Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (140)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

140. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the finalisation of the National Hearing Care Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28206/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I thank the Deputy for the question.

The National Hearing Care Plan Working Group was established in August 2024, and it is jointly chaired by my Department and the Health Service Executive.

Its membership includes the relevant stakeholders—HSE clinicians and management, officials from representative bodies, and colleagues from the Department of Social Protection.

The Group’s task is to develop recommendations for a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland, taking account of the World Health Organisation’s 2021 report on hearing. In doing so, it is examining the current level of hearing-care provision, capacity constraints and opportunities within the HSE, and how best to link public and private provision of care.

As the Deputy may be aware, on Friday, 17 April, I launched a public consultation, which will close on 15th May. This consultation provides an opportunity for the public to contribute their views on awareness of, access to, and experience of hearing-care services in Ireland. It will help us to better understand the barriers that patients can face. It also allows service providers to set out their perspectives on the key areas the Group should focus on.

This is an important milestone in progressing the development of the Plan. The views and opinions gathered through this process will directly inform the development and finalisation of the National Hearing Care Plan.

Ambulance Service

Ceisteanna (141)

Louis O'Hara

Ceist:

141. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if a 24 hour rapid response vehicle will be introduced at Tuam ambulance base; if an analysis of calls to Tuam ambulance base will be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28153/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) operates out of 5 ambulance bases in Co. Galway including one located in Tuam. A sixth base in Recess is under construction and planned for completion in 2026.

NAS plans to recruit an additional 263 posts in 2026 provided for by a €20m investment. Additionally, the West and North-West health region will benefit from a new NAS Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) which will be established later this year. This service will increase HEMS capacity, and improve access for rural and isolated patients in the region to definitive care.

While I am informed by the NAS that there is currently no plan for a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) for Tuam in 2026, demands across all ambulance bases and health regions are continuously monitored and assessed to inform future decision making around resourcing and National Service Plans.

I am advised by the HSE that existing RRVs operating out of the Merlin Park base in Galway, as well as from Recess and Roscommon, are deployed to incidents across the HSE West and North-West region, including Tuam.

Eating Disorders

Ceisteanna (142)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Ceist:

142. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health if her Department has engaged with the Department of Education and Youth regarding the development or delivery of education programmes in schools aimed at raising awareness of eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28509/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The implementation of the National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well over recent years, with the total number of 16 eating disorder teams under the Model of Care now fully funded. This includes 11 teams which now operational and a further 5 teams in recruitment and development, as per the Model of Care. The HSE spends over €14 million on eating disorders services annually.

As Minister, I am aware that having the right level of support and education regarding this condition is crucial for young people and their families.

BodyWhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, is a partner of the National Clinical Programme, and there is a very strong working partnership to ensure person centered supports are available to those with eating disorders. The HSE provides annual funding to Bodywhys of approximately €664,000, to support their range of services including helpline and email support, support groups, and outreach and educational work.

This includes the ‘Happy to Be Me’ programme for primary schools, and the recently launched ‘Inside Out’, an evidence-based programme for secondary schools to improve body image and wellbeing. Bodywhys reach over 10,000 young people each year through their school talks, workshops and youth events. All resources are developed in collaboration with teachers and young people.

The HSE also funds spunout to provide information to young people on all mental health issues, including eating disorders. Their recently launched 'Navigator' tool helps young people aged 14-34 to better understand and seek support for their mental health. The tool was designed by young people, for young people and has been used by over 50,000 young people since its launch last June.

Separately, the Department of Education and Youth funds 'Neart' a programme in all secondary schools run by Jigsaw to promote positive mental health and support each school community to intervene early where mental health issues arise for students.

My Department continually engages with the Department of Education and Youth and the National Educational Psychology Service (NEPS) on a range of shared policy areas with regard to the health and welfare of young people, and the Department of Education and Youth sit on the Inter-Departmental Steering Group on Mental Health, chaired by the Department of Health.

Health Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (143)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

143. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the reason for the continued growth in the waiting list for home support services in County Leitrim; the current number of people awaiting home support in the HSE West and North-West region; the measures the Department and the HSE are taking to address staffing shortages; the expected impact of the increased home care allocation in Budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28225/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I have been working actively throughout this year with the HSE to monitor progress with efforts to reduce the home support waiting lists.

