Written Answers Nos. 792-814
792. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will extend eligibility for national screening programmes, including BreastCheck, BowelScreen and bone density scanning, to persons aged over 70; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51286/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
The Programme for Government commits to extending the BowelScreen cancer screening programme and also to extending the ages for the BreastCheck screening programme, in line with updated standards from Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
BowelScreen, the national bowel screening programme, invites men and women aged between 57–71 to take a free at-home screening test. The Programme for Government commits to extending the age range for the BowelScreen programme in line with updated standards from HIQA.
In terms of progress, since October 2023, BowelScreen has been successfully extended on four occasions to include five additional age cohorts. Since April 2026, the National Screening Service has begun inviting those aged 57 and 71.
Additionally, in April 2026, I approved a recommendation from the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC), the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes, on the proposed extension of BowelScreen to those aged 50–54.
The full extension of BowelScreen to those aged 50-74 remains a key ambition of the mine. However, this will take some time to complete, in order to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the health system to diagnose and treat those who receive a positive screening result in a timely manner.
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular intervals to have a screening mammogram. In Budget 2026, 20 additional posts were allocated to National Screening Services, of which 10 were assigned to BreastCheck. This will assist in expanding and future-proofing the programme to meet increased demand.
I would highlight that any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes will be facilitated through established protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister for Health.
The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC continues to progress work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted several requests to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
At the request of NSAC, HIQA have commenced an evidence review to consider changes to the BreastCheck programme. This review will comprise of two elements; a proposed expansion of the age range eligibility to those aged 45-49 and 70-74, and the potential introduction of a standardised breast density notification. Both elements are anticipated to be complex and will take time to ensure that any recommendations made to me by NSAC are underpinned by a robust evidence-base.
It should be highlighted that there is currently no national population-level screening programme for bone density. However, NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to propose changes to Ireland’s screening programmes.
NSAC’s 2026 Call for Submissions is currently live and will remain open until 28 August 2026. Should anyone wish to make a submission through the Call for Submissions, they should first check NSAC’s www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/national-screening-advisory-committee-nsac-work-programme/, as the condition may have already been submitted and reviewed by the Committee. Further information about NSAC can be found on its website at www.nsacommittee.gov.ie
Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.
793. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider including the shingles vaccine in publicly funded vaccination programmes or under the drug payment scheme; the estimated cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51287/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is informed by the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice
The current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered for those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. HIQA’s HTA examined the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of shingles vaccines. The cost effectiveness and budget impact were also reviewed, along with the ethical, social and organisational implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
While the vaccine is considered safe and effective, its protective effect diminishes over time. HIQA also noted the substantial budget impact associated with vaccination. If made available to everyone aged 65 and older, vaccination would cost €218 million over five years.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department considered the findings of this HTA in 2024 and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable
I can confirm that the introduction of the shingles vaccine to the immunisation schedule in Ireland is again being actively considered for a cohort of immunocompromised individuals, in line with NIAC advice and cognisant of the cost effectiveness of market pricing and available funding.
The shingles vaccine is not reimbursed under Community Drug Schemes (which includes the General Medical Services and Drugs Payment Scheme). The HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service does not supply vaccines or provide reimbursement support for vaccines through community pharmacies under the Statutory Drug Schemes.
Where the public health imperative to support particular vaccines to defined cohorts becomes national policy, vaccines are directly procured by the HSE and supplied through the national vaccine distribution arrangements to GPs and pharmacies for eligible cohorts.
794. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health to review the fairness of the drug payment scheme threshold, particularly the application of the same monthly cap to single-person households and to couples or families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51288/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State recognises the importance of timely access to innovative medicines for patients in Ireland. Budgets 2021-2025 allocated an additional €158 million for new drugs, which has facilitated the introduction of 270 new medicines. Budget 2026 allocated €30 million of funding available for new drugs to be allocated from the overall additional €217 million in funding allocated for medicines.
