Written Answers Nos. 314-335
315. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the current number of specialists in nuclear medicine, radiopharmacy, and medical physics in Ireland; the projected workforce requirements to support expansion in radioligand therapies; and the plans to address any identified gaps. [50117/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra316. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the supports in place to enable Irish participation in international clinical trials involving radiopharmaceuticals and targeted radionuclide therapies; and the way in which Ireland can position itself as a hub for such research. [50118/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo enable Irish organisations to participate in international clinical trials involving radiopharmaceuticals and targeted radionuclide therapies, the Department of Health provides support to ensure that appropriate regulatory frameworks and safety standards are applied, and that the necessary research infrastructure is present to allow the trials to take place.
In terms of oversight over the proper and safe medical use of radiopharmaceuticals and radionuclide therapies, including their use in clinical trials, the Department of Health funds two aegis bodies that support and enable Irish organisations in the preparatory stages of trial set-up: the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), and the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides support in this area, under the aegis of the Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment. When applications are received from researchers or sponsor companies to undertake clinical trials of radiopharmaceuticals or radionuclide therapies, the appropriate regulatory gatekeeping infrastructure is in place to review and grant approval for such trials. Our agencies thereby ensure compliance with all necessary standards to protect public and environmental health.
With regard to investment in clinical research infrastructure and positioning of Ireland as a hub for clinical trials research on radiopharmaceuticals and radionuclide therapies, this fits more broadly under our Programme for Government 2025 ambitions to expand the number of clinical trials taking place in the State. On 21st November 2025 I launched the Final Report and Recommendations of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group (NCTOG), which point the way towards a more streamlined clinical trials environment in Ireland. I will soon appoint the Clinical Trials Advisory Council who will oversee the process of implementing the NCTOG’s Final Recommendations, including the establishment of a National Clinical Trials Body. The Final Recommendations include proposed measures to streamline the regulatory environment, standardise costings frameworks, and support and develop our expert clinical trials workforce. We are currently in a period of growth in the sector as evidenced by the upward trend in numbers of clinical trials taking place in Ireland since 2023, and length of time taken for regulatory approval is falling. Implementation of the NCTOG's Final Recommendations will further accelerate progress across all areas and, as a result, Irish patients will gain greater access to life-changing innovative treatments.
One example of the available supports directly relating to clinical trials involving radionuclide therapies is the Health Research Board (HRB; the aegis body of the Department of Health responsible for funding health research) funding of the Irish Research Radiation Oncology Group, which is a national network that aims to develop, improve, and streamline the processes for undertaking research, including clinical trials, in the use of radionuclides in cancer treatment. More broadly, since 2010 the HRB has invested over €100M in clinical trials infrastructures with a particular focus on funding persons in key posts to develop Irish researchers with the skills to support, advise, coordinate and conduct trials and interventions. The most recent set of HRB grants investing in Clinical Research Facilities/Centres (CRF/C) in Ireland from 2021-2026 totals €23M.
Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) are located on the sites of hospitals. A CRF provides the space, the facilities, access to services and most importantly the staff needed to support clinical trials and other clinical research studies within a hospital setting. They enable researchers and research groups, small and medium enterprises, the health care industry and other key partners to test innovative therapies, technologies and products, and facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries and innovations into improved patient care. CRFs also allow for collaboration between academics and clinicians and provide an environment to train a new generation of clinical researchers and research nurses.
Our efforts to streamline the clinical trials landscape are in line with both our national ambitions as well as wider European measures such as those proposed in the European Biotech Act (Part 1). This will enhance Ireland's competitiveness and reputation as a high-quality host for multinational clinical trials. Ireland has also been a member of the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN) since 2018, which brings various benefits to patients and researchers, through access to trials and improved availability of new treatments, as well as tools and services that aid the conduct of clinical trials domestically, as well as expanding trials internationally. Continued support for Irish participation in international clinical research networks will help position the State as a hub for clinical trials of all types, including those of radiopharmaceuticals and radionuclide therapies.
317. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the extent of engagement with patient advocacy organisations, including those representing prostate cancer patients, in relation to the reimbursement and provision of new treatments such as pluvicto. [50119/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE, through its Senior Leadership Team, has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices. There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and / or reimbursed. The HSE commissions evaluations (Rapid Reviews / HTA) of new medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, from the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) as part of that formal process.
During the assessment process, the NCPE also collects patient submissions for use by the HSE in the pricing and reimbursement decision process. The NCPE maintains a database of patient representative organisations and actively seeks submissions from these organisations when a relevant medicine is being assessed. Training is also offered to assist these organisations in the development of their submissions. These submissions are shared with the HSE Drugs Group to inform their deliberations.
The Drugs Group is the national committee which the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The membership of the HSE Drugs Group includes public interest members. Pharmacoeconomic reports are reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group along with the outputs of commercial negotiations, and any patient group submissions received. The HSE Drugs Group considers all of the evidence and makes a recommendation to the HSE Senior Leadership Team.
The decision-making authority in the HSE is the HSE Senior Leadership Team. The HSE Senior Leadership Team decides on the basis of all the demands it is faced with (across all services) whether it can fund a new medicine, or new use of an existing medicine, from the resources that have been provided to it in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
319. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the review of the operation of Drogheda Cottage Hospital; when this review is expected to be completed; and if she can give assurances that the hospital will remain open. [50125/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
320. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the current protocols in place for cases in which a patient presents at an accident and emergency department and reports suspected drink spiking; the reason hospitals do not carry out toxicology testing in these cases, even when requested by patients and families; if she will commit to establishing a clear national pathway across hospitals supported by appropriate clinical protocols; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50175/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
321. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to outline the current protocols in place for cases where a patient presents at an accident and emergency department and reports suspected drink-spiking; the reason hospitals do not carry out toxicology testing in these cases, even when requested by patients and families; the measures in place to ensure timely Garda statements and preservation of evidence where a victim is incapacitated; if she will commit to establishing a clear national pathway across hospitals and Garda stations to ensure suspected spiking incidents are treated as crimes, investigated promptly, and supported by appropriate clinical and policing protocols; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50223/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
322. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be extended for a person (details supplied). [50230/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
323. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients from counties Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan who were required to travel outside the north-east region for cardiac procedures in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.
324. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient, day-case and outpatient procedures carried out at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in each of the past five years, broken down by specialty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50310/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
325. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently awaiting elective surgery at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, broken down by specialty and waiting time bands; the measures being taken to reduce these waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50311/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I published the Waiting Time Action Plan (WTAP) for 2026 on January 30th, as part of this Government’s ongoing commitment to improving access to hospital care and reducing waiting times for patients.
The multi-annual Action Plan approach was implemented in September 2021 to sustainably reduce and reform hospital waiting lists and waiting times. Significant progress has been made under this approach in reducing the length of time patients are waiting.
With the 2026 plan, we will continue to build upon the progress delivered to date under the multi annual action plan approach, moving towards the ultimate vision of a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
National waiting list information by hospital, specialty, and time band is published monthly by the NTPF on its website: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
The information is now being made available through an interactive visual tool which provides users with a much-improved way of accessing and analysing waiting list information.
326. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the planned development of a stem cell transplant unit at Cork University Hospital, in view of the fact that many patients from the south/south-west area have to travel either to Dublin or Galway, therefore there is an urgent need to prioritise the delivery of the unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
327. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that within her Department it is the policy to develop adequate capacity for stem cell transplantation and advanced cellular therapies, in view of the fact that there is limited access as there are only two units in Ireland providing this service and there is a growing demand for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50315/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
328. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that immediate action will be taken to cater for the growing number of patients requiring stem cell transplantation for haematological conditions, in view of the fact that the number of people being identified who require this treatment is growing and in order to reduce down the delays in accessing the care required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50316/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
329. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that funding has been set aside both in respect of the capital cost, commissioning and recruitment of the required number of staff in order to proceed with the development of a stem cell transplantation and advanced cellular therapies unit in Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
330. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that her Department has reviewed the current policy in respect of delivering the necessary infrastructure to provide for advanced cellular therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy for both haematological malignancies and solid cancers; to confirm that a ten year plan will be put in place ensuring that the necessary infrastructure will be available to provide the care and treatment which patients require; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50318/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCar T-Cell therapy was established in Ireland at Saint James Hospital, Dublin for the first time to adults in 2021 and children in 2022. Prior to this, patients from Ireland had to access this treatment abroad, mainly in the UK.
