Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:742. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health for an update on the primary care centre Ferns, County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47262/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (742)
Freagraí 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.
Departmental Programmes
Ceisteanna (743)
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:743. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health to outline the work undertaken by her Department to improve the availability of free period products; the relevant initiatives/funding available to local authorities to improve availability locally; the initiatives/funding that is available to local community groups, sporting groups and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47270/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Government action in recent years has been guided by clear evidence indicating that period poverty affects a considerable number of women, particularly among younger age groups and those living in areas of greatest need. In response, my Department chaired the Sub Committee on Period Poverty under the National Strategy for Women and Girls, which culminated in the publication of the Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper in 2021.
Based on commitments in the Programme for Government and on recommendations outlined in the Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper, an Inter-Departmental Period Dignity Implementation group chaired by my Department was established in 2021 to lead on period dignity mitigation. The Group has been advised by DPENDR that the funding of period dignity measures in each sector is a matter for the relevant Government Departments.
Additionally, support has been extended to NGOs and community partners working with those most at risk of poverty, including the Traveller and Roma communities, individuals experiencing homelessness, and persons living with addiction. Local authorities have also been assisted in providing period dignity products in libraries, community centres, and other public facilities. A national procurement framework has been established to ensure that public bodies can source a wide range of sustainable and traditional products efficiently. Funding for these initiatives has increased annually and has been allocated again for 2026.
Since 2022, my Department has provided annual funding to enhance access to free period products throughout public buildings and publicly funded services. This year, to date, my Department has allocated €614,000 in Period Dignity funding to 21 Local Authorities and 15 Non-Governmental Organisations.
In line with the Programme for Government 2025, my Department is committed to further strengthening period dignity policy through new measures designed to ensure universal access to period products. The policy will continue to build on existing initiatives by expanding provision across all publicly funded institutions, prioritising schools, colleges, and healthcare settings. It also seeks to implement targeted outreach for vulnerable groups, increase public awareness, and promote sustainability in product choice.
Ongoing consultation with stakeholders and community partners will inform the delivery and impact of these enhanced measures, ensuring that the policy is responsive to the evolving needs of women and girls across Ireland.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (744)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:744. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the funding difficulties facing an organisation (details supplied) and the potential closure of its services; the steps being taken by her Department to support the organisation; whether sustainable funding options are being considered to ensure the continuation of its affordable counselling services, including its national gambling addiction counselling programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47289/26]
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.
Question No. 745 answered with Question No. 719.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (746)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:746. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed EU Common Training Framework (CTF) for physiotherapists; if her Department or CORU (the Health and Social Care Professionals Regulator) has taken a formal position on its introduction ahead of the European Commission's public consultation deadline on 23 June 2026; the steps being taken to ensure that any regulatory framework protects high professional standards and patient safety without creating disproportionate automatic registration barriers for Irish citizens studying physiotherapy in other EU member states who intend to return home to work in the HSE or private healthcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47304/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware work on establishing an EU Common Training Framework (CTF) for physiotherapists is ongoing. Officials in my department are actively engaged in this work, including as members of the Subgroup on Common Training Frameworks where they have worked to actively inform and shape the proposed CTF.
As the Deputy has highlighted, a public consultation on the draft delegated act establishing a CTF is ongoing. I understand that Commission adoption is planned for Q3 this year and Ireland will then indicate whether it will participate in the CTF.
No decision has been made in relation to Ireland’s participation in the CTF however I am of the view that a CTF would be beneficial and that in the context of Ireland’s workforce requirements there is a need to adapt and ensure professionals can work safely in our healthcare system. A CTF would reduce the barriers to EU/EEA trained physiotherapists registering in Ireland while safeguarding a consistent standard of competence.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (747)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:747. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant WTE posts in the CAHMS eating disorder teams, by CHO, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47305/26]
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 (748)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:748. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the details of staffing, or WTE, in each CAHMS eating disorder team, specifically the primary role of each unique staff member; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47306/26]
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 (749)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:749. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health when the five CAHMS eating disorder teams that are funded but not operational will be in place and operational; the locations in which they will operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47307/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with the total number of 16 eating disorder teams under the Model of Care now funded. This includes 11 teams now operational and a further 5 teams in recruitment and development, as per the Model of Care. The HSE now spends over €14 million on eating disorders services annually.
Over 110 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day.
HSE data from the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders for 2025 shows increases in activity across referrals, assessments, diagnoses and access to treatment. In 2025, over 900 referrals were received, 600 assessments were completed, with a 13% increase in the number of people starting treatment for an eating disorder. 75% of patients were assessed within eight weeks.