The Year 1 cost of a new drug comes from the allocation for new medicines, but it should be noted that once these medicines are approved for reimbursement the full cost of providing them can reach multiples of this initial cost as their uptake increases.
Ireland is among the highest spenders on health across the EU (OECD), with the third-highest rate of State coverage of pharmaceutical expenditure in Europe.
In line with the commitments set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will continue to prioritise improving the affordability of healthcare and medicines, including through ongoing review of community drugs schemes such as the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS).
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
There has been a significant focus in recent years on improving access to, and the affordability of, healthcare services.
This includes reductions in the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold, reductions in the prescription charges per item and maximum monthly prescription charges under the GMS scheme, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to support affordable access to quality healthcare.
Any consideration of any future changes to the eligibility for medicines will be made in the context of current healthcare priorities and the budget available.
795. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she has engaged with the Minister for Finance regarding the application of VAT to certain vaccines and prescribed medical products; if changes are under consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51289/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government?is committed to providing timely access to medicines and has made considerable investments in recent years, with annual expenditure on medicines now approaching €4 billion. This represents approximately €1 in every €8 of public funding being spent on health. This level of investment is unprecedented in supporting patients through the availability of new and innovative medicines.
Supported by 158 million euros of funding in Budgets 2021-2025, the State has delivered access to 250 new medicines. 101 of these were for cancer and 70 of these were for rare diseases.
Budget 2026 allocated 217 million euro of additional investment in medicines, including 30 million euro for new medicines. This has, as of 15th of June 2026, delivered access to 26 new medicines, including 9 for cancer and 5 for rare diseases.
The Year 1 cost of a new drug comes from the allocation for new medicines, but it should be noted that once these medicines are approved for reimbursement the full cost of providing them can reach multiples of this initial cost as their uptake increases.
Ireland is among the highest spenders on health across the EU (OECD), with the third-highest rate of State coverage of pharmaceutical expenditure in Europe.
Funding allocations for new medicines are made in the context of the annual Budget.
Changes to VAT rate are the responsibility of the Minister for Finance and not the responsibility of the Minister for Health. Any changes to VAT rates are considered as part of the normal budget process.
796. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to strengthen preventative healthcare supports for older people, particularly in rural areas; including supports for physical activity, community-based health promotion, and social prescribing initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51290/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to strengthening preventative healthcare supports for older people, including those living in rural areas, through a population health approach focused on physical activity, community-based health promotion, mental health and wellbeing, and improved links between people and local supports. This work is underpinned by the Healthy Ireland Framework , which provides a roadmap for achieving a healthier Ireland by supporting people to be healthy at all stages of life, reducing health inequalities, and creating environments that support health and wellbeing.
My Department’s policy responses are tailored to the needs of different population groups and communities, including older people and those in rural areas. Physical activity policy under the National Physical Activity Framework 2024-2040 supports tailored approaches across the life course, including through sport, recreation and active community settings. These approaches are important in supporting healthy ageing, maintaining mobility and independence, and reducing risks associated with inactivity and social isolation.
The Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme operates across 24 sites in Ireland, including both rural and urban communities. The programme helps tackle health inequalities and promotes positive physical, mental and social wellbeing. In rural sites in particular, initiatives are funded that encourage older people to remain active, participate in local health and wellbeing activities, learn about nutrition and healthier eating, and reduce social isolation.
Social prescribing is also an important preventative support, particularly for older people who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or reduced connection with their community. It provides non-clinical supports in communities, linking people with local activities, groups and services that can strengthen mental health and wellbeing. There are currently 46 HSE-funded social prescribing services, with at least one service in every county.
A range of targeted community-based initiatives also complements this wider preventative approach, particularly by reaching groups and communities that may not always engage with traditional health services. These include the CAIRDE Project, which aims to reduce suicide and improve the mental fitness of construction workers, and On Feirm Ground, which supports farmers’ health and wellbeing in partnership with the Department of Agriculture. Supports of this kind are relevant in rural communities where accessible, trusted and locally based health promotion can be particularly important.
