases are providing more opportunities for students to access healthcare programmes through the CAO, with further additional places coming on stream in 2026 across areas including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry and veterinary medicine.
In addition, my Department will shortly launch an Expression of Interest process, commencing in the coming weeks, focused on further expanding therapy places to support disability and wider public health services. This will support the development of new programmes and the scaling up of existing provision in areas such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy, continuing the focus on increasing the number of publicly funded places available to students pursuing healthcare careers.
381. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason cuts have been made by an organisation (details supplied) impacting learners at another organisation; if he will examine this and reverse these cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27485/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department allocates funding to SOLAS from the Exchequer and the National Training Fund to support the delivery of Further Education and Training (FET) programmes and services across the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and other agencies nationwide.
Overall investment of over €1.2 billion has been allocated for the FET sector in 2026, of which almost €1.1 billion is allocated to ETBs to deliver a broad range of FET programmes.
All ETBs provide free ESOL classes for those who needs support in developing English language proficiency. These courses range from beginner to intermediate levels, as well as advanced or professional ESOL. In some ETBs, ESOL courses are also linked to career areas such as healthcare, hospitality, and childcare.
Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, there was an unprecedented and immediate increase in demand for ESOL provision. In response, the Government made available significant temporary funding to meet urgent and exceptional levels of demand during the emergency phase of assisting displaced Ukrainians (Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection) in Ireland.
This additional ESOL funding was always intended to be time-bound. In line with the fiscal parameters for Budget 2026, ESOL funding has now reverted to its core pre-2022 allocation of €4.2 million. While I appreciate that the end of temporary supports is challenging for some ETBs, it is important to reiterate that this does not constitute a reduction to the overall FET budget, nor does it mean that ESOL provision has ceased. ESOL continues to be delivered nationally as part of the established core FET offering. Galway and Roscommon ETB has forecast that approximately 3,100 beneficiaries will access ESOL provision in 2026.
SOLAS and Education and Training Boards Ireland have been engaging with ETBs in recent months to assess the impact of the cessation of temporary funding supports.
It is the responsibility of SOLAS and the ETBs to plan their provision within the allocation agreed by Government. As the statutory authority for FET, SOLAS is responsible for determining how funding is distributed across the FET sector, including to individual ETBs. This function is conducted independently of my Department and my office. Each ETB then has the autonomy to use this funding, within its overall budget, in the way that best meets the needs of learners, communities, and local enterprise.
382. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason for recent reductions in SOLAS funding allocations to education and training boards, including GRETB; the extent to which these reductions have resulted in the cancellation of adult literacy, disability support and ESOL programmes (details supplied); the assessment that has been made of the impact of these cuts on learners and staff, particularly in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27488/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, there has been no reduction to the overall core allocation to Further Education and Training (FET). Furthermore, I can assure you that the Government’s 10-year Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) remains a key priority for my Department, and its implementation is supported through an investment of €4 million. In addition, SOLAS allocates, on average, €30 million per annum to adult literacy programmes, which are delivered free of charge to learners who need them.
My Department allocates funding to SOLAS from the Exchequer and the National Training Fund to support the delivery of FET programmes and services across the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and other agencies nationwide. My Department is investing over €1.2 billion in the FET sector in 2026, of which almost €1.1 billion is allocated to ETBs to deliver a broad range of FET programmes.
It is the responsibility of SOLAS and the ETBs to plan their provision within the allocation agreed by Government. As the statutory authority for FET, SOLAS is responsible for determining how funding is distributed across the FET sector, including to individual ETBs. This function is conducted independently of my Department and my office. Each ETB then has the autonomy to use this funding, within its overall budget, in the way that best meets the needs of learners, communities, and local enterprise.
All ETBs provide free ESOL classes for those who needs support in developing English language proficiency. These courses range from beginner to intermediate levels, as well as advanced or professional ESOL.
Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, there was an unprecedented and immediate increase in demand for ESOL provision. In response, the Government made available significant temporary funding to meet urgent and exceptional levels of demand during the emergency phase of assisting displaced Ukrainians (Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection) in Ireland.
This additional ESOL funding was always intended to be time-bound. In line with the fiscal parameters for Budget 2026, ESOL funding has now reverted to its core pre-2022 allocation of €4.2 million.
I wish to acknowledge the commitment, flexibility and innovation shown by ETBs and their staff across the country, whose efforts supported thousands of newly arrived individuals in integrating into Irish communities.
While I appreciate that the end of temporary supports is challenging for some ETBs, it is important to reiterate that this does not constitute a reduction to the overall FET budget, nor does it mean that ESOL provision has ceased. ESOL continues to be delivered nationally as part of the established core FET offering. Galway and Roscommon ETB (GRETB) forecasts that approximately 3,100 beneficiaries will access ESOL provision across Galway and Roscommon in 2026.
SOLAS overall funding to GRETB has increased from €49.175 million in 2020 to €65.707 million in 2026. GRETB informed my officials that no specific disability focused programmes have been withdrawn. Furthermore, GRETB has advised that its Adult Literacy allocation has increased from €2.17 million in 2025 to €2.63 million in 2026.
383. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will confirm details regarding a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27619/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether the Seniors Alert Scheme administered by Pobal is to continue as a scheme; whether consideration is being given to a successor scheme; the body that will be responsible for any such successor scheme; and the details of any such successor scheme. [27618/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 385 together.
My Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase, by a registered community-based organisation, of a personal alarm or pendant and one year of monitoring. The scheme has an allocation of €3.2million in 2026, with additional support from the 2026 Dormant Accounts Fund. Since the scheme was launched in 2015, almost 160,000 participants have been approved for the alarms, including over 17,700 in 2025. My Department is currently reviewing all aspects of the Seniors Alert Scheme, including the technology and services available, and I hope to launch a new iteration of the scheme in 2026. The new iteration will be administered Age Friendly Ireland, on behalf of my Department. The current working title of the new iteration is the Age Friendly Assistive Technology Scheme (AFATS).Age Friendly Ireland (AFI) is a local government shared service that is hosted by Meath County Council on behalf of all 31 local authorities. AFI has a coordinator in each local authority area and is well placed to provide the additional wrap around supports that older people may require to assist them to continue living independently in their own homes. It is anticipated that this will add significant value to the overall delivery of the Seniors Alert Scheme into the future. The transition of administration of the scheme from Pobal to AFI will be as seamless as possible. Pobal will continue to process new applications, installations and queries for the coming weeks and months.I wish to thank the community and voluntary organisations involved in the initiative for their continued support and commitment to the Seniors Alert Scheme. These organisations play a vital role in the scheme and I wish to confirm that the role of these groups will remain unchanged as they are a critical and valued support in our communities with essential local knowledge. A new procurement process for devices to be made available under the new iteration of the scheme has begun. I wish to confirm that all devices that have already been provided to users will continue to operate as usual and participant community groups can still refer new participants to Pobal, or engage with them about any queries that they may have on the SAS scheme.
384. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans for the future of the Community Recognition Fund. [27576/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Under the fund a total of €100 million has been provided to local authorities to support cities, towns and villages nationwide
Over 1,460 projects have been awarded funding under the Community Recognition fund benefiting many clubs and groups around the country. A significant number of projects approved under the CRF are now complete and many communities, clubs and groups are enjoying the benefits that this funding has delivered.
The emphasis is now to ensure that all projects are delivered throughout 2026 so that communities, clubs and groups can benefit from this investment.
While there was no additional allocation under CRF, my Department continues to support the development of community infrastructure through its range of investment programmes, details of which are available on my Department’s website. This includes a number of schemes which are already open for applications in 2026, such as the expanded CLÁR programme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the 2026 Community Centre Investment Fund.
