Written Answers Nos. 218-240
218. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health whether she is aware of concerns surrounding accreditation standards at a hospital (details supplied); the actions she is taking to address these concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46196/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter we have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy
219. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for when givinostat will be available following the approval of the drug; if provision will be prioritised given the time sensitive nature for eligibility for those who require it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46236/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 assessed 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 prepared a recommendation for the HSE Senior Leadership Team.
On foot of the Drugs Group recommendation, the HSE Senior Management Team, which holds final decision-making authority on the reimbursement of a medicine in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, has made a positive reimbursement decision and commissioned a Managed Access Protocol for givinostat.
All efforts will be made to expedite the implementation of the Managed Access Protocol and to ensure that an adequate stock of the medicine is available and delivered to patients as quickly as possible.
220. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health to consider and respond to correspondence from a person in Dublin mid-west regarding restrictions on partners and support persons remaining in hospital with mothers and newborn babies following birth (details supplied) [46237/26]
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.
221. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if she has met with or otherwise engaged with an organisation (details supplied); and if her Department has assessed the potential benefits of supporting home sharing as means of provide independent living and home support, particularly for older persons. [46253/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish population is growing across all regions and age-groups, with the most significant growth seen in the older age groups. The improved health outcomes and extended life expectancy that have been achieved in recent decades must be acknowledged and celebrated, but these trends also bring challenges, particularly in the areas of health and housing.
For the most part, our older population clearly indicates their preference to age in place in their own homes and communities. The Department of Health, in conjunction with stakeholders in the health sector and beyond, is committed to supporting and facilitating these wishes in the years ahead.
The Department of Health has had ongoing engagements with THE HomeShare over the course of several years. Most recently, I met with THE HomeShare in July 2025 to discuss THE HomeShare model. My predecessor, Mary Butler, T.D., also met with THE HomeShare on several occasions.
As Minister for Older People and Housing, and in the context of the new national housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, I am committed to increasing the delivery of housing choices to facilitate older people to age in place with dignity and independence.
The Department of Health will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders with a view to increasing the housing options available to older people and to facilitating the integration of supports in a more coherent way between the housing and health sectors.
222. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health for a full list of all drugs considered by the drugs group in 2025 and 2026, together with the recommendation in respect of each drug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46338/26]
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.
Information on medicines considered by the HSE Drugs Groups in 2025 and 2026, together with their recommendations, is set out in the HSE Drugs Group minutes, which are publicly available via the Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit at: healthservice.hse.ie/staff/information-healthcare-workers/pcrs/corporate-pharmaceutical-unit/
223. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the way in which the €175 million levy to her Department will be applied; and what will be the change to the Departmental funding allocated to the HSE for 2026. [46355/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe levy of €175m is expected to be applied to the 2027 budget allocation. It is expected to reduce the total amount of funding available to the Health Vote by €175m for 2027. It will have no impact on the Departmental funding allocated to the HSE for 2026.
224. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the HSE's financial outturn relative to its budget for the period 1 January 2026 to 31 May 2026 and for the same period in 2025 and 2024. [46356/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
225. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the reason skyclarys is not included on the agenda for the upcoming HSE Drugs Group meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46373/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
226. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently on an outpatient waiting list at Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46374/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, adult and child waiting list information by hospital and specialty is published monthly by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) on its website: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
The information is now being made available through an interactive visual tool which provides users with a much-improved way of accessing and analysing waiting list information.
227. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce waiting times at the accident and emergency department of Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
228. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health to provide a detailed plan on addressing hospital overcrowding in Naas General Hospital [46376/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
229. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce waiting lists for outpatient services at Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46377/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
230. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the average wait time for the processing of Garda vetting applications for prospective HSE staff across all disciplines, including but not limited to nurses, speech and language therapists and doctors for the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, the factors contributing to processing delays specifically affecting healthcare workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46399/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
231. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health her assessment of the impact that delays in the return of Garda vetting for HSE staff are having on the provision of frontline healthcare services and the delivery of care to patients; whether specific services such as speech and language therapy or nursing have been disproportionately affected by these delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46400/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy
232. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the number of prospective HSE staff, including nurses, doctors and allied health professionals, who were successful in their applications but whose start dates have been delayed due to waiting on the return of Garda vetting in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the average length of such delays from the time a job offer is accepted to the commencement of the role; the steps being taken to expedite this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46401/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
233. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health if her Department or the HSE currently operates any national key performance indicators governing recruitment clearance timelines, specifically regarding the time taken from submission of a Garda vetting application to its completion for HSE staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46402/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
234. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health whether she has engaged with the Minister for Justice; Home Affairs and Migration regarding the implementation of a portable Garda vetting system specifically tailored for healthcare workers moving between roles or locations within the HSE or funded agencies to reduce administrative burdens and prevent delays in staff commencing work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46403/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter we have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter
235. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health regarding Delegation Reference No. 23/15 the date on which it was revoked (details supplied). [46404/26]
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.
236. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science given the pace of change in the tech industry, the new or expanded reskilling programmes - particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills that will be funded to help displaced workers transition quickly into high-demand roles. [46177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that the pace of technological change is re-shaping our economy and society. The impact of AI on future work remains uncertain; while it will undoubtedly create new opportunities, it also poses risks of roles and skills displacement. Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, the national digital and AI strategy, outlines the need to strengthen the pipeline of digital specialists with AI skills and to develop a comprehensive range of re-skilling and upskilling opportunities to support those most exposed to technological change.
My Department, through its agencies, is supporting workers to navigate and mitigate the impacts of potential job displacement, including through responsive and accessible skilling and upskilling opportunities. Programmes already offered through the HEA, Skillnet and SOLAS provide a range of re-skilling and up-skilling opportunities to those most exposed to technological change.
Examples of the opportunities funded by my Department’s agencies include:
The HEA's Springboard+ initiative offers free and heavily subsidised full and part time certificate, degree and masters programmes, leading to qualifications in areas of the economy where there are employment opportunities. These include ICT. There are new courses staring this autumn and open for registration now.
SOLAS developed a new suite of micro-qualifications for citizens and employees. The programmes were designed in collaboration with industry partners and will deliver targeted training in areas such as machine learning basics, ethical AI, data analysis, and practical use cases. Launched in February, they are available through the 16 ETBs.
Skillnet Ireland’s business networks, which are partially state-funded, provide enterprise-led workforce development initiatives. They offer courses in AI, Big Data, Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Software Development. They range from Master level to short courses (e.g. DATA smart).
The acquisition of AI literacy is also one of my priorities. I have launched an upskilling on-line platform available to all: AIready.ie. The range of courses available will expand over future phases of the platform’s development.
The establishment of a National Skills Observatory will help us to map out Ireland’s future skills pipeline, including AI, and provide education and training responses with precision and foresight.
Acting as a central repository for labour market and skills information in Ireland, the Observatory will facilitate improved workforce planning, stronger policy and decision-making, improved lifelong learning and workforce reskilling.
My officials are currently progressing the establishment of the Observatory, which will build on the work of the existing Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS.
237. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline Ireland's level of investment in and policy on the use of quantum computing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2023 my Department published the ‘Quantum 2030’ strategy to advance national policy in this area. The Strategy is centred around 5 pillars, namely:
• Supporting excellent fundamental and applied quantum research.
• Nurturing top science and engineering talent.
• Strengthening national and international collaboration.
• Fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and economic competitiveness.
• Building awareness of quantum technologies and real-world benefits.
Further to the publication of the strategy, an implementation group was established, with representatives from academia, business and government. The membership of the Group includes several Departments and Agencies - the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport (DCCS), Department of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA. A Strategy Implementation plan is now being finalised, to be progressed in the period ahead.
With regard to the issue of investment in this area, I would note in particular the following elements which are being advanced by my Department and its agencies:
• Establishment of the new Rinn Quantum Research Ireland Centre (~€40 million funding), which I announced on 10 June last as part of the next series of Research Ireland Centres.
• Support for the participation of Tyndall in the Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) Pilot Line (approximately €1.2m, with matching EU co-funding).
