Sorca Clarke
Ceist:526. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health for a detailed breakdown in CAMHS waiting times per RHA, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Services
Ceisteanna (526)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government makes several commitments relating to improving CAMHS, including providing additional resources to reduce waiting times for access to CAMHS.
As the Deputy will be aware, I visited 21 CAMHS teams nationwide last year to meet with the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) and their staff to focus on improvements to all aspects of Youth Mental Health care, including the specialist CAMHS service. I stressed the need to identify areas where increased activity is needed, and the potential for more innovative approaches to improve service delivery. I also highlighted the importance of filling all approved posts for each CAMHS team to ensure the most effective delivery of services.
I conveyed in my meeting with each Region that reducing waiting times for CAMHS is one of my main priorities as Minister for Mental Health. I subsequently wrote to each REO and to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE following my visits seeking a plan to improve access to CAMHS services. While significant improvement has been made on many fronts to enhance CAMHS care, particularly in the face of increasing demand (referrals are up 70% since 2020) and case complexity, the issues of improved access and regional variation need to be addressed as early as possible. This is particularly the case in light of the significant additional funding I have secured for youth mental health over recent years, including under Budget 2026, and the emphasis I have placed on better outcomes for mental health in the recent Letter of Determination and under the agreed HSE Service Plan 2026. The objective of improving access to care, and of reducing waiting lists, are core elements of the three year HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Action Plan published in February 2025.
As of end February 2026, the waiting list for CAMHS nationally was 4,613, with 611 of these children waiting in excess of 12 months to access CAMHS. I acknowledge that the ringfenced waiting list reduction funding of €3 million supported activity in excess of the targeted 1,250 removals across the six Regions. While this is positive overall, there is evidence that the funding allocated could have better targeted the removal of children and young people waiting for extended periods in some Regions.
I therefore recently sought a detailed plan, inclusive of both national and regional targets, to reduce CAMHS waiting lists. I requested that this plan be reported on, at a minimum on a quarterly basis, by the HSE to the Department, and should reflect core CAMHS resourcing and all additional waiting list funding that has been provided in recent years. I expect to receive this plan from the HSE shortly, reflecting both national and regional approaches.
I, and the Government, fully appreciate the very significant improvements that have been made by all CAMHS staff over recent times and the real difference that this has made and will continue to make to many vulnerable children and their families.
I have referred this PQ to the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the detailed operational information sought.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (527)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:527. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any formal analysis has been conducted comparing decision-making outcomes across the six Health Regions; if so, to provide the metrics used, the findings, and any identified regional disparities. [29321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (528)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:528. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what formal mechanisms exist to intervene where a Health Region's decisions materially diverge from national policy or from other regions; and whether any such interventions have occurred since the establishment of the Health Regions. [29322/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (529)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:529. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any independent audit or internal review has been conducted on consistency of decision-making across Health Regions since 2022; and to provide the dates and findings of such audits. [29323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (530)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:530. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether patients have a formal right to review or appeal decisions where similar cases are treated differently across Health Regions; and if so, the structure of such a mechanism. [29324/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (531)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:531. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health how "consistency" is defined within the Health Regions model; whether measurable benchmarks exist; and how compliance with such benchmarks is monitored. [29325/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Women's Health
Ceisteanna (532)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:532. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if she accepts that the provision of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to women with type 2 diabetes during pregnancy provides better glycaemic control than invasive blood glucose testing (finger prick testing) for both mother and baby over the duration of pregnancy; if she will make CGM available to women with type 2 diabetes during their pregnancy (approximately 300 per year); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29343/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Women's Health
Ceisteanna (533)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:533. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if she accepts that the cost of providing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to women with Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy is cost neutral when compared to providing them with invasive blood glucose testing (finger prick testing) strips over the duration of pregnancy; if she will make CGM available to women with Type 2 diabetes during their pregnancy (approximately 300 per year); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (534)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:534. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if she will remove the specific criteria of "insulin initiation from the start" that is preventing 500-700 people with a clinical diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes from accessing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) which clinical evidence overwhelmingly supports as the first-choice glucose monitoring device for all people with type 1 diabetic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29345/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (535)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:535. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2781 of 14 May 2024, the details of the new x-ray service scheduled to open in Balbriggan; if she will share opening hours; whether it will be a HSE service; staffing numbers; location; and building specifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (536)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:536. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29387/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware from recent media reports of the case enclosed by the Deputy. I am informed that the National Ambulance Service (NAS) has since responded to local media enquiries in the matter.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly with any further pertinent detail it may have, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (537)
David Cullinane
Ceist:537. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the expenditure on third party insourcing by the HSE in 2023, 2024 and 2025, by hospital, in tabular form. [29388/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (538)
David Cullinane
Ceist:538. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if she will meet her end-of-June target for ending third party insourcing in the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29389/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is focused on having a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
We are committed to improving access to hospital care & reforming and reducing waiting times for patients through a range of measures, including those to increase capacity.
