Written Answers Nos. 369-393
369. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to the inclusion of an emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions under the drugs payment scheme (details supplied). [66170/26]
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.
370. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the name of each cancer specific drug that was submitted to the HSE’s EMT for approval for each of the years 2019 to date in 2026. [66169/26]
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.
371. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the annual cost to the Exchequer of each of the three helicopter emergency medical services operated by, or on behalf of, the National Ambulance Service (details supplied), identifying separately in each case the annual contract or operating cost; the operator, the contract duration and expiry date where the service is contracted; and the daily hours of operation and the clinical crewing model. [66167/26]
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.
372. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of new cancer specific drugs approved for reimbursement by the HSE for each of the years 2019 to date in 2026. [66166/26]
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; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
373. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of home support provision by type, region and integrated healthcare area (details supplied). [66223/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
374. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of the new Healthy Ireland Framework following the conclusion of the Healthy Ireland Framework 2013–2025; the reasons for the delay in its launch; the revised timeline for its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66190/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetween 2013 and 2025, a transformative approach to the health and well-being of all people in Ireland was undertaken. The first Healthy Ireland (HI) Framework championed a vision where health and well-being were the responsibility of everyone, across all of society and all of government.
Over the past 12 years, the HI Framework has helped deliver significant progress by investing in prevention, impacting people across society, and bringing diverse stakeholders together with a common focus on improving health and well-being. Major public health policies were introduced and new programmes implemented. Through this, the HI brand has become widely recognised.
HI has made considerable progress towards its goals, with many successes identified by the review of the first framework. Meaningful progress was made towards the vision of Healthy Ireland, with improvements in life expectancy, physical activity levels, healthy eating, and improving overall health trends.
Since the end of 2025 we have published an extensive review of the 2013 Framework and a comprehensive public consultation. The public consultation process involved both an online survey and specific workshops with representative group, which concluded in May. We have also sought expert insight into the new Framework.
At present my officials, having considered all of these results are drafting the new Healthy Ireland Framework. The agreement of the format and content of the new framework will need to be agreed across Government and will be published when this aspect of the process is completed.
375. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the names of cancer specific drugs being administered via a clinical trial in 2026. [66189/26]
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.
376. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the consideration, if any, her Department has given to targeted, risk stratified cancer screening for lung cancer for persons. [66188/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to supporting Ireland’s 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 evaluate the current lung cancer screening pilot in line with WHO criteria and develop recommendations for a way forward.
The ‘Lung Health Check’ pilot, an Irish-based prospective study involving Beaumont Hospital and the RCSI, was launched in March 2025 under the EU4Health-funded SOLACE project. It aims to assess the feasibility of instituting a community-based lung health check programme in Ireland by inviting individuals in the North Dublin and the North-East region who are identified as being of higher risk of lung problems to attend their mobile screening unit for breathing tests and a low-dose chest CT scan.
The pilot is primarily funded by the Irish Cancer Society and supported by the SOLACE consortium, with funding provided by my Department’s Women’s Health Fund.
It should be emphasised that any proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be considered through established, evidence-driven protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence rigorously and transparently against internationally accepted criteria before making recommendations to me as Minister for Health.
The robust processes used by NSAC are essential to ensure screening programmes are effective, quality assured, and safe and that the benefits of screening outweigh potential harms. This is determined through what are known as Health Technology Assessments (HTA), which are undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. They are time intensive and rigorous processes.
Across Europe, several major research initiatives are underway to assess the feasibility of lung cancer screening programmes, many involving Irish-based researchers. The findings from these studies will contribute to the evidence base for future consideration by NSAC. I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee in due course.
Finally, I would emphasise that 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 immediately.
377. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of cancer specific drugs being administered via a clinical trial for each of the years from 2019 to date in 2026. [66187/26]
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.
379. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the consideration her Department has given to targeted, risk stratified cancer screening for breast cancer for persons under the age 50. [66185/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the cost, if any, of imparting breast density information in each mammogram or breast scan. [66178/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 385 together.
As Minister for Health, I 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 BreastCheck Screening Programme, in line with updated standards from HIQA.
BreastCheck, the national breast cancer screening programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular periods to have a routine mammogram. Under commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck eligibility has been expanded to women aged 69 years since 2021.
In Budget 2026, 20 (WTE) positions were allocated to National Screening Services, of which 10 were assigned to BreastCheck. In 2025, an additional €2.9 million was allocated to the BreastCheck programme to support the recruitment of 22 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) posts, with an additional 15 WTE posts approved. This will assist in expanding and future-proofing the programme to meet increased demand.
I would note that any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes, will be facilitated through established evidence-driven 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.
