Written Answers Nos. 930-954
930. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Health if she will intervene to ensure that the belzutafan which was approved by the European Medicines Agency in December 2024 for treatment of the genetic condition Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) is made available to patients in this country; the number of persons with this condition who could benefit from this new treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45294/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
931. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the measures the Government and her Department are taking to support an increasing number of citizens who are unable to register with a GP, particularly private patients who, despite contacting multiple GP practices, have been refused due to capacity constraints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45304/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs 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. Currently there are 2,606 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. A further 637 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the delivery of health services.
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 in accordance with the GMS contract.
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 private practitioners, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients.
The HSE website provides a "find a GP" facility which can assist in locating and contacting GP in or around the area concerned.
The Government is committed, as per the Programme for Government, to increase the number of GPs practising across the country and thereby increase access to GP service 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.
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. 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.
Also, a Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway, led by my Department and with support from the HSE. The review is examining the issues effecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will consider further 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.
934. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to broaden home support services for older persons beyond personal care tasks, such as washing and dressing, to include practical supports that enable older people to remain safely and independently in their own homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45312/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
935. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons aged 65 years and over currently waiting more than one year for an initial primary care assessment, by service type and health region, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45313/26]
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.
936. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made on the development of a national action plan on loneliness, including her Department or agency responsible for leading its delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of loneliness is recognised by Government as a public health concern with clear links to poorer mental health outcomes, reduced wellbeing and increased risk of social isolation, particularly among older people. Government are committed to supporting older people to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and to increasing the level of support available in our communities for Older People. This is a key priority for Government.
The Government is taking a broad, whole-of-government approach to addressing loneliness and social isolation in recognition of the importance of social connection, community participation and mental wellbeing across the life course.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/national-implementation-and-monitoring-committee-steering-committee/– A Mental Health Policy for Everyone 2020–2030, recommends; improving links between primary care and specialist mental health services, consultation-liaison mental health in acute hospitals, shared care models, efforts to better address the physical health needs of people accessing specialist mental health services within the primary care context, supports for positive aging and the development of a dedicated mental health promotion plan.
In December 2024, the Department of Health published www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/pathways-to-wellbeing-national-mental-health-promotion-plan/– Ireland’s National Mental Health Promotion Plan, which sets out a comprehensive framework for mental health promotion. A core priority of the Plan is strengthening community belonging and connectedness, addressing loneliness and isolation as key determinants of mental health, including among older people. A Phase 1 Implementation Plan (2026-2027) is due for publication in Q2 2026 and will set out a programme of cross-government actions to progress these objectives.
In parallel, work is underway on the development of a new www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/consultations/healthy-ireland-framework-public-consultation/ (2026–2040), which will continue to address the social determinants of health, including loneliness and social isolation, at a population level through coordinated cross-government action.
The www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/campaigns/commission-on-care-for-older-people/ established in Ireland in March 2024, is tasked with examining and improving health and social care services, promoting independent living, and advising on future care models. It focuses on enabling older people to live in their homes longer, with a strong emphasis on community care.
While there is currently no standalone National Loneliness Strategy, the issue is being addressed through these integrated policy frameworks, recognising that loneliness intersects with a range of factors including housing, transport, community development, and health services across the life course. Responsibility for actions in this area is therefore shared across a number of Government Departments and agencies, with the Department of Health playing a key role in overall policy coordination in relation to health and wellbeing.
A wide range of targeted initiatives are being delivered to address loneliness and social isolation, including Men’s Sheds/Sheds for Life, Social prescribing, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Meals on Wheels and Day Care Services, and Home Support Services.
Older People in our community can avail of a number of community-based supports such as Home Support services, Day Care Services and Meals on Wheels services. These services provide valuable health support to their clients and also offer a social outlet which can be particularly beneficial to those living in rural communities.
Overall, the Government’s approach is to embed action on loneliness within broader health, wellbeing and social policy and older persons frameworks, ensuring sustained, cross sectoral impact. The Government will continue to keep the need for further targeted policy responses, including consideration of a standalone National Loneliness Strategy under review in the context of ongoing policy development including any recommendations made by the Commission on Care for Older People and implementation of the frameworks outlined above.
937. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has assessed the case for expanded screening or earlier intervention among adults over 50 for common underdiagnosed or undertreated conditions, including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, inappropriate medication use and vitamin deficiencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45315/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to enhancing Ireland’s population screening programmes, which are a vital component of our health services. They enable early treatment and care for many people, thereby enhancing the overall health of our community.
I would note that any changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols by the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC).
NSAC is the independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister for Health. It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured, validated and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to propose changes to Ireland’s screening programmes.
NSAC’s 2026 Call for Submissions is now live and will remain open until 28 August 2026. Should anyone wish to make a submission through the Call for Submissions, they should first check NSAC’s www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/national-screening-advisory-committee-nsac-work-programme/ as the condition may have already been submitted and reviewed by the Committee. Further information about NSAC can be found on its website at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie
I would emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional for appropriate medical advice.
938. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether modelling has been undertaken on the projected increase in significant functional impairment among older people and the associated demand for home support, rehabilitation, respite care, community care and long-term residential care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45316/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra939. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the role her Department and the HSE will play in scaling Housing with Care or Housing with Support models for older people as part of the continuum of care between independent living and nursing home care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra940. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE has not yet approved funding for the drug dupixent (dupilumab) for adults with eosinophilic oesophagitis; the stage the pricing and assessment process is currently at; when a decision is expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
941. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the supports available for patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis who cannot access standard treatments such as jorveza; whether the HSE will provide urgent access to dupixent through the individual patient approval scheme in serious cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter and under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices, this question has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
942. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of claims for reimbursement via the primary care reimbursement scheme for a patient’s first visit for purpose of termination of pregnancy; the number of claims for combined termination procedure and aftercare during 2025 and to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
943. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when back pay and an increase in pay will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of the Minister for Health is primarily to deal with legislation, policy, overall budgetary allocation, and corporate governance. The HSE is a separate entity to the Department of Health and as such, the HSE has responsibility for matters relating to the staff within their employ, such as those that you are raising.
It is not possible for the Minister to intervene in individual employment matters such as this. This individual will need to pursue these matters directly with their HR Manager where they are employed.
944. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health to provide assistance to a family (details supplied) to obtain all relevant medical files under a Request for Freedom of Information Act 2014 for a dependent child for their relative who they are guardians of. [45354/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond directly.
945. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if she has an any way to identify which Parliamentary Questions are AI generated; and the amount it costs, on average, to answer a Parliamentary Question. [45373/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have a mechanism to identify whether a Parliamentary Question has been generated using artificial intelligence. All Parliamentary Questions are treated in the same manner, regardless of how they may have been drafted.
It is not possible to provide an average cost for responding to a Parliamentary Question, as the level of resources required can vary significantly depending on the nature, scope and complexity of each individual question.
946. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person will get an appointment for pain management injections (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45382/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
948. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the current availability of diabetic eye screening and ophthalmology services at Mayo University Hospital and in the wider Mayo region; whether there are plans to establish a dedicated diabetic eye clinic in Castlebar; the number of patients currently required to travel to Galway for diabetic eye care; the average waiting times involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45403/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
949. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the reason the State is not pursuing fair pricing on an EU-wide basis regarding the topic of givinostat therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy; the reason this is only being considered in the context of the Irish market; if precedence for EU-wide negotiation has been used for drug pricing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45404/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pricing and reimbursement of medicines is a matter for individual EU Member States. While medicines are authorised at EU level, pricing decisions remain a national competence.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines.
The HSE is committed to providing access to as many medicines as possible, in as timely a fashion as possible, from the resources available (provided) to it.
The HSE robustly assesses applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure that it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver the best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to Irish citizens and patients.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds.
There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and / or reimbursed.
The HSE considers the following criteria prior to making any decision on pricing / reimbursement, in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013:
(1) The health needs of the public,
(2) The cost effectiveness of meeting health needs by supplying the item concerned rather than providing other health services,
(3) The availability and suitability of items for supply or reimbursement,
(4) The proposed costs, benefits, and risks of the item or listed item relative to therapeutically similar items or listed items provided in other health service settings and the level of certainty in relation to the evidence of those costs, benefits and risks,
(5) The potential or actual budget impact of the item or listed item,
(6) The clinical need for the item or listed item,
(7) The appropriate level of clinical supervision required in relation to the item to ensure patient safety,
(8) The efficacy (performance in trial), effectiveness (performance in real situations) and added therapeutic benefit against existing standards of treatment (how much better it treats a condition than existing therapies) and,
(9) The resources available to the HSE.
