Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
814. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to ensure that Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore complies with the 2016 national model of care for neurology services, which stipulates that all model 3 hospitals should have a dedicated neurology service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47588/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra815. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore currently operates with only 0.2 of a neurology consultant contract, provided on a visiting basis from St James's Hospital; her plans to transition this to a full-time, dedicated, and sustainable neurology service within the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47589/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra816. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health her views on the findings of the April 2026 Neurological Alliance of Ireland report, Towards an Equitable Integrated Neurology Service for Ireland, regarding regional variation in access to specialist expertise; if she will commit to the necessary investment in budget 2027 to establish a full neurology service in Tullamore to serve patients across the midlands, including Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra817. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Health the number of patients from the midlands region, by county (Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford) who were required to travel to St James’s Hospital Dublin for neurology appointments in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026 due to the lack of a full service in Tullamore; the impact this travel burden has on patient outcomes, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47591/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 814, 815, 816 and 817 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