Nationally, the Waiting List has reduced by over 5% since the start of the year. The waiting list in the HSE West North West Region has reduced by 13% in that time, from 1,380 to 1,200.

The waiting list for home support services in the Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan Integrated Healthcare Area (IHA) at the end of December 2025 stood at 224 people. The current waiting list, as of February 2026, stands at 209 people, representing a 6.7% decrease.

The funding allocated for Home Support in this area, has increased for 2026 by approximately 14% to over €27 million.

This IHA delivered 706,819 hours of home support to approximately 1,403 people in 2025. This was 3.4% above the targeted hours for 2025.

Every effort is being made to recruit Home Support staff, including ongoing recruitment campaigns across HSE West North West Region. The Home Support service in Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan IHA are currently running a recruitment campaign with interviews scheduled for Thursday 23 April, and further to be scheduled over the coming weeks. A further 9 positions have been approved as part of the National Service Plan 2026 and the recruitment process has commenced.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (144)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

144. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps taken to date to meet the Programme for Government commitment that an early access scheme for drugs will be implemented by this Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28273/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I thank the Deputy for his question on this matter.

The State has successfully negotiated new Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA). These Agreements include commitments that will enable faster medicines access for patients in Ireland. These agreements include commitments to reaching pricing and reimbursement decisions within 180 days, excluding stop-clocks.

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. The mechanisms involved are complex, and the potential impacts must be carefully considered to ensure any future system is fair, effective, and sustainable.

My officials in the Department are examining reimbursement systems in use across the European Union.

The Programme for Government (Securing Ireland's Future) contains a suite of measures on medicines which my officials will seek to progress over the lifetime of this government.

This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to enhancing access to medicines for patients across Ireland.

General Practitioner Services

Ceisteanna (145, 147)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

145. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if she has any plan to address the difficulty people are currently having registering with a GP in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28371/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Peter Roche

Ceist:

147. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the significant waiting lists for patients seeking to join GP practices in Galway east; the measures her Department are taking to ensure that individuals who require regular primary care reviews, including those transferring from another county (details supplied), can access a GP in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28465/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 147 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 2,611 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. A further 633 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the delivery of health services.

In accordance with the GMS contract, where a medical card or GP visit card holder, or a person eligible for either card, experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE Eligibility Unit which has the power to assign a GMS patient to a GP's GMS patient list.

Persons who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with.

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, amongst other things, 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, these were increased by 10% under the 2019 Agreement, and for eligible practices in areas of urban social deprivation.

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 since 2024. 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. Furthermore, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme, with the placement of IMG GPs targeted to rural and underserved areas.

Finally, to note that 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.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (146)

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

146. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the planned redevelopment of the emergency department at Beaumont Hospital, including the current status of the design and planning stages; the expected timeline for tendering and construction; whether the project remains a priority within the HSE Capital Plan; the anticipated opening date for the new emergency department; the anticipated opening date for the proposed one hundred bed block; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28494/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Following recent investments, including the expansion of the 20-bed, purpose-built cystic fibrosis unit and completion of the 6-bed interventional radiology day-ward (both completed in Q4 2025), Beaumont Hospital is advancing a number of significant proposals for further capital investment on its campus. All such proposals 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 is progressing through detailed design stage, and this will inform a tender and market engagement for construction works that will ultimately determine construction timelines. The project remains funded on the HSE Capital plan through the design stage.

In parallel, the reconfiguration of the existing Emergency Department to improve patient flow is progressing with a design team appointed and an application for planning permission now lodged. This is programmed to complete in Q4 2026.

Separately, the 95-bed ward block project at Beaumont Hospital is progressing through the design stage at present.

Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 145.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (148)

Michael Murphy

Ceist:

148. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health her plans to address the significant staffing shortfalls in orthodontic services in south Tipperary, including long-standing vacancies dating back to 2021; the current provision of just 0.1 WTE consultant orthodontist cover in Clonmel, and the reduction in specialist orthodontist capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23518/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill)

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (149)

Catherine Callaghan

Ceist:

149. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the measures being taken to provide treatments such as skyclarys (omaveloxolone) to patients with Friedrich's ataxia in Carlow and Kilkenny, and across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28381/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 207 together.

I wish to thank the Deputies for raising this matter. I propose to take oral parliamentary questions 30 and 90 together.