Community-based settings such as Men’s Sheds also play an important role in supporting wellbeing, social connection and health promotion, including for older men. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association supports approximately 470 sheds across the country, with national funding provided by the Department of Health, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the HSE. The Sheds for Life programme, funded by the Department of Health and the HSE, delivers workshops, health screenings and wellness activities for shed members, including supports on healthy eating, physical activity, mental health promotion and chronic disease prevention.
The National Engage Training Programme further supports preventative healthcare by equipping practitioners to engage more effectively with men in relation to health and social services. It improves understanding of the factors that influence men’s health and promotes evidence-based engagement techniques, and is delivered across the HSE and through community and voluntary sector partners.
Women’s Sheds similarly provide grassroots, community-based spaces where women can connect, learn and support one another in a safe and welcoming environment. They are relevant to the Department’s wider approach to reducing social isolation and supporting wellbeing in local communities. The Department of Health and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht jointly funded the provision of a facilitator to support representatives of Women’s Sheds in forming a national body, Women’s Sheds of Ireland. Minister Murnane O’Connor secured €150,000 for Women’s Sheds in the Department of Health’s Health and Wellbeing Budget 2026, which has been assigned to the HSE.
The Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative, launched in 2022, directly supports physical activity by helping clubs to upgrade walking tracks and improve accessibility for people with mobility issues, including older persons and wheelchair users. Since 2022, Healthy Ireland has provided funding to upgrade walking tracks at GAA, FAI and IRFU pitches across the country, providing safe and accessible spaces for communities to exercise throughout the year. To date, 181 clubs have benefited from the initiative over the last three years, including 103 GAA clubs, 40 FAI clubs and 38 IRFU clubs.
The Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Initiative also supports increased participation in physical activity by improving access to safe and accessible outdoor swimming locations across the country. In 2026, €400,000 in funding was announced to support projects in 17 local authority areas, including improvements such as accessible changing shelters, swim ladders, safety equipment, beach wheelchairs, hoists and shower facilities. These enhancements are intended to make outdoor swimming more accessible for people of all ages and abilities, including people with reduced mobility, while supporting the physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection benefits of swimming in local communities.
Taken together, these measures demonstrate the Department’s continued commitment to strengthening preventative healthcare supports for older people and rural communities through accessible, community-based approaches. The development of a successor to the Healthy Ireland Framework is underway and will build on these tailored approaches for different population cohorts and communities. It is envisaged that this will be published by end 2026.
797. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the actions her Department is taking, in conjunction with other Departments and agencies, to address loneliness and social isolation among older people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51291/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of loneliness is recognised by Government as a public health concern with clear links to poorer mental health outcomes, reduced wellbeing and increased risk of social isolation, particularly among older people. Government is committed to supporting older people to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and to increasing the level of support available in our communities for Older People. This is a key priority for Government.
The Government is taking a broad, whole-of-government approach to addressing loneliness and social isolation in recognition of the importance of social connection, community participation and mental wellbeing across the life course.
Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone 2020–2030, recommends; improving links between primary care and specialist mental health services, consultation-liaison psychiatry, shared care models, efforts to better address the physical health needs of people accessing specialist mental health services within the primary care context, supports for positive aging and the development of a dedicated mental health promotion plan.
In December 2024, the Department of Health published Pathways to Wellbeing – Ireland’s National Mental Health Promotion Plan, which sets out a comprehensive framework for mental health promotion. A core priority of the Plan is strengthening community belonging and connectedness, addressing loneliness and isolation as key determinants of mental health, including among older people.
In parallel, work is underway on the development of a new Healthy Ireland Framework (2026–2040), which will continue to address the social determinants of health, including loneliness and social isolation, at a population level through coordinated cross-government action.
The Commission on Care for Older People, established in Ireland in March 2024, is tasked with examining and improving health and social care services, promoting independent living, and advising on future care models.
Loneliness is an issue that intersects across a number of Government Departments with actions being taken by a number of Departments and agencies. The Department of Health plays a key role in relation to health and wellbeing concerns related to this matter.
