Written Answers Nos. 1001-1022
1001. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if equine therapy facilities will be developed at the HSE’s Toghermore campus in Tuam, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35205/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government and I are fully committed to providing the necessary supports for people with disabilities throughout the country including those in Galway.
The Toghermore house site in Tuam which is owned and operated by the HSE is under review.
Following a feasibility study, a more in-depth Health Planning Study was devised to provide greater detail and allowing a more informed decision to be made on the suitability of the site.
The tender document for a Health Planning Analysis of the entire Tuam Community Health area has been finalised by the relevant services and was advertised on the HSE’s E tenders the week of the 16th February 2026 and the deadline for return of tenders was Friday 13th March 2026.
The HSE have advised that the tenders have been received and are being evaluated by their local estates colleagues. They are hopeful that the successful bidder will be awarded the contract shortly.
The purpose of the Health Planning Analysis is to develop a Development Control Plan for the community health area, to inform future needs of HSE services in the area.
As part of the health planning analysis, Toghermore House and the usage of surrounding lands will be considered. It is important for the people of Galway that this review is done properly and promptly to ensure that the Government can provide the best possible services to the people of the area now and into the future.
At present the HSE continue to utilise facilities on the grounds of Toghermore House for a number of services including, National Counselling services, Mental health services, Quality and risk, Paediatric outpatient services and HR and administration support.
In addition to the previously mentioned services, a building at Toghermore campus has been temporarily licensed by HSE to the Office of Public Works for the use of the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT).
ODAIT, which is a time-bound agency under the auspices of the Department, is overseeing the excavation, recovery, analysis, identification (if possible) and dignified reburial of remains located at the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam.
The Office of Public Works is currently undertaking refurbishment works to fit-out the building on the HSE Toghermore campus to meet the requirements of ODAIT. The works are also addressing essential structural issues, for example works on the roof and upgrades to mechanical and electrical installations.
The Department will continue to monitor the progress of the HSE in reviewing the Toghermore site, which includes consideration of an equine therapy centre.
1002. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the funding streams available to support the establishment of a new Family Resource Centre, including capital and operational supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35289/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1006. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the criteria used by Tusla and her Department when considering proposals for new family resource centres, including whether population growth, rural isolation, transport accessibility, deprivation indicators and family support demand are considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35294/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1007. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether there are plans to expand the family resource centre programme during 2026 and 2027; the number of additional centres envisaged nationally; if towns such as Birr may be considered under any future expansion process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35295/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1008. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will request that Tusla engage with Offaly County Council, local community organisations and public representatives regarding the feasibility of establishing a family resource centre in Birr; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35296/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1002, 1006, 1007 and 1008 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that the commissioning of new Family Resource Centres is an operational matter for Tusla, which is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Family Resource Centre Programme.
Exchequer funding, provided to the Department and allocated to Tusla, covers core funding for Family Resource Centres. The Budget 2026 negotiations secured additional funding which enabled core funding increases to a new base level of €180,000, up from the previous €160,000. Those same negotiations also allowed for expansion of Programme membership.
The most recent expansions of the Family Resource Centre Programme, comprising five new members in 2025 and ten in 2026, followed a comprehensive national application and assessment process undertaken in 2025. This was led by Tusla and independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick. All applications were reviewed and scored against the clearly defined and published criteria, including population need, level of deprivation, child population data, existing service provision and existing service gaps. Decisions on the successful services were made by the assessment panel.
A total of forty-nine organisations applied for membership of the Family Resource Centre Programme, following an open call from Tusla for applications to join the Programme. This indicates the strong level of interest in communities around the country in having Family Resource Centres as part of their community infrastructure. I understand that Tusla was very impressed with the level of interest in joining the FRC Programme, and with the quality of the applications received. Regretfully, funding only allowed for fifteen new members to be selected, leaving thirty-four applications unsuccessful. I want to thank those organisations for their interest in joining the Programme, and for the important work they continue to do in their communities.
I can inform the Deputy that the following were the specific criteria set out as part of the Tusla application process:
• Willingness to engage with Tusla on funding for children and family support services.
• It is desirable for a Board of Management to be in place (as opposed to a partnership company). Where a Board of Management is not in place, successful organisations will be timebound to form their own Board of Management with the capacity to develop services.
• Have existing facilities suitable to deliver the programme.
• Demonstrate the ability to deliver outcomes driven service based on evidence based or evidence informed delivery model.
• The absence of a sustainable alternative service providing a range of services similar to those provided by existing FRCs.
• CYPSC Plan and/or Tusla Area Commissioning Plan will be considered where in place.
• Evidence of a large population or socio-economically disadvantaged population currently without a sufficient service to meet needs.