The State recognises the importance of timely access to innovative medicines for patients in Ireland, particularly those living with rare diseases like Friedreich’s ataxia. I recently attended a briefing in Leinster House on Friedreich’s ataxia, where I met patients and their family members, and heard directly about their experiences.

Skyclarys® was granted marketing authorisation in the EU by the European Medicines Agency in 2024 for treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older.

A pharmaceutical company must submit an application for pricing and reimbursement to the HSE’s Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit once marketing authorisation is granted, as reimbursement applies only to licensed indications. Applicants must engage fully throughout the process to enable timely consideration.

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. Therefore, I have asked them for an update on the Skyclarys® pricing and reimbursement application. They have advised that the report of the Health Technology Assessment conducted by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics was received by the HSE on the 16th December 2025.

The HSE invited the marketing authorisation holder, Biogen (Idec) Ireland Limited, to commence price negotiations and offered a range of dates to the company. The HSE have advised this meeting took place on the 12th February 2026, and as of April 16th a commercial proposal from the company remains outstanding.

The negotiations are commercially confidential and the HSE cannot make any comment on possible outcomes from the ongoing process.

It is important to note that the negotiation process cannot recommence until a commercial proposal is received by the HSE.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (150)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

150. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current status of the rollout of the shingles vaccine for those aged 65 years and over. [28372/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The 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.

General Practitioner Services

Ceisteanna (151)

Marie Sherlock

Ceist:

151. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason certain GP practices with high numbers of homeless and vulnerable persons have been excluded from the granting of the social deprivation grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28376/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The 2019 GP Agreement between the Department of Health, the HSE, and the IMO introduced a social deprivation grant to support GPs in socially deprived urban areas to provide additional services. The grant can be used to cover the costs associated with additional clinical supports such as increased doctor or nurse hours, increased key worker hours, or additional counselling hours to meet the needs of patients within the practice.

It was set out in the Agreement that the GPs to receive the grant would be identified on the basis of a recognised deprivation index. However, work to identify those practices was delayed by the Covid Pandemic. Grants were therefore allocated in the years 2020 to 2024 on the basis of applications received from GPs.

In late 2025, the HSE, the Department of Health, the GP representative body and representatives of GPs working in areas of deprivation reached agreement to improve the targeting of the social deprivation grant, as required by the 2019 Agreement.

The current grant allocation process uses a data analysis approach, as was always intended, 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. This approach identified the GPs and practices to be included in distribution of the Grant.

The HSE, GP representatives and representatives of GPs working in areas of deprivation, and the Department of Health will carry out a “look back” exercise of the grant allocation process before the end of 2026, with a view to ensuring that the current approach is effective and reaches those most in need.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (152)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

152. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health her plans for more suicide crisis assessment nurse teams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28350/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I would note that Budget 2026 saw a record allocation for mental health services of almost €1.6bn.

The additional funding for current expenditure in Budget 2026 for the Health Vote is €1.5 billion, bringing the total current allocation to €25.8 billion. This includes funding to maintain existing levels of service and for new service developments, including funding for the recruitment of 300 additional whole time equivalent staff within Mental Health in 2026.

A major focus of this year's budget is improving support for people in mental health crisis both in hospitals and in the community through an additional €15 million for crisis supports and suicide prevention. Significant progress has been made over the past three years to develop alternative crisis mental health pathways.

Part of this allocation for crisis supports will be used to support and extend SCAN. The Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service is critically important safety net for people in suicidal crisis and the Minister fully supports the intention within the second Sharing the Vision implementation plan to expand these services to provide full coverage nationwide. These services provide a timely response to requests for assessment of patients in suicidal crisis from GPs, and the assessments often take place in primary care settings.

I have funded six new SCAN teams as part of this expansion of suicide prevention and crisis response services. Each SCAN team is made up of two senior mental health nurses at Clinical Nurse Specialist grade under the clinical governance of the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation. This will bring the total number of teams to 21 across 18 counties, and these new teams will strengthen community based crisis supports, improve access to specialist assessment, and provide faster, more coordinated care for individuals in suicidal crisis.

In addition, it is a priority for me to provide people in suicidal distress with real alternatives to EDs, recognising that this is often not the best environment for supporting people.

