Written Answers Nos. 403-421
403. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications made for the €25 million building blocks extension scheme; the number of successful applications; the number rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48493/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched in late 2024. The closing date for applications was 30th January 2025. There were four strands to the scheme: Community Construction, Community Extension, Community Purchasing and Private Extension.
A total of 78 applications were received with 50 applicants approved to progress to the next stage of the grant process. Twenty eight applications were not approved to progress, for a variety of reasons. Of the 50 projects that were approved to proceed, seven have since informed the Department that they do not wish to go ahead with their projects.
Following approval, applicants were required to finalise the legal formalities of the scheme and projects are now commencing.
A follow up scheme, the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 is now open for applications. This scheme is a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places. The scheme is being funded under the updated National Development Plan.
The purpose of the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 is to deliver additional capacity in the sector by supporting existing early learning and childcare services to undertake physical extensions to existing premises. The scheme will be open to community and private services that are signed up to the Core Funding Scheme, that commit to continuing in that scheme and adhering to its conditions, particularly in respect of fee management rules.
404. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Children the total amount of projects that have drawn down funding from the €25 million building blocks extension scheme; the total amount of funding that has been drawn down, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48494/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched in late 2024. The closing date for applications was 30th January 2025. There were four strands to the scheme: Community Construction, Community Extension, Community Purchasing and Private Extension.
A total of 78 applications were received with 50 applicants approved to progress to the next stage of the grant process. Following approval, applicants were required to finalise the legal formalities of the scheme and projects are now commencing. Seven services have since informed the Department that they do not wish to go ahead with their projects.
Twelve services have completed the legal formalities associated with the scheme. Of the twelve services that have completed these formalities, six have been reimbursed for expenditure incurred as outlined below, as of 22nd June 2026.
|
Total amount of services that have drawn down |
Total amount of funding drawn down to date |
|
6 |
€1,573,458.56 |
Twenty eight services have had a legal pack issued to their solicitor and are anticipated to be close to completing their legal formalities. Three services have not yet had a legal pack issued due to complications with their projects. Engagement is ongoing with these services to seek to resolve the outstanding issues.
Drawdowns are anticipated to increase over the coming weeks.
405. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the specific measures, including residential care, being put in place to ensure continuity of supports for young people in Clare with profound disabilities as they transition to adult services at age 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48535/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
406. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if an appointment can be arranged for an individual (details supplied) for speech and language therapy with disability services in Louth. [48539/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
407. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on national rollout plans for the HSE community neuro-rehabilitation teams, as committed to in the Programme for Government; the areas which do not currently have a CRNT in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48544/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
408. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps being taken to establish a community neuro-rehabilitation team within the south-east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48546/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
409. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on development of managed clinical rehabilitation networks across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
410. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of complaints made by her Department to social media or online marketing companies about specific online posts or accounts for each year from 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026. [48606/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question. The Department can confirm that no complaints have been made by the Department to social media or online marketing companies regarding specific online posts or accounts during the period 2020 to 2025, or to date in 2026. The use and management of social media by this Department is in line with the social media policy, published on gov.ie/dcde.
411. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the Living My Life pilot housing project for people with intellectual disabilities; the progress to date; the number of participants involved; and the plans for further expansion of the model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48639/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
412. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the gap in childcare provision affecting children who have completed their final year under the ECCE scheme, are due to commence primary school in late August, but are not currently classified as school-age children for the purposes of accessing school-age summer camp services; if she will review the current definition of a school-age child to provide greater flexibility for children transitioning from preschool to primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48648/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of early years services is dealt with in Part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991. Section 58A, defines:
• A 'pre-school child' as a child who has not attained the age of six years and who is not attending a recognised school.
• A 'school-age child' as a child under the age of 15, attending a school-age service and enrolled in a school providing primary or post primary education.
A 'school age service' is defined as one which:
• caters for children under the age of 15 years enrolled in a school providing primary or post-primary education,
• provides a range of activities that are developmental, educational and recreational in manner, which take place outside of school hours, the primary purpose of which is to care for children where their parents are unavailable, and
• the basis for access to which is made publicly known to the parents and guardians of the children referred to.
The definition of a school age service also excludes a number of services including those solely providing activities relating to the arts, youth work, competitive or recreational sport, tuition or religious teaching.
As a result of this definition in the primary legislation, in order to attend a school-age childcare service a child must be under the age of 15 and enrolled in a school providing primary or post-primary education. There has been no change to this definition since amendments were introduced through the Childcare Support Act 2018.
Pre-school services operate under different regulations from those that apply to school-age services. The different regulations that govern services for pre-school children safeguard appropriate care ratios and ensure that staffing levels meet the developmental needs of children in the particular service type.