The Car T-Cell therapy service is currently being expanded to include University Hospital Galway (UHG) with the aim of opening the Car T-cell therapy service in UHG in Qtr. 3 2026. This site will provide Car T-cell therapy for adult patients in the south and west of the country, which will increase capacity nationally.
Infrastructure planning is the responsibility of the HSE. Requests for capital infrastructure funding are submitted in the first instance by the HSE and assessed through formal HSE and Department of Health processes to ensure that proposals are aligned with the Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework (SHIF). The Framework was developed to ensure that investments are evidence-based, equitable, and ensure Sláintecare reforms are achieved, with the overall objective of having better health outcomes for the population.
Ireland’s approach to cancer control has been guided by National Cancer Strategies since 1996. These have ensured that international best practice and evidence-based measures were adopted in our cancer services and they transformed cancer care and patient outcomes.
The Government is committed to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, supported by the reforms and investment delivered under Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past nine years.
As the current National Cancer Strategy comes to its conclusion, an evaluation on the current National Cancer Strategy will be carried out later this year. The evaluation will be carried out by my Department working closely with key stakeholders such as the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. The conclusion of this evaluation process will inform next steps to be taken in planning the next ten years of cancer control.
331. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that her Department and the HSE have put a plan in place to increase the capacity for stem cell transplantation, as it is now an established treatment for a range of conditions including autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50319/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
332. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that an appropriate review is being carried out within her Department and the HSE for the delivery of additional infrastructure for stem cell transplantation in view of the fact that there is a high reliance on overseas treatment pathways, with associated delays, inequitable access, and significant cost to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
333. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a report of "sectoral guidelines or standards for investigations of breaches of institutional SVH policy' has been published, following a "Call for Collaboration" to the Higher Education Institutions, as this was to announce its outcomes in Q4 of 2025. [49942/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe “Call for Collaboration” referred to by the Deputy was issued by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in September 2025 to support the development of sectoral guidelines or standards for the investigation of breaches of institutional policies relating to sexual violence and harassment (SVH). This call was developed with the input of the HEA Advisory Group on Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Higher Education Institutions.
Following a competitive process, a proposal led by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), in collaboration with 15 other higher education institutions, was approved in December 2025 and formally commenced in February 2026. Its objective is to develop a robust framework of trauma-informed investigation guidelines. The work is ongoing and is expected to result in the development of agreed guidance for the participating HEIs upon completion of the project.
334. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to questions raised by an organisation at an Oireachtas Committee (details supplied) if further information will be provided. [49943/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Framework ‘Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions’ (2019) sets out clear expectations that higher education institutions (HEIs) have robust, trauma-informed procedures in place to address complaints, including investigation processes. HEIs are autonomous bodies and are operationally responsible for the management of such investigations, including decisions regarding the use of external investigators.
In respect of the detailed questions submitted, I can advise the Deputy as follows:
(a)–(c) Expenditure, number, nature, and cost of investigations
The Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) do not centrally collect disaggregated data on expenditure incurred by HEIs in commissioning external investigations relating to sexual violence and harassment, nor on the average cost or cost drivers associated with such investigations. Similarly, while the HEA requests aggregated and anonymised data annually on formal reports and completed investigations under the Framework, this does not extend to detailed information on the number, nature, or resourcing model (including use of external providers) on an institution-by-institution basis. Such information is held at institutional level.
(d) Reliance on external providers
The extent to which HEIs rely on external investigators varies across the sector and is determined by individual institutional policies and capacity. While the use of external investigators can support independence and specialist expertise, the Department recognises that questions of sustainability, consistency, and cost-effectiveness arise and are a matter of ongoing consideration within the sector.
