Pádraig Rice
Ceist:480. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the number of gynaecologists working in the HSE, by contract type and site, in tabular form. [48580/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services Staff
Ceisteanna (480)
Freagraí 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 Data
Ceisteanna (481)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:481. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the number of endometriosis surgeries carried out in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, by site; and the number that were private patients undergoing surgery in public facilities, in tabular form. [48581/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (482)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:482. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the procedures in place to ensure that common surgical waiting lists in public hospitals for all gynaecology patients is in line with the terms of the 2023 public only consultant contract, the 2012 consultant contract and the 2008 consultant contract, respectively (details supplied); if audits are carried out by hospitals or HSE regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48582/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (483)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:483. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her views on the proposed European Common Training Framework for physiotherapy; if she will engage with an organisation (details supplied) regarding their concerns to ensure that the standard of physiotherapy care in Ireland is safeguarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48583/26]
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.
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.
Officials in my department will meet with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in the coming weeks regarding the CTF.
Care Services
Ceisteanna (484)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:484. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the position regarding implementation of the dementia model of care; the status of each of its recommendations; the funding provided to delivery of this model of care in each of the years since its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48584/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (485)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:485. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of all HSE-funded memory clinics in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48585/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (486)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:486. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if the dementia model of care recommendation to provide five regional specialist memory clinics (RSMCs) nationally has been delivered; the location of each of the RSMCs; the staff complement by grade in each RSMC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Care Services
Ceisteanna (487)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:487. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the programme for Government commitment to increase ringfenced home care hours and funding for dementia intensive home care packages; the funding and hours provided for dementia specific home care in 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48587/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (488)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:488. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to examine the need for coordination of primary dental care with secondary and tertiary dental care provided through the dental schools and the lack of a specialist clinical lead for dentistry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48591/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (489)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:489. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of sites where hospital sessions for dental treatments are available for special needs patients under general anaesthetic here; the relevant waiting lists for each; the number of patients treated in each unit under general anaesthetic in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48593/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (490)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:490. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health in relation to dental hospital waiting lists, the waiting list numbers and waiting times for all specialist services in Dublin and Cork dental schools between oral surgery and oral medicine; the number that are waiting more than six months for assessment; the number that are waiting more than one year, two years, three years, four years and five years or longer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48594/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (491)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:491. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to issue a full medical card to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48595/26]
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 Strategies
Ceisteanna (492)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:492. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health whether implementation of the Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A strategy for Better Care Diabetes Strategy has been identified as a Ministerial priority within the HSE National Service Plan and Estimates process for 2027; if new funding will be provided in the upcoming budget to support the implementation of National Diabetes strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48596/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Strategies
Ceisteanna (493)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:493. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the specific staffing resource shortages in County Kerry/University Hospital Kerry; if extra funding will be made available for the new posts identified in the National Diabetes Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Disease Management
Ceisteanna (494)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:494. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to examine documents (details supplied) in relation to children who are suffering with long-Covid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48598/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question he has raised.
The National Clinical Programme for Infectious Diseases was established in 2020. The work of the programme includes a review of the interim Model of Care for Long Covid, developed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) Interim Long COVID Model of Care (www.lenus.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/4eaac7f6-654e-41cd-ad42-2cff4ef64e8a/content) . This model of care recommended the establishment of eight post-acute Covid clinics and six Long Covid clinics. These Clinics are staffed by consultants in the areas of infectious disease, respiratory medicine, psychiatry, neurology, as well as allied health professionals and clinical psychologists.
The Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) published an international review of clinical guidelines and models of care for Long Covid (International review of clinical guidelines and models of care for long COVID | HIQA (www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/international-review-clinical-guidelines-and) . Additionally, the HIQA published a systematic review of interventions to improve Long Covid symptoms (Interventions to improve Long COVID symptoms: A systematic review - www.hiqa.ie/sites/default/files/2023-11/Review-of-Long-COVID-nterventions.pdf). A “Follow-up After Disease Acquisition” (FADA) Survey was completed to better understand how people are recovering from prolonged symptoms of COVID-19. The purpose of the survey was to:
• Estimate the prevalence of self-reported Long COVID,
• Estimate the severity and nature of symptoms among those identified as having Long COVID and its impact, and
• Inform the planning of the HSE Long-COVID Model of Care programme.
HSE publishes findings of survey examining the long-term impact of acute COVID 19 disease (www.about.hse.ie/news/hse-publishes-findings-of-survey-examining-the-long-term-impact-of-acute-covid-19-disease/).
The results of these reviews and survey will be incorporated into an ongoing review of the interim Long Covid Model of Care.
Abortion Services
Ceisteanna (495)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:495. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of cases that have been brought against the State’s Claims Agency in relation to abortion provision in each year since 2018; the number of adverse incidents that have been recorded in relation to abortion provision in Ireland in each year since 2018. [48604/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy regarding the part of the question that relates to the number of adverse incidents.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of State Authorities. The SCA has provided me with the information set out below.
The information contained within this document was extracted from NIMS, the National Incident Management System). This report is correct as of 23/06/26.
The SCA has two ongoing claims from persons alleging that their unborn baby was wrongfully diagnosed with a condition sufficient to bring them within the scope of the Health Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Act 2018. It is inappropriate to provide the years of claims, as to do so could have the effect of identifying individual cases.
Social Media
Ceisteanna (496)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:496. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health 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. [48615/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
PQ 48615/26 Response: The Department of Health can confirm that it has not made any complaints to social media or online marketing companies about specific online posts or accounts. The Department of Health manages its social media channels in line with its published Social Media Policy, available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/organisation-information/department-of-health-social-media-policy/
Health Services
Ceisteanna (497)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:497. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when chiropody services (details supplied) for the elderly in Cootehill, County Cavan will reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48633/26]
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.
Women's Health
Ceisteanna (498)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:498. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether consideration is being given to reviewing policies in maternity hospitals regarding overnight access for partners or a nominated support person following childbirth; whether guidance has issued to maternity services on this matter, particularly in cases involving traumatic births or caesarean sections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48638/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the National Women and Infants Health Programme leads on the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disease Management
Ceisteanna (499)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:499. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will review the current list of conditions covered under the long-term illness scheme; if consideration is being given to the inclusion of Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, in light of their chronic and lifelong nature and the ongoing medication requirements associated with their management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48643/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions to be covered by the Scheme. Further information, including the list of conditions, can be found at:
www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/about/.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
Individuals and families in Ireland may be entitled to the following schemes:
• General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme (medical card). Eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, in accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.
• In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
• Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.
The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (500)
Emer Currie
Ceist:500. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE intend organising information sessions on the fair deal nursing home scheme for the general public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48644/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.