A wide range of targeted initiatives are being delivered to address loneliness and social isolation, including Men’s Sheds/Sheds for Life, Social prescribing, Meals on Wheels and Day Care Services, and Home Support Services.
Older People in our community can avail of a number of community-based supports such as Home Support services, Day Care Services and Meals on Wheels services. These services provide valuable health support to their clients and also offer a social outlet which can be particularly beneficial to those living in rural communities.
Overall, the Government’s approach is to embed action on loneliness within broader health, wellbeing and social policy and older persons frameworks, ensuring sustained, cross sectoral impact.
798. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the level of access to primary care services for older people in rural areas; including physiotherapy and community-based supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51292/26]
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.
799. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if an assessment has been carried out on the cumulative cost burden of healthcare for older people, including GP care, prescriptions, vaccines, and screening services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51293/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra800. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the number of children still waiting on autism assessment of needs; the estimated additional cost to clear assessment of needs waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
801. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the number of people currently on waiting lists for essential care in outpatient, inpatient and day case treatment in public hospitals; the estimated total cost of clearing these waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51321/26]
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.
The vast majority of scheduled care activity and hospital waiting list removals under the WTAP are delivered as part of core HSE capacity and activity, which is funded through the annual HSE allocation and is reflected in the National Service Plan.
The WTAP acts as a key enabler for each Region to improve planned care delivery. Under the reformed health service structures, HSE Regional Executive Officers have a key leadership role to drive and oversee the necessary productivity and performance improvements across each Region, including through improving efficiencies and reducing regional variation (e.g. via shared learning) and ultimately helping to increase access to care across the health service.
Work will also focus on supplementing core HSE capacity with the targeted utilisation of the surgical hubs and NTPF commissioning.
For 2026 the NTPF has a budget of €200 million with which it has committed to providing 143,000 episodes of patient care.
802. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of providing and staffing 1,000 additional acute beds in a public hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this questions relates to an operational matter it has been referred to the HSE for response
803. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of providing and staffing 100 additional level 3 ICU beds in a public hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51324/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
804. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of hiring an additional 100 speech and language therapists, 100 psychologists, 100 occupational therapists and 100 physiotherapists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51327/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this questions relates to an operational matter it has been referred to the HSE for response.
805. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of fully subsidising all GP care and eliminating primary care fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51328/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSláintecare set out a long-term vision of a universal health service, with a particular emphasis on strengthening primary and community care and improving access based on need rather than ability to pay.
Over a number of years, my Department and related bodies have considered the potential costs associated with expanding access to primary care services, including general practitioner (GP) services. This work includes analysis undertaken by the ESRI, the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), as well as earlier policy work such as the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing of the Health System (2010), the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance (2014), and the Sláintecare Report (2017).
While these studies provide valuable insights into the potential costs of expanding eligibility, it is important to note that it is not possible to provide a definitive costing for the provision of universal primary care to the full population. This reflects the fact that such a reform would involve fundamental changes to the current model of service delivery, including GP contracts, the scope of services to be provided, workforce capacity, and predictive modelling of future patterns of utilisation stemming from demographic shifts.
In line with Sláintecare, the Government is continuing to take a phased approach to improving access and affordability, including expanding eligibility for GP visit cards and reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients, while progressing broader reforms to primary and community care services.
While consideration of any future changes to the eligibility framework to primary care services will need to be made in the context of current healthcare priorities and the budget available, my Department is currently undertaking a Strategic Review of Eligibility, which will consider how current eligibility arrangements align with population needs and will inform future policy development, including in relation to a move towards universal coverage for primary care services.
806. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of abolishing emergency department charges for public patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51329/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
807. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of reducing the drug payment scheme threshold to €10 per month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51330/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra808. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of scraping prescription charges for medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51331/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 807 and 808 together.