In 2025, in light of concerns about an overreliance in the system on supplementary capacity, I asked the HSE CEO, to undertake a detailed review of all insourcing activity within the HSE.
Following consideration of the review that focused on third party insourcing, with my officials and the HSE I authorised the CEO to introduce a number of enhanced control measures to limit the practice in the immediate term with a view to it ceasing at the end of June this year.
These control measures included:
• Certification that all core capacity (POCC and 5/7) is fully utilised, standard overtime and agency options (traditional insourcing) are exhausted, all approved offsite outsourcing is exhausted before third-party insourcing can be considered.
• The relevant provider must be on the HSE DPS Framework, be assessed for conflicts of interest, comply with employment law and all contracts be limited to 3 months.
• Use of third-party insourcing must be certified and approved by hospital CEO, subject to fortnightly retrospective review by IHA manager or REO and only used to reduce patient waiting time.
These measures have proved effective in limiting the use of 3rd part insourcing and the current volume is not material in relation to overall activity. The REOs have advised that it accounts for less than 1% of 2026 first quarter activity.
The HSE has many initiatives underway to support the removal of third-party insourcing including clinical pathways, regional capacity, productivity measures, POCC, 5/7etc., and ongoing NTPF and HSE commissioning opportunities.
To further support the phased cessation and any potential deficit it may cause in planned care, the HSE and the NTPF collaborated via a working group to increase outsourcing opportunities to assist in replacing any potential shortfall.
National Children's Hospital
Ceisteanna (539)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:539. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if a new substantial completion date for the new National Children’s Hospital has been provided (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29407/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Opening the National Children’s Hospital Ireland (NCHI) is a Government priority. Everything possible is being done to ensure this world-class hospital will open as quickly as possible, on behalf of children, young people, and their families.
The Minister for Health has been clear that the responsibility for committing to, resourcing, and delivering this project sits squarely with BAM Ireland, and the State will not reduce the pressure or dilute that accountability. The State cannot accept a hospital that is not completed to the correct standards.
In February 2026, BAM submitted a programme of works, with a Substantial Completion date of 30 April 2026. While initially deemed compliant with the contract by the Employer’s Representative, the independent body responsible for administering the contract, it was ultimately found to be non-compliant, as BAM Ireland failed to deliver works as committed.
On 24 March, BAM informally advised the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) that it expects to meet the substantial completion “standard” by 30 April but with some exceptions to areas and operational systems. Crucially this does not represent substantial completion as BAM had previously committed to achieve by that date. This will be the 19th time BAM has shifted its Substantial Completion date over the last 6 years.
