Written Answers Nos. 100-120
100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when a project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; the level of new and upgraded facilities that will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48294/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for this opportunity to address the House on this important matter.
The 2026 Capital Plan provides for two significant projects at Cavan General Hospital:
First is a three-storey extension block to increase capacity of the Oncology Unit. This project is moving to detailed design in Q3 of this year.
The second project is to provide a multistorey extension to house the relocated Emergency Department (ED) and a new Endoscopy Unit.
I am delighted to confirm that contracts for the Endoscopy and ED extension project have been signed, and that it is envisioned that construction will commence this Summer.
This five-storey extension to the existing building will accommodate a relocated Emergency Department, a relocated & expanded Endoscopy Unit, 56 new beds of Inpatient Ward accommodation and ancillary plant associated with the build.
The relocation of the current Emergency Department & Endoscopy Unit will in turn free up additional clinical space within the hospital for other services.
This project is expected to improve patient flow, alleviate pressures and improve patient outcomes aligned with long-term national healthcare goals. It is designed to the latest standards for energy efficient design.
It is my intention to visit Cavan General Hospital later this month for the official sod-turning of this important project, which will improve services and increase capacity at Cavan General Hospital.
101. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health to outline her plans to improve access to public dental services in County Meath, especially for school-aged children; if she will provide details of waiting lists and time for category four and five procedures in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50875/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver 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.
My Department and the HSE are finalising a focused two-year action plan to deliver real improvements on the ground. I expect to receive a final draft plan in the coming month.
I have instructed that the Plan 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
• Review and improve the Dental Treatment Services Scheme
• Support recruitment, education and training
• Support innovation and new ways of delivering care
For orthodontic care, Waiting List Action Plan initiatives have delivered results over recent years. Over €20 million has been invested to increase capacity via additional contracted orthodontic care, resulting in more than 5,500 removals from orthodontic waiting lists across the country since 2020.
Despite this, waiting lists remain far too high in some parts of the country, including the Dublin and Northeast Health Region which includes Meath.
A Consultant Orthodontic Post for Louth/Meath has been vacant since 2022 with previous efforts to fill it being unsuccessful. However, I have been informed that a suitable candidate has been recruited and is due to commence in the role in Quarter 4 2026.
• There are currently 2,867 patients awaiting access to public dental services in County Meath.
• Within the targeted school screening programme, the longest recorded interval to assessment and treatment currently stands at 40 weeks.
In response to service demand and in order to increase clinical capacity, a number of targeted measures have been implemented within the Meath dental service. These include
• the recent appointment of an additional 1.0 Whole-Time Equivalent (WTE) General Dental Surgeon, who commenced on 6th July 2026.
• the recruitment of a further 1.0 WTE General Dental Surgeon on a specified-purpose contract, due to commence on 13th July 2026.
These appointments will augment existing service capacity and support the progressive reduction of waiting times for assessment and treatment.
The HSE has also implemented an innovative cross-jurisdictional service model for the provision of standard paediatric dental treatment under general anaesthesia. This initiative has materially enhanced access to specialist services for children requiring treatment under general anaesthesia and has facilitated the complete elimination of the historical waiting list for standard paediatric dental general anaesthesia procedures.
Consequently, children requiring this intervention are currently accessing treatment within approximately three weeks of referral, representing a significant improvement in service responsiveness and in the timeliness of access to care.
102. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Health her plans to develop capital projects in Naas Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52285/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNaas General Hospital (NGH) is a Model 3 Hospital serving a catchment area with a population of over a quarter of a million people, and caters for patient activity through the Emergency Department (ED), Inpatient Department, Out-patients Department and Day Services Department.
NGH is a congested and restricted site. As such it is imperative that any capital investment in this busy hospital maximises value and minimises disruption to ongoing services. To this end, a Development Control Plan (DCP) is being put in place for the hospital.
The DCP will inform decision making in terms of sequencing, and staging of construction projects currently proposed for the site, to ensure construction projects are aligned with service requirements and integrate with existing critical infrastructure.
Recent changes in priorities have necessitated the revision and updating of the Naas General Hospital DCP.
Current project proposals for NGH, which will be addressed through the revised and updated DCP, include:
• 15-bay transition unit
• 50-bed Acute Mental Health Unit
• A multistorey carpark
• Second CT Scanner
The Naas General Hospital DCP will set out how future capital investment at the hospital will address service needs in line with Health Infrastructure Investment Policy. Any proposals for future capital investment at NGH will be considered in this context.