Tusla, which is the independent statutory regulator of the sector, issued a Regulatory Notice in February 2025 (EYI Regulatory Notice 01/2025) which clarified that school-age services may accommodate a 'settling-in' period prior to school commencement. This period is limited to two weeks (10 working days) before the start of school. Tusla have indicated this was done to safeguard appropriate care ratios and ensure that staffing levels meet the developmental needs of children in pre-school settings. It also prevents unregistered pre-school services from inappropriately operating as school-age services.
The 10 working days are not required to be taken immediately prior to the child enrolling in school and can be taken during the summer months in advance of the child commencing school to help children settle into their new surroundings.
The Department has commenced the process of drafting revised regulations for school-age childcare services, building on the initial 2018 registration regulations. As part of this process, the Department is also reviewing the legislation underpinning the regulation of school-age childcare. A public consultation was held in November 2025 on the regulation of school-age services. The findings from the consultation will inform the drafting of revised regulations.
413. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the HSE’s Disability Workforce Strategy; when it is expected to be completed and published; whether it will include measurable targets on recruitment, retention, vacancies and agency reliance across disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48809/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE is developing a Disability Workforce Strategy in 2026 to respond to growing service demands and to address recruitment and retention challenges across specialist disability services. The Strategy is being developed as a distinct and visible strand within the broader HSE Resourcing Strategy 2026-2029. It will set out specific, targeted actions for disability services, while remaining fully aligned with wider national workforce reform. This will position Disability workforce needs as a core HSE priority.
Drafting of the new HSE Resourcing Strategy is currently underway through a Working Group led by HSE Recruitment, Reform and Resourcing, with Disability Workforce and Resourcing and the Regional Directors of People included in the membership. It is anticipated that a first draft of the Resourcing Strategy will be available in Quarter 3, with the final Strategy expected in Quarter 4.
Separately DCDE will be establishing a Disability Workforce Steering Group to provide strategic oversight of disability workforce expansion and to support the development and implementation of the Disability Workforce Strategy.
The HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy (PNS) 2026 for DCDE sets out the HSE's recruitment targets and staffing ceilings for the HSE and Section 38 organisations. This Strategy represents the first dedicated PNS for Disability Services, following the transfer of functions from the Department of Health in 2023. In 2026, we are funding an additional 976 whole-time equivalents (WTE) as well as 74 WTE in agency conversion, providing for total growth of 1,050 WTE and bringing the disability workforce to over 23,600 by the end of the year. This growth is aligned to the targeted expansion of key services.
In parallel with the development of the Resourcing Strategy, the HSE is developing targeted retention actions and innovative recruitment campaigns to address persistent vacancies and optimise recruitment across all service providers, ensuring the workforce reaches its funded level. Specific initiatives for Disabilities underway or in development include:
• Delivery of the 2026 Health and Social Care Professional (HSCP) Graduate Sponsorship Programme, following the successful appointment of 45 new graduates into Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) in 2025;
• Commencement of a CDNT Retention Research study over the summer, which will identify key factors supporting retention and workforce sustainability;
• Workforce diversification and pipeline development initiatives, including development of new roles tailored to disability services, such as the Care Assistant (Intellectual Disability) role.
Further targeted costed measures in support of workforce expansion and retention will be developed for consideration as part of the 2027 Estimates process.
414. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if she will consider approving the payment of off-label low dose naltrexone as part of the drugs payment scheme for the treatment of long-Covid patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48375/26]
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.
415. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the supports available for those unable to work as a result of long-Covid; if she plans to change or introduce new supports in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48376/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach met with health unions on Thursday, 30 April. Following that engagement, the Taoiseach has asked the HSE to ensure that management discretion under the Critical Illness Protocol is actively and compassionately applied in cases involving long COVID, so that staff continue to be supported while Government considers what further longer-term measures may be appropriate.
This matter remains under active consideration across Government, including by the Department of Health, the HSE and the Department of Social Protection, with the Minister for Health and the Minister for Social Protection having met in recent weeks to discuss ongoing supports; they welcomed the progress to date, noting that a significant number of staff have been supported in returning to work, with others continuing to receive support through the public service sick leave scheme.
416. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the rationale for breaking for breaking parity between the ANP and ADON grades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48387/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
417. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the rationale for maintaining existing parity arrangements between ANP and ADON grades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48388/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
418. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason for prolonged delays in implementing ANP grade pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48389/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
419. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health if any limitation of back pay to ANP’s is being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
420. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a fair deal appeal on behalf of a person (details supplied); the average length of appeals at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48415/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
421. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the consideration by the HSE senior leadership team of the reimbursement application for givinostat; whether a decision has now been reached following the recommendation submitted by the Drugs Group on 9 June 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48421/26]
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.