The State recognises the importance of timely access to innovative medicines for patients in Ireland. Budgets 2021-2025 allocated an additional €158 million for new drugs, which has facilitated the introduction of 270 new medicines. Budget 2026 allocated €30 million of funding available for new drugs to be allocated from the overall additional €217 million in funding allocated for medicines.
The Year 1 cost of a new drug comes from the allocation for new medicines, but it should be noted that once these medicines are approved for reimbursement the full cost of providing them can reach multiples of this initial cost as their uptake increases.
Ireland is among the highest spenders on health across the EU (OECD), with the third-highest rate of State coverage of pharmaceutical expenditure in Europe.
In line with the commitments set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will continue to prioritise improving the affordability of healthcare and medicines, including through ongoing review of community drugs schemes such as the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS).
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
There has been a significant focus in recent years on improving access to, and the affordability of, healthcare services.
This includes reductions in the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold, reductions in the prescription charges per item and maximum monthly prescription charges under the GMS scheme, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to support affordable access to quality healthcare.
There are many challenges when estimating costings; consideration of any future changes to the eligibility for medicines will be made in the context of current healthcare priorities and the budget available.
809. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated revenue from all parking charges at public hospitals in 2024 and 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51332/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
810. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of introducing a fully funded universal contraception scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51333/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Free Contraception Scheme (FCS) for women ordinarily resident in Ireland, was launched in 2022. Its remit has been expanded gradually from 17-25 initially to include women aged from 17 to 35 inclusive currently. Approximately €45m is allocated to support the scheme in 2026 and approximately 2,450 GPs, primary care, family planning and student health centres and just over 1,900 community pharmacies across the country are participating in the scheme currently.
The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, primary care, student health and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Reimbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme.
Access to free contraception is also available on an emergency basis through the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), enabling maternity units, hospitals, postnatal clinics, and Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) to provide free contraception to patients who might have difficulty accessing the scheme through primary care.
These include individuals attending postnatal or post-termination of pregnancy (ToP) appointments, those accessing SATUs in emergency situations, and those facing barriers to accessing contraception through GPs and pharmacies or who may face other challenges that limit access through primary care. NWIHP advise that at least 3,000 women accessed free contraception through their services in 2025.
Similar supports for accessing contraception are in place with the Women’s Health Service, which supports people working in the sex trade. The Women’s Health Service supported over 330 women in 2025.
The Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, published in 2019 and available on the Department’s website, laid the foundations for the introduction of the Free Contraception Scheme. In addition to recommending the phased introduction of free contraception, the report also noted that policy proposals must also focus on accessibility, education and workforce capacity as well as cost.
In this regard, another initiative to expand capacity within the FCS is to make additional services available through pharmacies. The landmark Community Pharmacy Agreement, launched in 2025, supports expanding pharmacy services, delivering safe, efficient and accessible healthcare, across Ireland. The Common Conditions Scheme, allowing access to treatment for 8 common conditions through pharmacies, was publicly launched in January 2026. The Agreement supports pharmacy prescription of contraception, under defined clinical circumstances, for which some legislation, the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 2024 (the 2024 Act), is already in place.
In order to enable pharmacy provision of contraception to be delivered free of charge under the FCS, the legal framework for the FCS must be amended to include prescribing pharmacists. The Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026 was published on the Oireachtas website last week and can be accessed at: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2026/74/ .
Research has been undertaken recently to support monitoring of the scheme. The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025, published last November, examined contraceptive choices, noting a rise in the use of LARCs, especially hormonal coils, after the age of 35. Work is ongoing within NWIHP develop and finalise a scheme to train more staff in the acute sector to fit LARCs, and the ICGP’s LARC training scheme continues to train more GPs.