Health Infrastructure Investment Policy, as set out in Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework (SHIF), published 2024, aims to ensure that Sláintecare reforms are achieved, improve the delivery of capital healthcare projects, and achieve value for money.
The implementation of Health Infrastructure Investment Policy via SHIF means that any future proposal for new Health Infrastructure will be centred on evidence-based demand analysis, and established on a healthcare need identified by services.
103. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health to provide the number of staff required to deliver home care hours and care packages to fulfil commitments given to families on the discharge from hospital of a family member. [52298/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to home support is a priority for me and the Government. The Budget for home support for older people in 2026 is the largest ever at circa €914 million, representing an increase of €82 million on the previous year and over 87% when compared to the 2020 Budget. More home support hours are being delivered now than have ever been delivered before. Approximately 26.7 million hours will be delivered this year, representing a 43% increase in the number of home support hours delivered in 2020.
Home Support Services are managed regionally, within available resources to ensure that this key service is available at the required times, in a flexible way to support clients’ assessed needs. Those assessed and waiting on new or additional service are prioritised based on their individual needs and within the resources available across the Health Region. The HSE has confirmed that priority is given to people in the community with the greatest assessed need and to patients who are medically ready to leave hospital and can return home with appropriate supports.
I have been working actively with the HSE to address the waiting list for these services, which is predominantly due to the shortage of home support workers. The HSE is running ongoing campaigns to recruit home support workers. This question will be forwarded to the HSE for consideration as part of the estimates process.
104. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health when she plans to bring forward a new, modern GP contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48212/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Health whether CAMHS refusals are clinically appropriate or symptomatic of a system that is under-resourced and unable to meet demand, noting 5335 children and young adults have been refused service in County Wicklow for the past five years. [29361/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for new investment in Louth County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48259/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health if her Department is aware of circumstances in which elderly couples residing together and both in receipt of approved home support hours may experience unmet care needs due to home support staff restrictions on carrying out tasks solely for the individual to whom a particular visit is allocated; whether her Department will examine a more person-centred and household-based approach to the delivery of home support services in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvestment in older persons services is a priority for me and this Government. The budget for home support for older people in 2026 is the largest ever. Over 914 million euro has been allocated for 2026.
The Department is focused on developing a regulatory framework for home support providers.
Home support hours are allocated for tasks to individuals based on their assessed needs. It falls within the parameters set out in the HSE National Service Plan (NSP).
The Department recognises the importance of person-centred and integrated care. If an elderly couple live together, each are assessed individually and the service is delivered accordingly, based on the needs of each individual.
The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme and the Enhanced Community Care Programme are important. They aim to provide holistic and coordinated supports.
The Department continues to engage with stakeholders and review service delivery to ensure that home support is responsive.
The Department remains open to examining ways to further enhance the flexibility and person-centredness of home support provision as part of ongoing reforms.
109. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health for an update in relation to reimbursement of the drug skyclarys for patients with Frederich's ataxia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51848/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this matter.
The State recognises the importance of timely access to innovative medicines for patients in Ireland, particularly those living with rare diseases such as Friedreich’s ataxia. I attended a briefing in Leinster House where I met patients and their families and heard directly about their experiences through regular engagements. The Taoiseach has also engaged with families affected by this disease.
Skyclarys® received marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency in 2024 for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older.
Following authorisation, a company must submit an application for pricing and reimbursement to the HSE’s Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit, as reimbursement applies only to licensed indications. Applicants are required to engage fully throughout the process to support timely consideration.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement. I have requested an update from the HSE on the Skyclarys® application. The HSE has advised that the Health Technology Assessment report from the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics was received on 16 December 2025.
The HSE invited the marketing authorisation holder, Biogen (Idec) Ireland Limited, to enter commercial negotiations, with an initial meeting held on 12 February 2026. A further meeting took place on 18 May 2026, followed by submission of a commercial proposal on 27 May 2026.
Once a commercial offer is received by the HSE and given the potential high budget impact from all new medicines, the HSE must undertake its due diligence on offers ahead of bringing the material to the Drugs Group for its consideration.
Medicines are brought forward for consideration in line with the progression of commercial engagements and the receipt of finalised materials, ensuring an orderly and fair process for all applications.
The application, along with all evidence, commercial negotiation output, and pharmacoeconomic evaluation, will proceed to the HSE’s Drugs Group. On the 14th July 2026, the Drugs Group will consider all the evidence and make a recommendation to the HSE Senior Management Team, who make the final decision.
