Written Answers Nos. 727-749
727. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will urgently review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the pain management supports available to them in the interim period prior to their scheduled nerve block procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50954/26]
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.
728. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to support a Pre-Budget Submission (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50956/26]
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.
729. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to support a pre-Budget submission by an organisation (details supplied) [50957/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
730. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reasoning behind the proposed changes to providing supplements that people require for their health without having to take prescribed drugs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50958/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank-you for your query. I note the concerns which you have raised in your submission.
The proposed changes relating to maximum permitted levels of vitamins and mineral in food supplements are being considered at European Union level as part of the implementation of Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements. The objective of this work is to establish harmonised maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals in food supplements across the Member States, based on best available scientific evidence and ensuring high level consumer protection.
Vitamins and essential minerals are micronutrients required for the body to function properly. While they are vital for health, consuming them in excessive amounts can cause harmful effects. To address this risk, the concept of a tolerable upper intake level (UL) was developed. This science-based reference value helps policymakers and other stakeholders assess and manage the potential dangers of excessive nutrient intake.
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is established through a structured, science-based risk assessment process. It represents the maximum daily intake of a nutrient that is unlikely to cause harmful effects in nearly all individuals in a population. The UL is not a recommended intake level, but rather a safety threshold. Intakes below the UL are unlikely to pose risks, while habitual intake above it increases the likelihood of adverse health effects.
Maximum Amounts (MAs) are limits set on the amount of each vitamin and mineral in food supplements and fortified foods, they are derived using the UL as a key reference point. The purpose of setting MAs is to ensure the safety of consumers. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) Scientific Committee previously gave advice with regards to setting maximum amounts The Safety of Vitamins and Minerals in Food Supplements | Food Safety Authority of Ireland (www.fsai.ie/publications/the-safety-of-vitamins-and-minerals-in-food-supple)
The approach proposed by the European Commission is in line with this advice. The values will be set on the most up-to-date scientific data, standard model of calculation and on a case-by-case basis.
Work resumed at setting MAs by the European Commission in 2021. In 2025, the Commission met with several EU level industry groups and next steps include a call for evidence by the Commission. All interested parties are encouraged to submit any commentary on the MAs once this call is launched. The FSAI is engaging with industry stakeholders on this and is encouraging them to submit feedback when the Commission opens the call for evidence.
The Department of Health’s position on this matter is not yet finalised, it will be determined based an assessment of evidence from the Commission and EFSA.
731. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to confirm, in respect of the treatment abroad scheme, whether the public spending code applies to individual funding decisions and to programme-level oversight of the scheme; if not, the framework under which her Department satisfies itself that expenditure under the scheme meets the standards of regularity, propriety and value-for-money required of public funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Treatment Abroad Scheme operates within the overall health expenditure framework approved by the Oireachtas through the Estimates process and reflected in the HSE National Service Plan. The HSE is required, under the Performance and Accountability Framework agreed with my Department, to deliver all services, including the Treatment Abroad Scheme, within its overall annual budget allocation and to put in place appropriate governance, monitoring and financial controls.
While access to the Treatment Abroad Scheme is determined by individual clinical eligibility rather than fixed activity quotas, it is not exempt from budgetary oversight. Expenditure on the scheme is monitored as part of the HSE’s monthly financial reporting, and pressures arising within the scheme must be managed by the HSE within its overall annual budget allocation.
There are no financial caps applied to referrals under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. Notwithstanding that treatment costs are set by external health systems, the HSE applies statutory eligibility, prior approval, verification and audit controls, with my Department assuring value for money at system level through the budgetary and performance framework within which the HSE operates.
As the detailed operation of the Treatment Abroad Scheme, including the specific control measures in place, is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the HSE for direct response.
732. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if a formal national policy or governance framework, as distinct from administrative processing arrangements, governs the authorisation, funding and oversight of the treatment abroad scheme; if such a framework exists, to provide a copy or web reference; and if no such framework exists, to confirm this explicitly. [50970/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the HSE operates the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled under EU Regulation 883/04, as per the procedures set out in Regulation (EC) No. 987/2009. The TAS is a consultant led scheme and allows for a public consultant based in Ireland to refer a public patient who is normally resident in Ireland for treatment in the public healthcare system of another EU member state, the UK or Switzerland. Subject to the EU Regulations and Guidelines, the TAS provides for the cost of approved public treatments in another EU/EEA member state, the UK or Switzerland through the issue of form S2 (IE) where the treatment is:
• among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation;
• not available in Ireland;
• not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease;
• medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;
• a proven form of medical treatment and not experimental or test treatment;
• provided in a recognised public hospital or other institution that will accept EU/EEA form S2 (IE) and;
• is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.
