Niamh Smyth
Ceist:271. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48020/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (271)
Freagraí scríofa
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 assessed the pricing and reimbursement application for givinostat (Duvyzat®) in line with the criteria detailed in legislation.
As of the 1st July 2026, givinostat (Duvyzat®) is added to the list of reimbursable items under the High Tech Drug Arrangements for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in ambulant patients, aged 6 years and older, and with concomitant corticosteroid treatment. Reimbursement is restricted, and prescribers will be required to apply for reimbursement approval on an individual patient basis as per the HSE Managed Access Protocol, which can be found here: www.healthservice.hse.ie/staff/information-healthcare-workers/medicines-management-programme-mmp/managed-access-protocols
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (272)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:272. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the measures planned to increase capacity and reduce average waiting times for gynaecology outpatient appointments across hospitals, including the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48036/26]
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.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (273)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:273. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health whether consideration will be given, as part of the ongoing review of medicines reimbursement, to strengthen and formalise the role of the Rare Disease Technology Review Committee; whether she will consider ensuring its early, consistent and structured involvement alongside the health technology assessment process in order to improve timely access to orphan medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48037/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State has successfully negotiated new Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA).
These Agreements provide commitments and a structured process towards achieving a 180-day timeline, for completing health technology assessments (HTA) and reimbursement decisions by Q1 2029.
This structured process will be implemented over the lifetime of the Agreements and will involve, starting this year, a strategic end-to-end review of the pricing and reimbursement system its functioning. Along with other measures outlined in the Agreements, implementation of recommendations arising from the end-to-end review will enable faster access to medicines for patients in Ireland.
The review will consider every stage of the pricing and reimbursement process, including the process functions carried out by the Rare Disease Technology Review Committee (RDTRC).
Health Services
Ceisteanna (274)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:274. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48040/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under 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 HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (275, 276, 278)
Martin Daly
Ceist:275. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the elements of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte, that remain unimplemented; the timeline for implementation of the outstanding measures; the funding allocated for their delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48068/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMartin Daly
Ceist:276. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the person or body that currently holds overall responsibility for delivery of national oral healthcare reform under Smile agus Sláinte within her Department and the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48069/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMartin Daly
Ceist:278. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to implementation of Smile agus Sláinte in each year since 2019; the projects funded under those allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48071/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 275, 276 and 278 together.
In 2019 the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte, was published. The policy aims to radically transform oral healthcare services - recognising the need for an entirely new approach to oral healthcare to meet the needs of our population into the future. The Policy is in line with the 2024 WHO Action Plan on oral health.
€17m in one-off funding was invested between 2022 and 2024 to support access to children’s orthodontic treatment. This funding has seen the creation of a new initiative supporting access to jaw surgery for orthodontic patients and the transfer of over 5500 patients into private, community-based orthodontic treatment. A further €2.85m was invested in 2025 and is being continued into 2026 to continue these successful orthodontic treatment waiting list initiatives and enable children to access orthodontic care.
In 2025, an additional €2m in funding supported continued policy implementation and the hiring of 15 HSE oral healthcare staff to improve access to existing community services in our HSE dental and orthodontic clinics. This increased to €4m this year.
While that reform is progressed, I am determined to ease the pressure people are facing now. In practical terms, that means improving access through the public system—especially for children and adult medical card holders. My Department and the HSE are finalising a more focused two-year action plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.
The plan will be driven by a dedicated governance group, with progress monitored closely and aligned to wider HSE and Department priorities. It will aim to respond to sustained service pressures, workforce constraints, and long waiting lists—particularly for children and for people with additional needs.
It 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. This will be achieved by initiatives such as utilising the newly available capacity that the new surgical hubs will provide as they continue to come onstream to enable reductions in waiting times for GA (General Anaesthetic) access for patients – both children and adults.
My Department and HSE officials have already initiated engagements with many of the stakeholders that will have important roles in enabling much better access to dental services across the country.
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.
My Department officials are currently engaging with HSE counterparts to progress this action plan, due for publication in the next quarter.
Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 275.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (277)
Martin Daly
Ceist:277. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health whether a National Clinical Director for Dentistry is currently in post; if not, whether such an appointment is under consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48070/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Question No. 278 answered with Question No. 275.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (279, 280)
Martin Daly
Ceist:279. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the assessment that has been undertaken of consultant dental workforce requirements over the next ten years; the number of consultant vacancies currently existing; the number of consultants expected to retire within five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMartin Daly
Ceist:280. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of specialist dental training places available in each dental specialty in each of the past five years; her plans to increase training capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48073/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
The Deputy should note the majority of dentistry in Ireland can be carried out in a primary care setting. Currently, there are only two specialties that are recognised in Ireland, which are orthodontics and oral surgery. This is in line with the EU Professional Qualifications Directive which explicitly recognises in Annex 5.3.3. two professional dental specialisations, orthodontics and oral surgery.
The Dental Council specifies the titles and designation of qualifications in specialised dentistry granted in the State which may be required to enable a person to secure registration in the Register of Dental Specialists under Section 37(2) of the Dentists Act 1985. This enables dentists, to be eligible to be registered on the specialist list of orthodontics and oral surgery.
With regards to orthodontists, they are enabled to work in both the public and private sector. Within the public sector, two categories of posts exist: Consultant Orthodontists and Specialist Orthodontists and both require the registrant to be eligible to be registered on the specialist orthodontic list of the Dental Council. The Health Service Executive (HSE) employs orthodontists in the public dental service and outlines the competencies required for both specialist and consultant posts.
In relation to consultant posts both oral surgeon and orthodontic posts appointed by the HSE are discussed by the appropriate Regional Health Area Consultant Appointment Steering Group. Once it is approved, it is listed for committee review at the Consultant Appointment Advisory Committee (CAAC). The purpose of the CAAC is to recommend permanent consultant posts for approval, ensuring applicants meet the necessary qualifications and that the roles align with national health policy.
The introduction of any additional specialisms would need to be carefully considered in line with the Professional Qualifications Directive, as well as the approach of the National Oral Health Policy which focuses on initially establishing and prioritising a primary care approach and aims to move to a preventative, outcome-focused model for people of all ages to improve their “personal best” oral health.
Currently both Dublin Dental University Hospital at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and Cork University Dental School and Hospital at University College Cork (UCC) offer specialist dental training. TCD offers a specialist qualification dental training which is a DChDent. UCC offers two options for specialist dental training which are the D Clin Dent in Oral Surgery and the D Clin Dent in Orthodontics.
I am aware that TCD does not have a minimum number of students, but as per Irish Committee of Specialist Training in Dentistry regulations, they cannot have more than 6 students overall in each of the DChDent programmes. Usually, TCD offers a maximum of 2 place per year. With regards to UCC its intake is 3 to 4 students for each programme every three years (i.e. new intake when the current intake is completed).
A process will need to be undertaken to formally recognise certain sites – including dental hospitals, hospitals, and other locations with appropriate facilities and skilled staff, even if not in hospital settings – as advanced oral healthcare centres. This will be undertaken during the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy. The need for additional training and/or specialisation in specific areas of dentistry will be considered as part of this process.
Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 279.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (281)
Martin Daly
Ceist:281. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting assessment or treatment through public dental services, broken down by community healthcare organisation area; the average waiting time involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48074/26]
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.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (282)
Martin Daly
Ceist:282. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the assessment that has been undertaken of access to dental services for medical card holders; the number of dentists participating in the dental treatment services scheme in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48075/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (283)
Martin Daly
Ceist:283. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health whether national clinical pathways and models of care for dentistry have been completed under Smile agus Sláinte; if not, when these will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48076/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (284)
Martin Daly
Ceist:284. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health whether consideration has been given to establishing a dedicated national leadership structure for oral healthcare reform, including the appointment of a national clinical director for dentistry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48077/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (285)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:285. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health given that the Sláintecare 2026 Action Plan cites findings from the independent evaluation of the Phase 1 Postnatal Hubs commissioned in 2025, if she will publish that evaluation in full; the date on which it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48122/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Postnatal Hubs are designed to provide accessible, multidisciplinary care to women, infants and families in community-based locations. This includes vital services such as physiotherapy, health and wellness checks, feeding support, and birth reflections. The independent external report, Evaluation of the Community Postnatal Hubs in Ireland, was launched on 23rd February 2026 alongside the official opening of four new Postnatal Hubs in the Coombe, the National Maternity Hospital, the Rotunda and Our lady of Lourdes in Drogheda.