The HSE will continue to progress the application as efficiently as possible. As the process is ongoing, it cannot comment on the outcome.
110. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of the new ambulance base for east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48227/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Ambulance Service (NAS) is the state’s principal emergency ambulance and intermediate care service. The NAS serves the needs of patients and the public as part of an integrated health system, through the provision of high quality, safe and patient-centred services. Through the published NAS Strategic Plan 2022–2031, the NAS core commitment is to deliver timely, safe, and effective care that improves outcomes for patients nationwide.
Through the 2026 Capital Plan, we will:
• Provide €34m to expand and maintain the ambulance vehicle fleet; and
• Provide €15.68m to support the provision of new infrastructure and the modernisation of existing ambulance bases.
Proposals to construct a new purpose-built NAS Training College in Youghal are currently being advanced by the HSE under the Capital Plan 2026. Subject to the necessary approvals, it is intended to construct this facility on a site adjacent to the new Primary Care Centre, which is under construction in Park Mountain, Youghal, Co. Cork.
Discussions are ongoing with the developer. Subject to statutory approvals, including grant of planning permission, it is hoped that construction could commence on this facility this year.
111. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health her plans to address the concerns raised by nurses and midwives at University Maternity Hospital Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52246/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirst, I want to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment of staff in University Maternity Hospital Limerick. Maternity and neonatal staff provide essential care every day, often in very busy and challenging circumstances.
I am aware that the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation held a lunchtime protest at the hospital on Tuesday, raising concerns about midwife and nursing staffing levels. I do acknowledge that there are staffing pressures in maternity services, including in Limerick, but the HSE have assured me that action is underway to address these concerns.
There has been sustained investment in maternity and gynaecology services in recent years. Since 2016, €80 million has been invested nationally, including €28 million through the National Maternity Strategy. In Limerick, 29 whole-time equivalent posts have been added to maternity services through National Maternity Strategy funding since 2018.
Recruitment is also continuing in Limerick, with approximately 30 posts currently progressing through recruitment and clearance processes. Workforce requirements are kept under ongoing review, taking account of service demand, patient need, current bed capacity and operational requirements.
Future service developments, including any potential expansion of neonatal capacity, will be considered through the National Service Plan process.
It is also important that public discussion on maternity care is grounded in evidence. The Monthly Maternity Safety Statement and the most recent HIQA inspection report provide transparent information on the quality, oversight and safety of maternity services.
The focus remains on continuing recruitment, supporting staff, and ensuring safe, high-quality care for women and babies in Limerick.
112. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on the proposed elective hospital in Glanmire. [51021/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is fully committed to increasing day-case capacity through the Elective Ambulatory Care Programme. This is being delivered in two phases: a national network of Surgical Hubs to meet medium-term demand, and then a network of Elective Treatment Centres (also known as Elective Hospitals) in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
Planning is underway, alongside delivery of the Surgical Hubs, for the new national Elective Treatment Centres in order to provide capacity to sufficiently meet the country’s longer term elective care capacity needs out to 2045 and beyond.
In Cork, the project is progressing through detailed design and statutory planning. Engagement is ongoing with Cork City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to agree appropriate road access to the site. The HSE’s objective is to submit a planning application this September.
With respect to the Surgical Hubs, three are now operational, with a further four expected to open this year, and a further two hubs are at design stage. The Hubs will improve access in multiple specialties for large numbers of routine day case patients, freeing up hospital capacity for more complex procedures and helping people get treatment sooner. Once fully operational, the Surgical Hub in Cork will include 4 day-case theatres, 2 minor-ops rooms and a number of OPD/treatment rooms. The Hub is scheduled to open this September.
113. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the expected delivery timelines for improvements and new services at public hospitals and primary care centres in County Clare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51846/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCounty Clare continues to benefit from significant healthcare investment programmes.
Ennis Hospital will gain 48 additional beds through planned expansion by 2031.
Haemodialysis services at Ennis Hospital are expected for delivery by Q4 2026.
The National Ambulance Service is strengthening capacity across the Mid West region. During 2026, three additional Emergency Ambulances will be deployed in Ennistymon, Kilrush and Nenagh. An Intermediate Care Vehicle and Community Paramedic will be based in Ennis. A new Sligo-based Helicopter Emergency Medical Service will commence operations in Q3 2026. This will enhance emergency care access for people across County Clare.