Crisis mental health supports, including those with 24/7 coverage, are currently provided across a number of settings and services, including hospital based services, out of hours services such as CAMHS on call, and non-governmental organisation services such as crisis phone and text supports, funded by HSE Mental Health Services.

The National Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020-2030) is currently overseeing a piece of work by the HSE Implementation Group to bring together the range of available out-of-hours and crisis services and supports, with a view to aligning and streamlining supports and identifying any potential gaps in service provision. It is envisaged that this work will form the basis of an Adult Crisis Response Framework. This project is currently in an advanced state of preparation and is expected to be initiated formally before end-2026.

Crisis Resolution Services

The model of care for Crisis Resolution Services was developed as a direct recommendation of Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy. It recognises that people who are experiencing a mental health crisis need specialist services to provide timely brief intensive supports to keep people safe.

Crisis Resolution Teams• : These comprise of teams of mental health professionals who work out of hours to meet people in a crisis and provide rapid assessment and intensive intervention. There are 6 pilot Crisis Resolution Teams currently operational in Galway, Sligo/Leitrim, Cork city (two teams), Waterford City and County, South Dublin/Wicklow, and Limerick.

Crisis Cafés• : Solace Cafes provide a welcoming, non-clinical safe environment in the style of a café where people can go at evenings and weekends. The Cafés provides a range of support for those who needed to use its services including crisis support, signposting, peer support, and community support. The Cafes are now open in Cork City, South Dublin, Sligo, Waterford and Limerick.

Additional funding has been provided for more Crisis Resolution Teams and Solace Cafes in Budget 2026, for Donegal, Kerry and the Midlands (Tullamore/Westmeath).

Specialist Crisis Nurses in hospitals

Under funding which I allocated in Budget 2026, the HSE will establish specialist nursing teams in the emergency departments of all Model 4 hospitals out-of-hours, made up of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists to support people in crisis. By placing specialist nursing teams in our emergency departments out-of-hours, coupled with the expansion of community alternatives such as crisis resolution teams and crisis cafes, we are fundamentally changing how we respond to the needs of people in distress.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (153)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

153. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to expand trauma services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28358/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Trauma Strategy, 'A Trauma System for Ireland: The Report of the Trauma Steering Group' was approved by Government in February 2018. The Strategy recommended two regional hub-and-spoke trauma networks. Each Network has one designated Major Trauma Centre (MTC) for the treatment of major trauma and Trauma Units for the treatment of injuries of a lesser severity.

Significant progress has been made to develop an inclusive trauma system to co-ordinate and standardise trauma care, in line with the recommendations of the Strategy and a total of €16.65 million has been provided for the implementation of the Trauma Strategy since its launch in 2018.

The first phase of the implementation saw the establishment of two MTCs for the Central and South Trauma Networks. Services were officially launched the MTCs at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Cork University Hospital in April 2023. The second phase of the implementation focuses on the further development of services and the achievement of important milestones across the Central and South trauma networks. The recruitment of up to 90 WTEs, funded in 2025, provides for additional staffing for the opening and commissioning of important capital projects at the MTCs (such as extensions of EDs, additional trauma theatres and diagnostic suites). Staffing was also provided for University Hospital Galway to operate as a Trauma Unit with Specialist Services, the development of Planned Trauma Care Services at Merlin Park, Galway and the operation of our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and University Hospital Waterford as Trauma Units.

In addition, the HSE National Office for Trauma Services has developed a number of guideline documents to support the delivery of trauma services. This includes a Pre-Hospital Triage Tool which can help to identify major trauma patients and ensure patients are brought to the most appropriate place for treatment.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (154)

Erin McGreehan

Ceist:

154. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the provision of mental health services in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, in particular with regard to a suicide crisis assessment nurse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28341/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (155)

Shane Moynihan

Ceist:

155. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health to outline the operation of occupational therapy assessment services within the HSE; the average waiting times for assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28447/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (156)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

156. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update in relation to the elective hospital in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28272/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill)

I have asked the HSE, as sponsoring agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the Elective Treatment Centre in Cork, to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.

Primary Care Centres

Ceisteanna (157)

Noel McCarthy

Ceist:

157. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of the primary care centre, Youghal, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28360/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As 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.