• Support for Irish participation in the Digital Quantum Academy, (Irish participants are the Irish Centre for Higher End Computing at the University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin and South East Technological University) (approximately €800,000, with matching EU co-funding).
238. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on whether prospective PhD students and postdoctoral researchers seeking funding commencing in 2027 will submit applications directly to Research Ireland or through higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46106/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTaighde Éireann - Research Ireland provides stipends to approximately 3,000 of the almost 11,000 registered PhD students per year (approximately 700 new awards per year), with a further 1,000 funded from other public funders. The remaining students receive some level of institutional scholarship support from their host higher education institution with the assistance of core funding from the Higher Education Authority or are privately funded, either by the individual or an employer.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland published its five-year strategy in March 2026, which includes a commitment to increase the number of PhDs to 3,800 over the lifetime of the strategy, and to review the funding programmes of its predecessor agencies to ensure that they are delivering across all research disciplines – a key objective of the agency as set out in the Research and Innovation Act, 2024.
A Programme Plan of planned activity was published in April of this year, with details of available open funding calls updated on a regular basis on the agency website.
The current agency portfolio of programmes delivers regular access to research funding across all disciplines and career stages, including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. Funding for PhDs and early career researchers is provided through three main mechanisms with funding split broadly equally between:-
1. Government of Ireland Programmes
2. Research Centres, new Rinn Network and Centres for Research Training
3. Individual Principal Investigator-led project funding
Over the past year, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland has undertaken stakeholder consultation on the proposed evolution of Government of Ireland PhD scholarship and post-doctoral fellowship programmes, with ongoing engagement with stakeholders and representative groups. 20 consultation engagement sessions have taken place since February, including seven in-person AHSS specific sessions across the country, and two online webinars (with audience Q&A) reaching over 700 participants. Further consultations are scheduled.
Other calls funded or managed by the agency include:
• Public Service Fellowships – placing researchers in government departments and agencies (open to all disciplines).
• Challenge funding (open to all disciplines).
• International Calls.
• Research Ireland/ UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council joint call on Creative Industries.
• Co-funded EU calls.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is the National Contact Point for the Excellence pillar under Horizon Europe, providing a suite of supports to researchers considering applying for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and European Research Council (ERC) Funding across all disciplines.
The agency is engaging closely with research offices in the Higher Education Institutions, and students are advised to contact their local research office, or to engage with the agency directly, to get up to date information on current and future funding calls under the published Programme Plan.
239. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has data on the average distance travelled by students to their further or higher educational institution. [46115/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe results of the 2023 HEA Student Accommodation Survey, (which was issued to students in the 16 HEA-funded HEIs), provides an indication of the distance travelled by students to their Higher Education Institution (HEI).
The survey was responded to by 22,801 students, representing approximately 9% of the total student population of HEA-funded HEIs for the academic year 2023/24. 54% of those who responded to the survey were 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students and the results therefore may be more reflective of this group’s experience.
Students were asked in the survey ‘‘How far is your term time accommodation from your HEI?’’ A breakdown of responses is as follows:
|
Distance |
% of responses |
|
0-5 km |
48% |
|
6-10 km |
14% |
|
11-25 km |
14% |
|
25-50 km |
13% |
|
50 km |
11% |
Respondents were asked to select answers from predefined distance ranges rather than providing a specific distance, therefore it is not possible to calculate an accurate average travel distance. The responses indicate that a large proportion, 48%, of students travel a short distance to their HEI daily, with 28% travelling medium distances of between 6 km and 25 km and a cohort of 24 % that travels longer distances of 25-50 km+.
Under the Student Grant Scheme higher level maintenance grants are awarded to eligible students whose normal residence is 30 km or more from their institution. As of 14th June 2026, for the 2025/26 academic year, c31,000 students whose normal residence is 30 km or more from their institution are in receipt of a maintenance grant at various levels. As of the same date for the 2025/26 academic year, c23,500 students are in receipt of an adjacent maintenance grant at various levels.
240. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of additional accommodation units supplied by the rent-a-room scheme. [46116/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of early June 2026, approximately 4,900 student beds are advertised by public higher education institutions in respect of Rent-a-Room/Digs accommodation.