Our current focus is on completing and implementing the existing Model of Care and supporting the rollout of additional teams. Once this is complete, an evaluation will be undertaken, after which the Model of Care will be reviewed by the HSE.
My Department and the HSE are working to develop 22 dedicated adult beds to provide inpatient care for eating disorders, in addition to the existing 20 dedicated child and adolescent eating disorder beds.
The development of the 22 dedicated adults beds will be progressed under the governance structures of the forthcoming 10-year capital plan for mental health services, supported by funding from the National Development Plan 2026-2030. The HSE is aiming to have these beds coming on stream by 2030.
In addition, as Minister I secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new eating disorder teams, a CAMHS team to serve the South east, and an Adult team to serve counties Galway and Roscommon. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services.
As this PQ relates to an operational issue, it has been forwarded to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (750)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:750. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the number of the 110 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme that are working full time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47308/26]
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.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (751)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:751. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health when the review of the 2018 Model of Care is expected to begin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with the total number of 16 eating disorder teams under the Model of Care now funded. This includes 11 teams now operational and a further 5 teams in recruitment and development, as per the Model of Care. The HSE spends over €14 million on eating disorders services annually.
Over 110 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day. Enhancement for specialist mental health services including eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
HSE data from the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders for 2025 shows increases in activity across referrals, assessments, diagnoses and access to treatment. In 2025, over 900 referrals were received, 600 assessments were completed, with a 13% increase in the number of people starting treatment for an eating disorder. 75% of patients were assessed within eight weeks.
Our current focus is on completing and implementing the existing Model of Care and supporting the rollout of additional teams. Once this is complete, an evaluation will be undertaken, after which the Model of Care will be reviewed by the HSE.
My Department and the HSE are working to develop 22 dedicated adult beds to provide inpatient care for eating disorders, in addition to the existing 20 dedicated child and adolescent eating disorder beds.
The development of the 22 dedicated adults beds will be progressed under the governance structures of the forthcoming 10-year capital plan for mental health services, supported by funding from the National Development Plan 2026-2030. The HSE is aiming to have these beds coming on stream by 2030.
In addition, I secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new eating disorder teams, a CAMHS team to serve the South east, and an Adult team to serve counties Galway and Roscommon. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (752)
James O'Connor
Ceist:752. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health her plans to increase the asset disregard of €36,000 for single people and €72,000 for couples for the nursing home support scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47310/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (753)
Ged Nash
Ceist:753. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will provide an appropriate transport solution for an individual (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47312/26]
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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (754)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:754. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health to provide a detailed timeline for the delivery of the Ballina injury unit, including confirmation of the expected completion dates for phase one A and phase one B; to outline the clinical services that will be operational at phase one A compared to the full service at phase one B; and to confirm whether the project remains on schedule for initial opening by the end of Q3 2026. [47321/26]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (755)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:755. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health to outline the current recruitment status for all posts at the Ballina injury unit; to detail the number of offers, particularly at advanced nurse practitioner level, that have been declined; the reasons for same; the measures being taken to address recruitment challenges and ensure sufficient staffing levels are in place for the planned opening; and to confirm whether staffing issues pose any risk to the operational launch of the unit. [47322/26]
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.
Food Labelling
Ceisteanna (756, 757, 758)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:756. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the current status of the European Commission's proposals to set harmonised maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods; if her Department and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland are represented on the relevant European Commission task force; if she will ensure that Ireland advances the need for a degree of national flexibility within any harmonised approach, given that nutritional requirements such as vitamin D vary significantly across the Union owing to differences in latitude and sunlight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47326/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCormac Devlin
Ceist:757. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if her Department or the Food Safety Authority of Ireland intends to make a submission to any forthcoming European Commission consultation on harmonised maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements; if she will ensure that any such submission reflects the need for national flexibility to account for the specific nutritional needs of the Irish population, including vitamin D requirements arising from limited sunlight at northern latitudes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47327/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCormac Devlin
Ceist:758. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if her Department or the Food Safety Authority of Ireland will ensure the EU Commission's upcoming public on harmonised maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods will be publicised so that citizens and interested parties in Ireland will be aware of the proposals and have an opportunity to participate in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47328/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 756, 757 and 758 together.
I propose to take PQs 47326/26, 47327/26 and 47328/26 together.