Health Service Executive

Ceisteanna (158)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

158. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the targets she has set for the reduction in agency spending; her plans to reduce the over-reliance on agency and temporary workers in the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28499/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill)

The HSE’s 2026 National Service Plan sets out its commitment to reducing agency costs for Department of Health funded services to €720m in 2026, which is a 12% reduction on 2025 full year agency costs. This figure is consistent with agency costs agreed between the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation as part of the 2026 budgetary estimate process.

To meet this commitment the HSE’s CEO required that Regional Executive Officers submit detailed plans for managing agency costs in their respective Regional Health Areas. These plans include:

• the conversion of agency staff to permanent employees

• improved absence management, targeting a 1% reduction in absenteeism

• accelerated recruitment and workforce planning in line with the Workplace Relations Commission’s agreement between the HSE and the health-sector unions of the 31/03/2025

• expansion of staff banks and e-rostering

• strict escalation and enforcement mechanisms.

Additionally, the HSE issued an emergency directive on March 20th, iterating the contents of the Agency Control Framework that accompanied HSE’s CEO Memorandum 15687 of the 9th of December 2025. The framework seeks to reduce reliance on agency staffing, whilst simultaneously managing quality services through a more balanced use of direct, overtime and agency staffing. To that end the framework sets out specific actions on:

• the exercise of authority and delegation controls on the use of staff from agencies that are included on service framework agreements.

• the imposition of controls on the use of staff from agencies that are not on service framework agreements.

• the management of agency approval in emergency situations.

• the development of tools for monitoring agency costs.

• the necessity for recruitment and workforce planning.

• the need of the regions and services to align with the national commitment to savings in agency costs.

Subsequently, on the 5th May, the CEO of the HSE activated the escalation provisions of the Performance and Accountability Framework placing Dublin & North-East, Mid-West, West & North-West on Tier 1 of the framework and Dublin & Midlands, Dublin & South-East and South-West Health Care Regions on Tier 3. The tiered approach to escalating allows for differentiated approaches to managing cost overruns across Regional Health Areas. Under this approach regions on higher levels of escalation (Tier 3) will use additional measures, such as more comprehensive business cases for the use of agency staff, and caps on total agency spend to control agency costs.

The Department of Health continuously examine the relationship between funded staffing levels, vacancies and agency expenditure as part of the health service’s workforce planning, financial oversight and agency expenditure cost reduction arrangements. This ongoing analysis informs the work of the Productivity & Savings Taskforce, the Health Budget Oversight Group (HBOG) and numerous regular engagements between the Department and the HSE.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (159)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

159. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on ongoing reviews into maternity care at Portiuncula University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27848/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

There are twelve external incident reviews into the care of women and their babies in Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) from late 2023 to July 2025. Nine of the reviews have been completed and shared with families.

Three reviews are progressing and the indicative timeline for completion of these incident reviews is by end of Quarter 2, 2026.

Ambulance Service

Ceisteanna (160)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

160. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if she plans to address the fact that figures from the National Ambulance Service show that the north-west region has struggled to meet national response targets for life-threatening calls recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28370/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (161)

Conor Sheehan

Ceist:

161. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the provision of routine specialist dental services for a school (details supplied); if she will review the long waiting lists for specialist dental procedures for children with special needs to ensure timely access to care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28051/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (162)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

162. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the steps she is taking to address ongoing concerns that women's health issues are not being taken seriously enough within the public health system. [28373/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Women’s Health Action Plans 2022-2023 and 2024-25 together with significant Government investment, have resulted in vital improvements to women’s health services in Ireland. The work of the Women’s Health Taskforce and the implementation of these Action Plans has also increased awareness of many women’s health issues, both among the public and amongst healthcare professionals.

My department, in conjunction with the Women's Health Taskforce, is developing the 3rd phase of the Women's Health Action Plan due to be published in due course.

Significant progress and investment have been made in Women’s Health since the publication of the Women’s Health Action Plan. Underscoring the Government’s commitment to Women’s Health has been the investment of dedicated additional funding of over €180 million since 2020.

This significant investment in recent years is aligned to the Government’s continued strong commitment in the Programme for Government to” further developing the transformation in women’s healthcare”.

Progress/Achievements since 2020:

Developments from the additional €180 million investment include:

The establishment of 13 Postnatal Hubs• , as of February 2026, giving women access to postnatal care in community setting. Additional funding of will initiate four further Hubs, bringing the national network to 13.