• Evidence of a lack of locally available services to provide a range of children and family supports reflective of the local community.
These criteria were published on the Tusla website when the application process was launched, and all organisations interested in applying to join the Family Resource Centre Programme would have been aware of these criteria.
Unfortunately, there is currently no additional funding available to further expand the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme in 2026. I will continue to pursue the expansion of the FRC Programme through the forthcoming 2027 budgetary process and in line with the Programme for Government commitment to work to increase funding and expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres. If successful in securing funds for future expansion of the FRC Programme, a new call for applications will be launched to ensure all existing and newly interested locations can apply.
I note the Deputy’s request that Tusla engage with Offaly County Council, local community organisations and public representatives regarding the feasibility of establishing a Family Resource Centre in Birr, and Department officials will share this request with Tusla.
Finally, in relation to capital funding supports, neither the Department nor Tusla currently have capital funding to support FRC infrastructure proposals, including refurbishing vacant or derelict buildings. Tusla does not have a dedicated budget for capital or building works for third party organisations.
1003. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of referrals for family support services in County Offaly in each of the past five years; the current waiting times for such supports in the Midlands region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35290/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
1004. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of Family Resource Centres per capita in each county; the position of County Offaly relative to the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35291/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest Census information relates to the year 2022, so I am responding in this context.
The information sought by the Deputy in respect of the number of Family Resource centres per capita in each county, along with the position of County Offaly relative to the national average, is as follows:
|
County |
Number of FRCs in County (2022) |
County Population (as per 2022 Census) |
FRCs per capita by County in 2022 |
|
Kerry |
12 |
156,458 |
0.000077 |
|
Donegal |
10 |
167,084 |
0.000060 |
|
Sligo |
4 |
70,198 |
0.000057 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
35,199 |
0.000057 |
|
Mayo |
7 |
137,970 |
0.000051 |
|
Longford |
2 |
46,751 |
0.000043 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
70,259 |
0.000043 |
|
Kilkenny |
4 |
104,160 |
0.000038 |
|
Carlow |
2 |
61,968 |
0.000032 |
|
Clare |
4 |
127,938 |
0.000031 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
65,288 |
0.000031 |
|
Wexford |
5 |
163,919 |
0.000031 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
81,704 |
0.000024 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
83,150 |
0.000024 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
167,895 |
0.000024 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
127,363 |
0.000024 |
|
Laois |
2 |
91,877 |
0.000022 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
96,221 |
0.000021 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
209,536 |
0.000019 |
|
Galway |
5 |
277,737 |
0.000018 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
247,774 |
0.000016 |
|
Cork |
9 |
584,156 |
0.000015 |
|
Dublin |
22 |
1,458,154 |
0.000015 |
|
Meath |
3 |
220,826 |
0.000014 |
|
Louth |
1 |
139,703 |
0.000007 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
155,851 |
0.000006 |
|
National Average |
121 |
5,149,139 |
0.000023 |
The Deputy should note that since 2022, fifteen new members have joined the Family Resource Centre Programme. A breakdown of these fifteen new members by county can be found below:
|
County |
New FRCs since 2022 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
|
Dublin |
2 |
|
Galway |
1 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
|
Longford |
1 |
|
Louth |
2 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
|
Total |
15 |
I was very pleased, as part of Budget 2026, to have achieved an increase in Programme membership from 126 to 136 members, honouring the Programme for Government commitment in respect of Family Resource Centres. The Budget 2026 negotiations also secured funding to provide for an increase in minimum core funding to the centres to a new base level of €180,000, up from the previous base level of €160,000.
1005. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department or Tusla has undertaken an assessment of need regarding the provision of family resource centre services in Birr and the wider south Offaly region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35293/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
1009. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average distance travelled by families in County Offaly to access Tusla-funded family support and family resource centre services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35297/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
1010. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if she will investigate the case of a couple (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35161/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.”
1011. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health for an update on RSV Immunisation Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33963/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is informed by 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.
My Department has agreed the scope of the RSV Infant Immunisation Pathfinder Programme for 2026/2027, which will be the same as for the 2025/2026 season. That is, RSV immunisation will be offered to babies born in-season and infants aged 6 months old or younger at the start of the RSV season, in line with NIAC advice.
My Department is considering the findings and options set out in HIQA's recently published HTA on RSV immunisation for infants and adults, including operational and budget impacts, ahead of making a policy decision on a longer-term RSV immunisation strategy.
1012. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including hospital, primary care centre and other health infrastructure works delivered by her Department or the HSE, which have been completed on time and within budget in the Wicklow Wexford constituency in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
1013. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available for the purchase of a PET scanner for Beaumont Hospital. [33976/26]
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.