The evaluation, commissioned by the Health Service Executive’s National Women’s and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), found that Postnatal Hubs are functioning as a ‘one-stop-shop’, offering genuine ‘wrap around’ support for women in the postnatal period. The evaluation also describes the pilot hubs as a model for best practice in postnatal care, achieving impressive satisfaction ratings from women.
The evaluation found that the Postnatal Hubs are delivering meaningful improvements in postnatal care, with women valuing the one-to-one appointments with midwives and the access to timely, compassionate, and expert postnatal support. Access to postnatal hub services has enabled some women to avoid having to access acute services or other healthcare professionals for health concerns in the post natal period. The report also noted that there were very positive findings from staff working in the Hubs in relation to their professional satisfaction.
Further Hubs will be rolled out at four more locations later this year, bring the total national network to 13 hubs.
The full report can be found here:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-for-health-launches-four-new-postnatal-hubs-and-the-postnatal-hub-pilot-evaluation/
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (286)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:286. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to the commitment in the Sláintecare 2026 Action Plan that at least 327 healthcare professionals will be trained in interRAI assessment in each region by the end of Quarter 3 2026 and that 60 % of all new home support applications will be carried out using interRAI, the number of healthcare professionals trained in interRAI assessment to date in each of the six HSE Health Regions; the current percentage of new home support applications carried out using interRAI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48124/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (287)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:287. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when the focused two-year oral health action plan referred to in the Sláintecare 2026 Action Plan, described as expected to be completed shortly and presented to her ahead of publication, will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48125/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am determined to ease the pressure people are facing now in accessing oral healthcare. In practical terms, that means improving access through the public oral healthcare system—especially for children and adult medical card holders. My Department and the HSE are finalising a more focused two-year action plan to deliver real improvements on the ground. This is due to be published in the next quarter.
The plan will be driven by a dedicated governance group, with progress monitored closely and aligned to wider HSE and Department priorities. It will aim to respond to sustained service pressures, workforce constraints, and long waiting lists—particularly for children and for people with additional needs.
It 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. This will be achieved by initiatives such as utilising the newly available capacity that the new surgical hubs will provide as they continue to come onstream to enable reductions in waiting times for GA (General Anaesthetic) access for patients – both children and adults.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (288)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:288. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to the commitment in the Sláintecare 2026 Action Plan to implement changes under the Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, the number of items reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group and the frequency of HSE Drugs Group meetings; the number of items reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group and the number of meetings held in each of the years 2023 to 2025; the value of rebate debts outstanding under the Framework Agreement at the most recent date for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48126/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State has entered into agreements with the pharmaceutical industry since the 1970s. These Agreements provide stability to the medicines reimbursement market for the State and for Industry, thus providing certainty and stability to the supply and pricing of medicines in Ireland.
Two new Framework Agreements on Supply and Pricing of Medicines (FASPM), one with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), representing the innovator biopharmaceutical industry) and one with its generic/biosimilar industry equivalent, Medicines for Ireland (MFI), for the period 2026-2029 were signed on the 3rd of March.
These Agreements contain a range of measures to:
• Strengthen security of supply of medicines, address the risk of shortages and minimise their impact on patients;
• Encourage off-patent launches, enhancing access to medicines;
• Deliver faster access for patients including a commitment and a structured process towards achieving a 180-day timeline for reimbursement decisions by Q1 2029, accelerating patient access to new treatments;
• Build capacity to implement improvements across the pricing and reimbursement process; and
• Support the financial sustainability of health services in Ireland.
These Agreements send a strong message to patients and innovators that Ireland is an attractive market and conducive to timely access to new medicines.
The structured process towards achieving a 180-day timeline for reimbursement decisions by Q1 2029 will be implemented over the lifetime of the Agreement and will involve an end-to-end review of the pricing and reimbursement system, considering every stage of the process.
IPHA member companies will also aim to shorten the timeline to submit reimbursement applications in Ireland to within six months of formal authorisation of medicines by the European Commission (as recommended by the European Medicines Agency).
The State and the sector have also agreed to develop a future strategic partnership. This partnership will support the development of a piloted early access programme focussed on rare diseases in line with Programme for Government commitments.