• A total of €28 million in new development funding has been invested to the National Maternity Strategy transforming our maternity services for women and babies. Through this funding, over 550 additional full-time staff have been funded across maternity services, including 44 consultants and 381 nurses and midwives.

• The Free Contraception Scheme launched 2022 and is available to all women and girls aged 17-35 inclusive.

• Additional ‘See-and-Treat’ Ambulatory Gynaecology Clinics have been opened bringing the total to 18 clinics, with three more in development.

• From July 2024, over €830,000 has been provided by the Women’s Health Action Plan in funding to drug services for women with complex needs. This is part of an initiative to reduce drug-related harms and premature deaths among this cohort.

• There are 2 supra-regional Specialists Endometriosis Centres supported by 5 regional specialist centres.

• 6 Specialist Menopause Clinics are operational with expanded hours.

• 2 phases of National Menopause Campaign was launched in 2022 and 2023. The campaign was a direct response to the demand from Irish women for greater knowledge and understanding of menopause as well as better access to accurate information and supports so that they can proactively manage their experience.

• From 1st June 2025, free HRT has been provided to women experiencing menopause. Free HRT is available where it has prescribed to a woman by her healthcare provider for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms associated with all stages of Menopause.

• 6 Regional Fertility Hubs are now in operation in public maternity hospitals.

• The first public National Assisted Human Reproduction Centre to provide publicly funded, publicly delivered treatment opened.

• From 30th June 2025, an important criterion for accessing state-funded AHR treatment has been broadened. Couples with one existing child in their relationship, and who meet all the other current access criteria, can now access publicly funded AHR treatment, including one full cycle of IVF or ICSI.

• A new National Perinatal Genomics Service is being established to ensure women have access to critical testing both during pregnancy, and in planning for future pregnancies.

• All 19 maternity hospitals are providing full Termination of Pregnancy services.

• Legislation providing for Safe Access Zones has been enacted and came into operation in October 2024.

• A target date for the elimination of Cervical Cancer date (2040) was announced in November 2023 and in March 2025, funding of €530,000 for cervical cancer elimination was allocated from the Women’s Health Fund. The Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2025-2030 sets out the next steps, which include an emphasis on increasing vaccination and screening rates in underserved communities.

Period Dignity• initiatives have been supported annually since 2022, in line with the Women’s Health Action Plans. These measures are aimed at people living with consistent poverty, homelessness and addiction and at minority groups including Travellers and Roma. Period dignity supports are provided through the HSE Health Regions, Local Authorities, Family Resource Centres and other community partners

• In March 2025 the Minister for Health launched funding for three applied University College Dublin Projects on Women’s Heart Health aimed at improving cardiovascular health in women. These initiatives focus on, postpartum cardiovascular risk assessment, addressing social determinants of health in heart failure (HF) and enhancing early cardiovascular diagnostic strategies for women.

6 Mental Health Multidisciplinary Teams• have been put in place for pregnant women and women with a baby up to one year old who may have an existing or new mental health problem. In addition, Perinatal Mental Health Midwife posts are now in place across 13 sites.

• There are now 16 multidisciplinary Eating Disorder Teams in place across the country, with 2 more coming on stream in 2026.

• We have established a National Venous Thromboembolism Programme which focuses on pregnant women and women experiencing menopause.

• The Women’s Health Fund was established in Budget 2021 and has supported a range of priority services for Women’s Health. Over 100 initiatives have been supported to date through this fund.

Myself and this Government will continue to work to improve the health, wellbeing and healthcare experiences of girls and women in Ireland. The Women’s Health Taskforce is dedicated to listening to the voices of all women and girls. A Women's Experiences of Healthcare in Ireland Listening Forum was held in 2025, and two Endometriosis Patient Listening Forums were held in 2025 and 2026 to continue to hear directly from women on their experiences.

It is important to share opinions and experiences in order to continue to make developments in women’s healthcare. Any member of the public is welcome to submit their views to the Taskforce via email: WomensHealthTaskforce@health.gov.ie.

General Practitioner Services

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, amongst other things, 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 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 2025, there were 111 IMG GPs within the programme placed in general practice and a further 58 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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (164)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

164. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the progress made on delivering 24/7 emergency cardiac services at University Hospital Waterford. [28500/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.