On 27 March, the Employer’s Representative (the independent third party responsible for administering the contract), requested BAM to submit a new programme. The NPHDB has advised that this has yet to be provided by the contractor.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (540)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:540. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to reverse the decision to cut respite from four to two weeks per annum for elderly patients in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29410/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Staff
Ceisteanna (541)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:541. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to outline the different pay grades for qualified nurses in Ireland in comparison to agency nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29414/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter we have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (542)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:542. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the amount of accommodation subsistence agency health care workers across all Departments receive per night in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29415/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (543)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:543. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expedite the long overdue Primary Care Centre for Killarney town; when will this facility be ready to open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29417/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Voluntary Hospital Sector
Ceisteanna (544)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:544. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to confirm exactly when the new Killarney Community Hospital will open; when will it be fully operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29418/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (545)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:545. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health when will the long overdue Minor Injuries Unit for Killarney town open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (546)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:546. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently recruit additional health care staff and open all beds in Kenmare Community Hospital; when will all beds be fully operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29420/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (547)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:547. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently recruit additional health care staff and open all beds in Cahersiveen Community Hospital; when will all beds be fully operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (548)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:548. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently recruit additional health care staff and open all beds in Dingle Community Hospital; when will all beds be fully operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (549)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:549. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expedite the long overdue Primary Care Centre for Cahersiveen town and the Iveragh Peninsula; if the preferred site has been identified; when will works commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29423/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (550)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:550. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health in her efforts to alleviate pressure on the accidend and emergency department at University Hospital Kerry and separate to the provision of the Minor Injuries Unit for Killarney town, if she will examine the possibility of additional Minor Injuries Units or at the very least a scaled down version, in all towns across the county, as this should be one of our goals in achieving a world class health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of timely high-quality healthcare in Kerry University Hospital and across the health system is a priority for the Minister and this Government. The Unscheduled Emergency Care Plan (UEC) 2025-2026 set out a series of targeted actions within the 4 Pillars of:
• Hospital Avoidance Support patients / service users to access care close to home and at the lowest level of complexity
• ED Operations Ensure our most vulnerable patients receive safe, timely and high-quality care in our EDs.
• In Hospital Care Delivery Improve and standardise processes to reduce variation in care and length of stay, improve flow across our hospitals and support safe and timely discharge
• Discharge Management Facilitate safe and timely discharge and early supported discharge home or to community care as soon as it is safe to do so.
Targeted actions within these pillars focused on processes, resource integration and management, and governance to improve patient experience from a holistic perspective improving systems along every step of the patient’s healthcare journey.
These include but are not limited to:
• Make the most of admission avoidance services such as Rapid Access Clinics for Chronic Disease and Older Persons and mobile diagnostics
• Screen patients 75 years for delirium and frailty at the point of triage and provide early access to emergency and specialist gerontology care
• Implement processes and protocols to assign patients to specialty or dedicated wards with multidisciplinary care to support differentiated care requirements
• Adopt a ‘home first’ policy so that integrated discharge planning starts early and is defined by a person’s needs, will and preferences
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.
In 2023, a National Injury Unit Review was undertaken by a HSE Working Group who examined existing Injury Units and made a series of recommendations to improve services, including:
• to expand geographical coverage and prioritise locations for the provisions of Injury units;
• to expand all existing acute hospital governed Injury Units to operate from 8am to 8pm.
The objective of the Injury Unit expansion programme is to provide more equitable access to Injury Units, to avoid longer waiting times in Emergency Departments, and reduce unnecessary Emergency Department attendances for lower acuity patients. Expansion of Injury Units will be underpinned by a safe model of care as recommended by the Emergency Medicine Programme. The criteria for this prioritisation include population, existing Injury Unit locations, and gaps in geographical coverage.
The Programme for Government commitments on Urgent and Emergency Care include expansion of Injury Units, and this is being progressed across priority sites. The HSE undertook a study to inform regional and national decisions on the establishment of new Injury Unit services across Ireland by assessing the geospatial and population implications of site options under consideration. Locations for six additional Injury Units have been agreed, including Injury Units in Athlone, Tallaght, Carlow, Killarney, Ballina and Letterkenny.