The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025, also shows that awareness of the scheme was high in age-groups eligible to access it (86% in 18-25 and 74% in 26-34 year-olds). Qualitative research was published in April, 2026, in partnership with the National Women’s Council of Ireland and TCD, supported by the Women’s Health Fund, to assess awareness of, and access to the scheme amongst key groups. The current age limits and GP access were identified as significant barriers, along with issues affecting specific cohorts of the population. The Report can be accessed here: https://www.nwci.ie/learn/publication/an_investigation_into_womens_experiences_of_the_free_contraception_scheme
The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, the National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035, the Sláintecare 2025+ Plan and the Women’s Health Action Plans all commit to further sequential expansion of the scheme, such that it eventually encompasses the full reproductive age-range.
Any decision relating to further expansion of the scheme must be considered through the Estimates process in advance of the annual Budget each year.
In terms of estimating the additional costs of expansion, there is reasonable certainty that 36-40 year-olds could be included at costs of approximately €5m, based on current service costs for women aged between 30-35 and Healthy Ireland Survey data on contraception use indicating reasonable consistency in use patterns between 25-44 (an age range in which 6-7% of respondents reported not using contraception as they were actively trying to conceive). The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2025 can be accessed at: https://www.gov.ie/en/healthy-ireland/publications/healthy-ireland-survey-2025/
In other words, costs per annum per year age cohort are likely to be similar to existing service costs for women aged 30-35 (approximately €1m per annum per year included). There is significantly more uncertainty beyond this age-range and indications of significantly higher LARC use beyond the early 40s.
It should be noted, however, that the Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, published in 2019, estimated annual costs of a free contraception scheme for women aged 17-45 as between €80m-€100m. Given the passage of time and taking lower real world costs of the existing scheme into account, it is unlikely, even given uncertainty of costs for those aged over 35, that total annual costs would exceed €80m for women aged 17-55 (a wider age-range than originally envisaged).
While contraception provided through the FCS is very effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy, hormonal contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The National Condom Distribution Scheme supports both STI prevention and accessible contraception.
Free condoms can be accessed through the national network of STI clinics, participating charities and NGO partners and on participating 3rd level campuses. Since 2023, free condoms have also been supplied with orders for free home STI testing kits. The NCDS is open to those aged 17 and above. Over 1.2m condoms were distributed in 2025.
The NCDS is being expanded on a phased basis to pharmacy consulting rooms, to further enable contraception availability through pharmacies. Efforts to make NCDS condoms available through more GP consulting rooms are also ongoing.
811. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the reason medical card holders who are non-insulin dependent diabetics prescribed contour next blood glucose test strips are only eligible to receive one box per month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51375/26]
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.
812. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason for the long delays being experienced by patients seeking to access their medical records given that under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (details supplied); the actions she will take to ensure this timeframe is improved for patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51387/26]
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.
813. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the scientific validation undertaken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland in respect of the laboratory methods relied upon for the detection of salmonella typhimurium in duck flocks; whether those methods have been independently validated for use in ducks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51400/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra814. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health whether following recent court proceedings concerning salmonella testing in poultry, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has reviewed the reliability of the sampling, testing and chain-of-custody procedures relied upon in enforcement actions involving duck flocks; if such a review has been completed, if she will publish the findings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51401/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra815. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has commissioned, or intends to commission, an independent scientific review of the evidence underpinning its risk assessments relating to salmonella in duck flocks, including the laboratory methodologies employed and the epidemiological evidence relied upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51402/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra816. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the role that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland plays in advising the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine before compliance notices, prohibition notices, product seizures or flock destruction are undertaken in cases involving suspected salmonella infection; and whether the FSAI independently verifies the scientific evidence relied upon before such enforcement action proceeds. [51403/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra817. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has reviewed whether the ongoing Department-funded research into salmonella control in duck production has identified any uncertainties regarding existing sampling, laboratory testing or risk assessment methodologies; and whether any interim findings have resulted in changes to current enforcement or regulatory practice. [51404/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 813, 814, 815, 816 and 817 together.
The primary production of animals, including poultry/ducks comes under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has overall responsibility for the enforcement of food law in Ireland. It does this by way of service contracts with a variety of agencies involved in food control, including DAFM. Therefore, I have asked the FSAI to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the aspects of the above five questions that are relevant to FSAI.