Applications to the TAS are processed and a determination given in accordance with the statutory framework prior to a patient travelling to avail of treatment.
Information and guidelines on the EU Social Security Co-ordination governing legislative framework are available on the European Commission website:
• www.employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/moving-working-europe/eu-social-security-coordination/specialised-information/eu-legislation_en
• www.employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/moving-working-europe/eu-social-security-coordination/specialised-information/official-documents_en
The HSE is responsible for implementing the Regulations in Ireland and provides further information for patients on the HSE TAS website: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/treatment-abroad-scheme/
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. As the HSE holds responsibility for the management and operation of the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled under EU Regulation 883/04, I have also asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
733. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if a clinical outcome data is recorded in respect of patients funded under the treatment abroad scheme following the completion of treatment abroad; and if no outcome data is recorded, to confirm this explicitly and the way in which her Department assesses the clinical effectiveness of expenditure under the scheme. [50972/26]
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.
734. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE maintains a register of high-cost treatment abroad scheme approvals; if such a register is maintained, to state the monetary threshold or criteria used to classify a case as high-cost; and if no such register exists, to confirm this explicitly, in tabular form. [50974/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
735. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health if she will consider reducing the period of time before which medical card holders can get new dentures from five years to three years where a need has been identified by a dental practitioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50975/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides oral healthcare, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as dentures, additional fillings and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs and high-risk patients, are available subject to the approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon.
In 2019 the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Slainte, 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.
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. As part of this, my Department is committed to reviewing the DTSS.
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 finalise this action plan.
736. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to consider additional information and issue a medical card to a constituent in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50976/26]
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.
737. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 2332 and 2333 of 9 June 2026, whether she is satisfied that the National Ambulance Service maintains no national dataset recording the elapsed time between receipt of a 999 call and allocation of an ambulance resource; whether she has requested that such a dataset be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50977/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra738. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2334 of 9 June 2026, whether she will now commission a national analysis examining the relationship between ambulance allocation or dispatch delays and mortality, morbidity, clinical deterioration or other patient outcomes; and if not, the basis on which she is satisfied that no such analysis is required. [50978/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 737 and 738 together.
Further to previous answers to the Deputy, National Ambulance Service (NAS) performance against key performance indicator (KPI) targets in the Health Service Executive's (HSE) National Service Plan (NSP) is reported on a monthly basis in line with the HSE's Performance Management Framework. I am satisfied that the HSE's Framework is designed to ensure that delivery of all HSE healthcare services, including those provided by the NAS, are of the highest quality.
As previously outlined to the Deputy, NAS KPI targets relating to emergency resource dispatch and response, as published in the NSP and based on the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) standard, fully align to the Priority Dispatch Standard as published by the regulator for the profession, the Prehospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC).
739. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2330 of 9 June 2026, the recommendations, corrective actions, policy changes or service improvements that arose from the two system analysis reviews identified by the National Ambulance Service as involving ambulance allocation or dispatch delays since 2020; and the date on which each such action was implemented. [50979/26]
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.
740. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2335 of 9 June 2026, whether she will publish the two system analysis reviews identified by the National Ambulance Service as having found ambulance allocation or dispatch delays to be contributory factors; and if publication is not possible, the specific findings, recommendations and corrective actions arising from each review. [50980/26]
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.
741. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1010 of 16 June 2026, to specify each performance indicator currently used to measure the effectiveness of national obesity policy and obesity treatment services; and to provide the most recent result available for each such indicator. [50981/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland Framework (Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025).
OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and the overall aim is to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications, and reduce the impact of overweight and obesity on health outcomes for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. It recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. OPAP is well aligned with the World Health Organisation in terms of the breadth of policy measures that have been introduced or are being considered in order to address the obesity epidemic.
Under OPAP, Ireland put in place a comprehensive, cross-Government strategy to address obesity and overweight. Since 2016 significant progress has been made in delivering on the Ten Step Programme of OPAP and to drive policy initiatives and actions, ranging from health promotion and education initiatives and obesity prevention measures through to establishing services to treat and manage obesity within the health care system.
The Department publishes an annual report detailing the progress made under each action point of OPAP, which is developed in collaboration with the members of the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group. These progress reports contain updates on the progress made under each action point of OPAP. The most recent published progress report is the “Obesity Policy and Action Plan (2016-2025) Progress Report 2024” and can be found here (www.assets.gov.ie/static/documents/67879fff/J636_DoH_OPAP_2024_070825_V3_Final_2.pdf).
742. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1011 of 16 June 2026, whether a costed implementation plan exists for the national model of care for obesity; the estimated total funding required for full implementation; the funding allocated to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50982/26]
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.
743. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health given that the obesity policy and action plan covers the period 2016 to 2025, the policy or framework that will succeed it from 2026; whether such successor policy has been adopted; and the date of its publication. [50983/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra744. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to previous parliamentary questions on national targets for reducing obesity-attributable type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease incidence, whether the next obesity policy and action plan will contain the measurable targets for reducing the incidence of obesity-attributable type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as distinct from population overweight and obesity prevalence targets; whether her Department holds, or can access, national incidence data for obesity-attributable type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease sufficient to set a baseline against which such targets could be measured; the status of the prevalence targets contained in the 2016 plan (details supplied) including whether either was achieved; and given that both the 2016 plan and the healthy Ireland framework expired in 2025, the precise publication date for the successor plan and the policy basis on which obesity is being addressed in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50989/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 743 and Question No 744 together.
The current Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland Framework (Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025).
OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and the overall aim is to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications, and reduce the impact of overweight and obesity on health outcomes for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. It recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. OPAP is well aligned with the World Health Organisation in terms of the breadth of policy measures that have been introduced or are being considered in order to address the obesity epidemic.
Under OPAP, Ireland put in place a comprehensive, cross-Government strategy to address obesity and overweight. Since 2016 significant progress has been made in delivering on the Ten Step Programme of OPAP and to drive policy initiatives and actions, ranging from health promotion and education initiatives and obesity prevention measures through to establishing services to treat and manage obesity within the health care system.
Findings from the Healthy Ireland Surveys and the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) show that while the targets of a 0.5% per annum reduction in excess weight and a 10% reduction in the obesity gap between the highest and lowest socioeconomic groups, has not been achieved, levels of reported excess weight and the gap in levels of obesity between socioeconomic groups have remained stable since the introduction of these targets. It is important to note that the methodology for collecting data for Healthy Ireland Surveys changed in 2022 to self-reporting, due to the impact of Covid.
The Department does not have access to data relating to obesity-attributable type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The new OPAP is currently in development and is expected to be completed and published by the end of this year. The development of national targets will be considered as part of the deliberation process for actions within the next version of OPAP. It is expected that the next OPAP will be published by Q4 2026.
745. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health for an update on a matter regarding prescription medication for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51005/26]
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.
746. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health whether she intends to make a device (details supplied) reimbursable for people with diabetes type 2, as those with type 1 have access to reimbursement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51013/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to supporting new medicines. Budget 2026 has allocated €30 million of funding available for new drugs to be allocated from the overall additional €217 million in funding allocated for medicines.
Under 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, I have asked the HSE for an update on this matter.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Rapid Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was published on 29th September 2023. The published document can be found at: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/rapid-health-technology-assessment-continuous
In line with the advice from HIQA and due to the budget impact associated with CGM sensors, the HSE established a single national reimbursement application system for all CGM sensors on the reimbursement list on 01/12/2023.
Reimbursement support for CGM sensors at this point in time is based on the HIQA HTA and is for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, who have required insulin from the outset. Reimbursement does not extend to other cohorts such as people with type 2 diabetes who require insulin, or patients previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes which is now classified as type 1 diabetes based on laboratory investigations such as C-peptide measurement or diabetes-specific autoantibodies. To date, a HTA of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus or other types of diabetes excluded from the HTA referenced above, such as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), type 3c diabetes, monogenic forms of diabetes etc. has not been undertaken. Therefore, there is limited information to support the extension of reimbursement to this cohort, including cost-effectiveness assessment and budget impact of same.
An application for reimbursement support of CGM sensors can be submitted for any patient, and each application is reviewed centrally by the HSE-Medicines Management Programme (MMP) on a case-by-case basis.
747. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a request from a local group (details supplied); if she will outline the consideration that has been given to making vacant HSE properties in Ballinasloe available for community/youth groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51014/26]
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.
748. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the recommended best practice guidelines for paediatric hearing assessments, including timelines for screening and intervention; and the way in which these are being implemented across all CHOs. [51024/26]
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.
749. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of children on waiting lists for paediatric hearing assessments as of 1 June in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026, by CHO, including the length of time waiting, in tabular form. [51025/26]
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.