The HSE is currently assessing the pricing and reimbursement application for givinostat (Duvyzat®) in line with the criteria detailed in legislation.
The commercial proposal along with other relevant information was progressed to the Drugs Group on 9th June 2026, who assessed all the information, including submissions by patient representative organisations, and have prepared a recommendation for the HSE Senior Leadership Team. No decision has been made by the HSE Senior Leadership Team, which has final statutory decision making authority for the reimbursement of medicines in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE will continue to assess and progress the application as efficiently as possible.
950. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the reason children in SEBD schools do not have access to a behavioural practitioner. [45409/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, this PQ should be directed to the Department of Education and Youth as the topic raised is under its remit.
951. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the HSE intends to expand direct clinical mental health provision for LGBTQ+ people nationally, including specialist psychology and counselling services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45485/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra953. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated across all HSE divisions and health regions towards LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing supports, including funding provided through mental health services, social inclusion, sexual health, addiction services, suicide prevention and community-based programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45487/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 951 and 953 together.
I recognise that members of the LGBTQI+ community can face particular challenges in relation to mental health, and I am committed to ensuring that services are inclusive, accessible and responsive to their needs.
Presently, the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) funds 21 national NGOs, all providing mental health or suicide prevention supports at different levels or to specific targeted groups. In 2024, NOSP allocated over €8.3 million in funding to national organisations delivering these services.
There are three NOSP-funded national NGOs that provide services specifically for LGBTQI+ communities:
• LGBT Ireland, which received approximately €111,527, supporting training, a national helpline, peer supports, and mental health and suicide prevention initiatives;
• BeLonG To Youth Services, which received approximately €240,964, delivering national youth mental health programmes and supports for LGBT+ young people;
• Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), which received approximately €79,964, providing advocacy, peer supports, and training to improve services for transgender individuals and their families.
Additionally to the above, many HSE-funded mainstream services support significant numbers of LGBTQI+ individuals, including Text About It, Jigsaw, Pieta and Samaritans, which provide crisis intervention and listening supports nationwide.
Samaritans provides a free, 24/7 listening service available to anyone in distress, including members of the LGBTQI+ community, and works in collaboration with a range of organisations, including LGBT Ireland.
In addition, Pieta works in partnership with BeLonG To to provide free targeted crisis counselling to LGBTQI+ young people who are self-harming, experiencing suicidal ideation or bereaved by suicide, alongside tailored education initiatives and engagement with LGBTQI+ communities, as set out in its 2024 Annual Report.
This year, at my request, the National Clinical Programme for Gender Healthcare is establishing bespoke counselling supports for gender questioning young people in partnership with Jigsaw. In addition, the National Clinical Programme for Gender Healthcare have agreed to fund additional counselling and family supports. Both initiatives have been agreed, funding is in place, and service provision should commence over the coming months.
The NOSP has also supported research into the mental health of LGBTQI+ communities, including the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland FINAL-Being-LGBTQI-in-Ireland-Full-Report.pdf (www.belongto.org/app/uploads/2024/04/FINAL-Being-LGBTQI-in-Ireland-Full-Report.pdf)) study undertaken by Trinity College Dublin in partnership with BeLonG To, which highlights significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal behaviour among LGBTQI+ individuals compared to the general population.
These findings underscore the importance of ensuring that mental health services are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of LGBTQI+ individuals. In this regard, I also welcome the Mental Health Commission's national guidance and training resources to support staff across mental health services in delivering inclusive, respectful and equitable care for LGBTQI+ service users.
The Government, and I, remain committed to a comprehensive, whole-of-system approach to suicide prevention and mental health, combining mainstream services with targeted supports and continuing to strengthen the inclusivity and effectiveness of services for all, including members of the LGBTQI+ community.
With regard to your query concerning funding allocated across all HSE divisions, this is an operational matter and I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
952. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the current staffing allocation, funding allocation, referral numbers, and waiting times associated with the LGBTQ+ Psychology Service operating within HSE Dublin south and east; if there are plans to expand this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45486/26]
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.
954. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the HSE centrally collates data relating to LGBTQ+ specific mental health, counselling, psychotherapy, or wellbeing supports funded through regional health structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45488/26]
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.