1014. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant orthopaedic surgeons based at Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital as of 28 April 2026. [33977/26]
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.
1015. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the locations within CHO9 where GPs on GMS scheme have notified the HSE that they intend to retire within the next six months. [33978/26]
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.
1016. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the recent reporting that over 80% of Ireland's radiotherapy machines require immediate or imminent replacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33982/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1017. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health her plans to ensure there is adequate provision for cancer patients seeking radiotherapy given recent reports that over 80% of Ireland's radiotherapy machines require immediate or imminent replacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33983/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1018. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health her plans to upgrade radiotherapy machines nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33984/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1016, 1017 and 1018 together.
I am committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatments. I would also like to acknowledge that appropriate, fit-for-purpose facilities and equipment is critical to the safe and timely delivery of cancer care.
Under the current National Cancer Strategy, the Government has already allocated €120 million direct investment in state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology centres in Cork and Galway to address radiotherapy equipment needs.
The HSE advises that the typical lifespan of a LINAC is 10 - 15 years, although some can be used for longer depending on many factors, including the manufacturer support.
Funding has been allocated in the HSE Capital Plan 2026 to progress a linear accelerator (LINAC) replacement programme currently in place across St Luke’s Rathgar, St. James’s and Beaumont hospitals (SLRON) along with a phased expansion at Beaumont hospital. The business case for SLRON replacement programme has been approved by the HSE and in line with public procurement requirements and Infrastructure Guidelines, the HSE are now progressing the pre-tender design, planning and procurement strategy for the SLRON programme, with a view to going out to tender at the earliest practicable date.
The main works project for Phase 2 of Beaumont expansion went to tender on 20 April, with a current tender submission deadline of 05 June 2026. An enabling project (ramp) is currently on site and due to complete in June. Despite the complexity of the programme of work, current estimates project the installation of all replacement machines across St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network will be complete by the end of 2030.
To address future replacement needs, the Department of Health and the HSE are currently developing a Strategic Infrastructure Programme to plan for replacement and expansion at public Radiation Oncology facilities. The Department will shortly engage with relevant stakeholders to advance this work.
This centralised planning and subsequent oversight in implementation will enable cost-effective procurement, efficient delivery of enabling works, and alignment with the National Cancer Strategy and Sláintecare, supporting sustainable, high-quality radiotherapy services nationwide.
It should be noted that in the context of the HSE's target that 90% of patients commence their radiotherapy within 15 days of being deemed ready to treat, in 2025, 79% of patients met this target, with four out of five radiation therapy centres performing at 85% or above.
1019. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health to ensure a person (details supplied) will receive a discretionary hardship payment as an interim support, pending the outcome of the acarizax reimbursement application due to significant financial hardship and the medical necessity of the treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33989/26]
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.
1020. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health if she has considered the National Ambulance Service capital investment plan for the midwest for 2027, including staffing need, vehicle need, recurring cost and capital investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33990/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1021. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if children over the age of 12 years will be made eligible for free glass under the medical card scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides optical services to children referred into the HSE community ophthalmic service from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have sight problems. These children are referred to the appropriate consultant for treatment. Following referral, the HSE provides eye examinations and glasses, if necessary, to children up to the age of 12, irrespective of medical card eligibility. Children aged 12-16 who have a medical card or are the dependent of a medical card holder can also receive eye examinations and glasses, as needed.
Under the Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS), medical card holders or their dependents (aged over 12 years) can be seen by local ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic physicians, optometrists or dispensing opticians. Eligible patients can receive an eye examination and be provided with prescribed optical appliances in accordance with a national schedule of approved optical appliances.
1022. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health her current plans to decrease orthodontic waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34004/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am determined to ease the pressure people are facing now in accessing oral healthcare services, including orthodontics. In practical terms, that means improving access to oral healthcare through the public system—especially for children and adult medical card holders. My Department and the HSE are finalising a focused two-year action plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.
The plan will focus on a small number of clear priorities:
• Cut waiting lists in the School Dental Programme and orthodontics
• Strengthen and expand the Special Access Programme
• Reviewing and improving the Dental Treatment Services Scheme
• Support recruitment, education and training
• Support innovation and new ways of delivering care
Over the next two years, the aim is to stabilise services, reduce waiting times, and make access measurably better for patients—while laying the groundwork for longer-term reform.
Recent engagements with for example, the Irish Dental Association (IDA), the Irish Dental Hygienists Association (IDHA) and the Dental Council have ranged from addressing waiting lists and delivering near term improvements to the schools program, to improving the supply of dental team members by exploring innovative ways of broadening the educational and training options for both hygienists and dental nurses. We will also be consulting with colleagues in DFHERIS on educational opportunities for both the current and future dental workforce.