Primary care infrastructure in Clare is being strengthened to improve local healthcare access. Ennis Primary Care Centre became operational in late 2022, and a further five locations in Clare are being considered for future primary care centre developments. These include Ballina/Killaloe/Newport, Ballyvaughan, Ennis and Ennistymon.
A new residential addiction treatment facility is progressing in Ennis, replacing Bushy Park. The vacant community nursing unit at Inis Gile will be refurbished for Dual Diagnosis and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services teams. A replacement 100-bed Community Nursing Unit at St Joseph's in Ennis is at the design phase. The development will provide both long-stay and short-stay accommodation.
This Government supports delivering integrated healthcare services locally where it is safe and appropriate. We will continue our programme of health service improvements across the Mid West region.
114. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health her assessment of the need for a Minor Injuries Clinic in Balbriggan, County Dublin, having regard to the rapid population growth in Balbriggan and the wider north Fingal area, the increasing demand for local healthcare services and the distance many residents are required to travel to access emergency and urgent care services; her plans under consideration to provide a Minor Injuries Clinic or similar urgent care facility in north County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52243/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health if she will commission a feasibility study into the establishment of a Minor Injuries Clinic in Balbriggan, County Dublin, having regard to the significant population growth in Balbriggan and the wider north Fingal area, the increasing demand for local healthcare services and the distance many residents must travel to access urgent but non-life threatening care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 157 together.
I would like to thank Deputy Boland for raising this important issue.
This Government remains fully committed to delivering healthcare reform under the Sláintecare framework, ensuring that people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. A key part of our hospital-avoidance strategy is the continued development of Injury Units, which provide safe, convenient care for non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, sprains and burns. These units deliver the same level of care for these conditions as an Emergency Department, but closer to home and with significantly shorter waiting times.
Nationally, Injury Units continue to perform strongly. Last year they saw 222,697 attendances, a 5% increase on 2024, and performance has remained robust into 2026. Up to the end of June this year, attendances reached 115,768 - a further 2% increase on the same period in 2025 and the median Patient Experience Time remains exceptionally low at just 1.2 hours. This reflects growing public confidence in the model and the convenience of local access.
The HSE completed a National Injury Unit Review in 2023 to assess service levels and geographical coverage. This review informed the 2026 National Service Plan, which priorities new units in Tallaght, Athlone, Carlow and Ballina, based on population need, geographical gaps and clinical safety considerations.
There are currently no plans to open an Injury Unit at Balbriggan. The focus of the 2026 Service Plan is on progressing the four new units already identified. However, the HSE continues to review expansion needs and is working to future-proof the system by standardising opening hours to 8am–8pm, seven days a week across existing sites.
Residents in Balbriggan currently have access to several options for non-life-threatening injuries, including: the Primary Care Centre which provides a wide range of services, including primary care therapies, specialist teams for older people, chronic disease management, mental health and disability services. It also hosts two GP practices and a pharmacy.
Balbriggan residents also have access to:
• Dundalk Injury Unit, St Joseph’s Hospital, and
• Connolly Hospital Emergency Department, which includes a dedicated nurse-led Minor Injury Unit
The Department and the HSE will continue to monitor population growth, service demand and geospatial needs to ensure that our urgent and emergency care footprint evolves in line with the needs of rapidly growing communities such as Balbriggan and north Fingal.
115. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the number of MRI and CT scanners and X-Ray machines currently operational nationwide in public and voluntary hospitals; the number in each category that are more than ten years old; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47994/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEquipment replacement proposals are reviewed yearly, based on risk and need with particular attention paid to unreliability, availability of parts and age of the equipment.
Age is not the primary indicator that equipment requires replacement. Other variables such as equipment unreliability and service records should also be monitored to mitigate frequency of equipment failing in clinical service without access to replacement parts. In total there are:
• 77 CT machines owned by HSE, of which seven are due to be replaced under the 2026 Equipment replacement programme. There are four additional CT machines rented by the HSE giving a total of 81 CT machines.
• 36 MRI machines owned by the HSE, of which four are due to be replaced under the 2026 Equipment replacement programme. There are 14 additional MRI machines rented by the HSE giving a total of 50 MRI machines.
• 170 General X Ray machines owned by the HSE, of which six are due to be replaced under the 2026 Equipment replacement programme.
I will undertake to provide the Deputy with a more detailed breakdown of these equipment categories, including by age of equipment, shortly.
116. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health whether the reason to stop referrals going into the NEASS OPD six months after its launch is due to staffing issues; the alternative referral pathway that now exists for patients following this pause; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50985/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
This National Clinical Programme is based on multi-disciplinary community teams to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults. As Minister, I'm proud to have launched the Model of Care for Adult ADHD and to have resourced the establishment of the teams envisioned by the Model of Care. The ADHD Programme is funded with total funding of over €5 million on a recurring annual basis. As a result, there are 11 community based teams funded, with 8 teams are currently operational with the remaining teams in recruitment listed below. Funding was secured by myself as Minister in Budget 2025 to facilitate the rolling out of the total number of ADHD teams envisaged in the Model of Care.
Operational ADHD Teams
• Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal
• South Dublin/ Wicklow
• Limerick/Clare/North Tipperary
• Cork
• Kerry/West Cork
• South- West Dublin
• Midlands/Kildare/West Wicklow
• Cavan/Monaghan/Louth Meath
Community based teams in recruitment
• Waterford/Wexford/Kilkenny/Carlow/South Tipperary
• North Dublin and County
• Galway/Roscommon/Mayo
In relation to the additional specific information requested , as this is an operational matter , I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
117. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health for an update on the plans for a new primary care centre in Graiguenamanagh; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48001/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for allowing me to update the house on the new Primary Care Centre (PCC) for Graiguenamanagh in County Kilkenny.
The need for this Primary Care Centre in Gaiguenamanagh has been identified as part of the Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) overall primary care centre development programme. This PCC is to be delivered via the HSE operational lease mechanism.
As the Deputy is aware, a tender process was undertaken, and a developer was selected. The developer submitted an application seeking a grant of planning permission for Graiguenamanagh PCC on 27th June 2025. The developer received a request for further information in September 2025 and the developer made a submission in response to same in January 2026.
The HSE has advised that Kilkenny County Council issued a decision to grant planning permission on 29th June 2026 to the developer with the final grant of planning permission due to issue in one month subject to observations.
After that time, the developer will issue a construction programme to the HSE which outlines target dates, including the commencement of construction works on site.
It is welcome news that the development of the new PCC in Graiguenamanagh is progressing and when opened, it is envisaged that a wide range of Primary Care therapy services, community nursing services and GP services will be delivered from the centre.
118. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health whether she intends to develop public-only GP and dentist contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52162/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish model of general practice is based on private practice, and all GPs providing GP services in Ireland currently are private practitioners. The HSE does not currently directly employ GPs for the provision of GP services. Most GPs hold contracts with the HSE for the provision of health services without charge, including the GMS contract for the provision of GP care without charge to medical card and GP visit. However, GMS GPs also provide GP services to patients who do not hold a medical card or GP visit on a private basis.
A Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway, led by my Department and with support from the HSE. The review is examining the issues effecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will consider further possible mechanisms to attract GPs to rural and underserved areas. When completed the review will set out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.
This includes consideration of the possible role of HSE employed GPs, as part of the wider examination of the GP capacity issue. Any proposed model involving salaried GP positions requires careful consideration to ensure the required level of service could be provided for medical card and GP visit card holders as well as private patients.
In regard to dentists, oral healthcare services in Ireland are mainly provided by general dental practices which are independently owned and operated. A publicly funded service for adult medical card holders is provided under a contracted model and the HSE salaried public dental service mainly provides care to children under the age of 16 and adults with additional needs. This model of services we operate is largely rooted in the 1990s, and it must be modernised to meet today’s needs.
While there is currently no plan to introduce a public only dental contract, I am determined to improve access to dental services for patients. This will be done by utilising public and private capacity. My Department and the HSE are finalising a focused two-year Oral Health Action Plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.
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.
119. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health whether additional ambulance resources or bases are planned for Mayo to address long travel distances and rural geography; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44124/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year's budget for the National Ambulance Service (NAS) includes €20m for new service developments, which will be focused on building frontline emergency capacity to improve response times and further developing and expanding intermediate care and alternative care pathway services for patients.
Planned developments for Co Mayo in 2026 include the appointment of two Hospital Ambulance Liaison Supervisor (HALS) posts at Mayo University Hospital to facilitate the timely handover of patients to the hospital Emergency Department. In addition, the NAS plans to recruit 6 new paramedic posts at Castlebar Ambulance Station to improve emergency response performance. There are also plans for 6 new paramedic posts to be based at Belmullet ambulance base to address identified rural geographic challenges.
In addition, a new Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), which will serve the West and North West of the country and will operate out of Sligo airport, is scheduled to come on stream shortly.
120. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health status of the Youghal 60-bed community nursing unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48226/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
