Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
881. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health the way in which the proposed scope of practice for physician associates aligns with the current training, competencies and clinical experience of Irish trained PAs; whether her Department plans to revise the framework to reflect evidence-based international practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49399/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra883. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health when a full implementation plan for the physician associate review will be published; the milestones it will include; the way in which her Department intends to ensure timely integration of PAs into the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49403/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 881 and 883 together.
As committed in the 2025 National Service Plan, the HSE commissioned an independent review of the Physician Assistant role with the aim of making recommendations regarding the governance of the role, scope of practice, and appropriate and safe deployment. International experience and the specific context of the Irish public health service were considered in the review. An extensive consultation process also formed part of the review. The HSE paused the recruitment of Physician Assistants pending the outcome of the review.
The Independent Review of the role of Physician Assistant in the Irish Public Health System was published on the HSE website on 6 May 2026. The report is available at:
https://about.hse.ie/publications/report-of-the-independent-review-of-the-pa-role-in-the-irish-public-health-system/.
The HSE is moving to an implementation phase focused on strengthening governance, role clarity and national consistency. Implementation of the review’s recommendations is a matter for the HSE.
Engagement is ongoing between the HSE and officials in my department to facilitate a recruitment pathway for Physician Assistants. Once finalised, a new HSE grade code and salary scale will require approval from my department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Every effort will be made to expedite this process. However, it is not possible to give an exact timeline at this point.
I expect that patient safety in service delivery will continue to be prioritised by the HSE in relation to any workforce roles, including Physician Assistant. My officials and I continue to engage with colleagues in the HSE on the Physician Assistant role in Ireland, including implementation of the review’s recommendations.