In terms of HSE Drugs Group meetings and number of drugs reviewed including information on same between 2023 and 2025, this information is publicly available at https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/information-healthcare-workers/pcrs/corporate-pharmaceutical-unit/
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (289)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:289. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to the enactment of the Mental Health Act 2026 on 7 May 2026, the commencement order or orders made to date under the Act; the timeline for the secondary legislation required to bring its provisions into operation; whether the resources required for commencement will be sought as part of the Estimates process for 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48127/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Mental Health Act 2026 was signed into law by the President on 7 May 2026, following years of drafting, consultation, and debate. The Act is the largest overhaul of mental health legislation in a generation and will introduce a more person-centred approach to mental health service delivery. Such a significant legislative change will require change across all mental health services and will require sufficient lead-in time to ensure that the transition to the new Act is a success.
As such, the commencement of the Mental Health Act 2026 will be delivered through a phased, structured implementation programme, given the scale of reform, the system-wide impacts, and the need to ensure service readiness across the HSE, the Mental Health Commission (MHC), and wider stakeholders.
I met with the Mental Health Commission on the 11th of June last to discuss a range of issues, including the preparations for the implementation of the new Act.
Secondary legislation will be required to underpin the operation of the Mental Health Act 2026. As per the Act, the Minister is responsible for the preparation of secondary legislation generally under the Act, and the MHC has responsibility for the preparation of secondary legislation in certain areas, such as the regulation of restrictive practices. Preparatory work is now underway regarding the preparation of secondary legislation in both the Department and the MHC.
An internal oversight group has been established within the Department to progress the Act towards commencement. The role of the group is to develop appropriate project planning, governance and delivery structures including ongoing stakeholder consultation and the identification of the funding requirements to support enactment under the 2027 budget process.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (290)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:290. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to the Sláintecare Progress Report 2025, which records that the national target for interRAI assessments for people seeking a home support service was 18,100 in 2025 and that the total completed was 4,656, representing a target variance of 74.3 per cent, if she will provide, the number of interRAI assessments completed and the regional target for 2025, by HSE health region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48128/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question pertains to an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Emergency Departments
Ceisteanna (291)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:291. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the number of resuscitation bays and minor treatment bays currently available for use within accident and emergency department of Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48130/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
Hospital Equipment
Ceisteanna (292)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:292. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the number of Holter monitors and cardiac event monitors currently available at St. James's Hospital; the number of patients awaiting the use of Holter and cardiac event monitors; the average wait time to access these monitors at St. James's Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48131/26]
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 (293)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:293. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the status of the pay review for advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs); to clarify the decision-making process behind the proposed separation of pay scales between clinical and managerial nursing grades, considering the historical alignment established by the 2004 Labour Court ruling and the advanced qualifications and responsibilities held by ANPs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the matter referenced relates to the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery, published in 2022. There is currently an ongoing process surrounding two specific recommendations of the Review:
Recommendation 42, which states that
“Align the salary of a single Director of Nursing in each of the nine Model 4 hospitals to that of the Area Director of Nursing for Mental Health.”
and Recommendation 43 which states that
“The Hospital Banding System currently in place to be discontinued. A revised approach for determining Director of Nursing/Midwifery and Assistant Director of Nursing/Midwifery grading across the system to be implemented. This should take into account the revised roles, scope, and responsibilities in the context of Sláintecare and the reforms required to provide integrated and universal healthcare. The number of grades to be rationalised to eight salary scales, the details to be determined between the relevant parties in the context of the next public service pay agreement.”
These recommendations are relevant only to Director and Assistant Director Nursing and Midwifery grades. The Review explicitly notes that there are “14 DON/M and ADON/M” in need of reform. No other grades are mentioned.
A process of engagement in relation to recommendations 42 and 43 began in 2023 and engagement is continuing. The Department is working hard to reach a resolution on this process and has been actively engaging with nursing unions to do so.
While the process has taken some time, it must be acknowledged that an offer was made in respect of this process to the unions last year, which would have provided for a 6% average increase to those affected. This offer was not accepted and discussions continue.
The inclusion of further grades in this process would amount to a cost increasing claim and, as such, is prohibited under the terms of the Public Sector Agreement 2024-2026 – outside of the Local Bargaining process.
The Local Bargaining process, which provides an allocation of €38 million for nursing-related claims, represents the only appropriate mechanism through which matters relating to grades outside the scope of Recommendations 42 and 43 may be progressed.