(e) Supports available to participants
The 2019 Framework recommends that institutions to provide appropriate supports to all parties involved in investigative processes, including reporting parties, respondents and witnesses. This includes access to information, representation where appropriate, and wellbeing supports. The Department and HEA continue to engage with institutions to promote best practice in the provision of such supports.
(f) Mechanisms for institutional and sectoral learning
Sectoral learning is supported through the HEA’s annual data collection, as well as through engagement structures such as the HEA Advisory Group on Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Higher Education Institutions, the ESVH Practitioner Network, collaborative initiatives, and the sharing of good practice across institutions. Ongoing work to support the sector to develop consistent investigation guidelines is also intended to strengthen learning and standardisation.
(g) Transparency, accountability, consistency, and value for money
The Framework and associated implementation structures promote transparency and accountability through the requirement for formal reporting and institutional oversight. However, given the decentralised nature of the system and the absence of detailed central data on costs and investigative models, the assessment of value for money and consistency across the sector continues to be an area of focus for the Department and the HEA in ongoing engagement with the sector.
(h) Feasibility of a shared national investigative resource
A feasibility study undertaken in 2023 under the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Implementation Plan (2022) examined the establishment of a shared service model for investigations of breaches of institutional policy. This study recommended the creation of a shared service entity to provide access to trained investigators across the sector. Further implementation work was undertaken in 2024 to develop design and operational options.
While an Expression of Interest process was launched in 2024 to progress this model, no applications were received. In light of this, the HEA has supported a collaborative sectoral initiative, led by the Technological University of the Shannon with partners across the sector, to develop trauma-informed investigation guidelines aimed at promoting greater consistency of practice for the participating HEIs. This work is ongoing.
335. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which the 2026 to 2030 Research Ireland strategy will ensure that curiosity driven research continues to receive appropriate support alongside commercially focused and industry led research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50057/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether the proposed changes to the administration of Research Ireland’s PhD scholarship and post-doctoral fellowship programmes remain under review; the assessment made of their potential impact on researchers and higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50058/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to ensure that researchers in the arts, humanities and social sciences continue to have equitable access to research Ireland funding under its 2026 to 2030 strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50059/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement that took place with researchers, higher education institutions and representative bodies during the development of research Ireland’s 2026 to 2030 strategy; whether further consultation is planned in light of concerns raised by members of the research community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 335, 336, 337 and 338 together.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland published its five-year strategy in March 2026 following an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process carried out in 2025. This included stakeholder workshops held across the country, a national Research Forum, an open online consultation survey and engagement with research funding departments and An tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas, Enterprise Ireland, and the IDA.
I am satisfied that the Strategy is in keeping with the legislative remit of the agency as set out under the Research and Innovation Act 2024 which includes a requirement to support the undertaking of research and innovation in all fields of activity and disciplines by researchers with different levels of knowledge, experience and specialist skills in such fields or disciplines.
As such, the strategy includes a number of key commitments. These include:
• Maintaining a balance between investigator- led and thematically defined research and innovation calls;
• Ensuring minimum thresholds of investment in discipline domains;
• Implementing annual calls on a regular predictable schedule;
• Streamline and simplify processes and offerings by end 2026 in consultation with the research community.
As the agency commences the implementation of the strategy, new mechanisms are being developed to provide increased opportunity for investigator-led research and for the AHSS community, including larger-scale grants. AHSS researchers are also now able to lead teams on large projects, representing a substantive improvement in the opportunity landscape for AHSS researchers.
Most recently, the agency has publicly committed to moving forward with academic advisory structures to the Board as provided for under legislation; progressing a large scale AHSS initiative and leveraging AHSS expertise through academic representative structures and secondment of an AHSS expert from academia to support disciplinary expertise within the organisation.
A Programme Plan of planned activity for the year was published in April of this year, with details of available open funding calls updated on a regular basis on the agency website.
Twenty consultation engagement sessions have taken place since February, including seven in-person Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) specific sessions across the country, and two online webinars (with audience Q&A) reaching over 700 participants. Consultation is ongoing.