I am aware of the ongoing work of the European Commission in relation to the possible setting of maximum amounts for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods. These potential maximum levels remain under consideration at EU level, given the difficulty of balancing consumer safety with the varying nutritional needs of different population groups.
The commission has met with stakeholders representing industry groups. The commission has indicated that it will publish a call for evidence at which time all interested parties will be encouraged to participate in any Commission call for evidence or consultation process when it opens.
The Department is monitoring developments closely. Officials have engaged with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which has the relevant scientific and technical expertise in this area. The FSAI will continue to provide advice and technical input, as appropriate, and to engage with stakeholders in line with its statutory role.
The Department has not finalised a national position on this matter. Any position will be informed by the evidence presented by the European Commission, the scientific advice of the European Food Safety Authority, the views of Member States, and any relevant stakeholder input.
Vitamins and essential minerals are micronutrients required for the body to function properly. While they are vital for health, consuming them in excessive amounts can cause harmful effects. To address this risk, the concept of a tolerable upper intake level (UL) was developed. This science-based reference value helps policymakers and other stakeholders assess and manage the potential dangers of excessive nutrient intake.
The purpose of setting Maximum Amounts (MAs) is to ensure the safety of consumers. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) Scientific Committee previously gave advice with regards to setting maximum amounts in www.fsai.ie/publications/the-safety-of-vitamins-and-minerals-in-food-supple report. The approach proposed by the European Commission is in line with this advice. The values will be set on the most up-to-date scientific data, standard model of calculation and on a case-by-case basis, with protecting human health at the forefront.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have established tolerable ULs for vitamins and minerals across the population age ranges. The UL is the highest level of nutrient intake that is not likely to cause negative health effects for almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increases above the UL, the risk of adverse/negative effects increases. The ULs include dietary intake from ALL sources and applies to all forms of authorised vitamins and minerals for addition to foods and food supplements.
Question No. 757 answered with Question No. 756.
Question No. 758 answered with Question No. 756.
Departmental Programmes
Ceisteanna (759)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:759. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No’s. 2758, 2759, 2760, 2761 and 2762 of 14 April 2026, the mechanism by which a person can avail of the referenced community based team of the ADHA programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47345/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
ADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
This National Clinical Programme is based on multi-disciplinary community teams to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults. As Minister, I'm proud to have launched the Model of Care for Adult ADHD and to have resourced the establishment of the teams envisioned by the Model of Care. The ADHD Programme is funded with total funding of over €5 million on a recurring annual basis. As a result, there are 11 community based teams funded, with 8 teams are currently operational with the remaining teams in recruitment listed below. Funding was secured by myself as Minister in Budget 2025 to facilitate the rolling out of the total number of ADHD teams envisaged in the Model of Care.
Operational ADHD Teams
• Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal
• South Dublin/ Wicklow
• Limerick/Clare/North Tipperary
• Cork
• Kerry/West Cork
• South- West Dublin
• Midlands/Kildare/West Wicklow
• Cavan/Monaghan/Louth Meath
Community based teams in recruitment
• Waterford/Wexford/Kilkenny/Carlow/South Tipperary
• North Dublin and County
• Galway/Roscommon/Mayo
In relation to the additional specific information requested, as this is an operational matter, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (760)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:760. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults in Ireland, including hospitalisations, emergency department presentations and mortality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (761)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:761. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if her Department recognises that the burden of RSV in older adults may be underestimated due to testing practices and coding limitations; the way in which this is being considered in policy development regarding RSV immunisation strategies for older adults in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland's Immunisation Programme 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.
On 28 April 2026, HIQA published a Health Technology Assessment, (HTA), on Immunisation against RSV in Ireland for infants and older adults. The HTA notes that the number of recorded hospital discharges with a primary diagnoses of RSV in older adults is relatively low but has increased in recent years which is likely due to improved ascertainment arising from changes in testing practices.
My Department is currently giving full consideration to the findings and options set out in this HTA, including operational and budgetary impacts, ahead of making a policy decision on a longer-term RSV Immunisation Strategy.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (762)
Conor D McGuinness
Ceist:762. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the current staffing situation for speech and language therapy service in Dungarvan Primary Care Centre; the length of time the post has been vacant; the efforts that are being made to recruit a replacement; the interim arrangements that are in place for those awaiting appointments; whether there is a timeline for restoring a full service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47354/26]
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 (763)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:763. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health to provide data regarding the number of WTE registrar's in ear nose and throat services based at Galway University Hospital as of 16 June 2026; and if she will provide the same figures as of 30 June 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47373/26]
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.