At the request of NSAC, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has commenced a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to consider proposals for the expansion of the BreastCheck programme. This review will comprise two elements; the proposed extension of the age range eligibility to those aged 45-49 and 70-74, and also the potential introduction of a standardised breast density notification.
HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology.
HTAs are time intensive and rigorous processes that must be afforded the necessary amount of time?to complete. This is particularly relevant in the context of the BreastCheck HTA, which is considering three distinct areas, the potential to increase the age eligibility, to decrease the age eligibility and potential reporting of breast density.
An estimated cost for extending the BreastCheck programme cannot be provided until the final HIQA HTA report has been published.
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.
388. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health whether she has plans to introduce a population-wide cardiovascular health check programme in Ireland, in line with the ambitions of the EU Safe Hearts Plan. [66231/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2024.
Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. While CVD mortality is now approximately half the level recorded in 1995, it remains a leading cause of ill health, with major impacts on patients and their families. The absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.
The National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services (NRCS) was published in April 2025 and provides a detailed, evidence-driven analysis of cardiac services across the Country. The Review which consulted with a wide range of stakeholders sets out a comprehensive road map for cardiac services development and reform. To support implementation of the recommendations, €9 million in full-year funding was allocated to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Following publication of the NRCS, the HSE’s National Heart Office (NHO) developed a three-year implementation plan.
On 16th December 2025, the European Commission published Safe Hearts – the EU Cardiovascular Plan, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing premature deaths by improving prevention, early detection, and treatment, while also driving innovation. The plan emphasises shifting from treatment to prevention, and among other things calls for stronger action against tobacco and smoking. The plan encourages Member States to develop or implement standalone or integrated national cardiovascular health plans by 2027.
The plan, under its Early Detection Pillar, sets out a flagship initiative to develop an EU Protocol on health checks for cardiovascular diseases. It is anticipated that later this month, the Commission will propose a Council Recommendation on health checks for cardiovascular diseases to support a common approach for Member States to develop and implement national health checks. Once published, officials will work to advance the negotiations on the Council recommendation during our Presidency term.
The Programme for Government places a strong focus on cardiovascular health and we have committed to the development of a new national cardiovascular plan. I am fully committed to advancing cardiovascular health at both EU and national level, supporting the implementation of the EU Safe Hearts Plan in Ireland, and the development of a new national cardiovascular plan. Officials are in the initial stages of developing the new plan and are actively engaging in the work required to ensure a robust and evidence-based approach.
In addition, the GP Chronic Disease Management Programme provides structured, GP-led care for adult GMS (Medical Card and GP Visit Card) patients. The chronic conditions included in the Programme are Type 2 Diabetes; Asthma; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); and cardiovascular disease (including Heart Failure, Ischaemic Heart Disease, Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), Atrial Fibrillation).
Under the CDM Opportunistic Case Finding programme, patients aged 45 years+ with chronic disease or who are at high risk of developing a chronic disease are identified on an opportunistic basis i.e. when a patient attends the GP for another issue.
Those who are identified as high risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes are enrolled in the CDM Preventive Programme and those with previously undiagnosed chronic disease(s) are enrolled under the CDM Treatment Programme. Under the CDM Treatment Programme, each patient receives two scheduled reviews with the GP in a 12-month period, each preceded by a practice nurse visit. Each review includes patient education, preventative care, medication review, physical examination, investigations, and an individual care plan.
Patients registered to the CDM Preventive Programme receive an annual GP and practice nurse visit for the active management of their risk factors. The Preventive Programme was also expanded in 2023 to include adult GMS patients with hypertension and all women who have had a diagnosis of gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.
390. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions that a request for helicopter emergency medical service was not met because the request was made outside the hours of operation of the service in each of the years 2024 and 2025. [66165/26]
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.
392. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health whether the forthcoming National Cardiovascular Health Strategy will be developed as a comprehensive National Cardiovascular Health Strategy that builds upon the recommendations of the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services while also aligning with the objectives of the European Commission's Safe Hearts Plan and the forthcoming EU Council Recommendation on cardiovascular health and screening. [66224/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and results in significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2024.
Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. While CVD mortality is now approximately half the level recorded in 1995, it remains a leading cause of ill health, with major impacts on patients and their families. The absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.
The National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services (NRCS) was published in April 2025 and provides a detailed, evidence-driven analysis of cardiac services across the Country. The Review which consulted with a wide range of stakeholders sets out a comprehensive road map for cardiac services development and reform. To support implementation of the recommendations, €9 million in full-year funding was allocated to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Following publication of the NRCS, the HSE’s National Heart Office (NHO) developed a three-year implementation plan.
On 16th December 2025, the European Commission published Safe Hearts – the EU Cardiovascular Plan, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing premature deaths by improving prevention, early detection, and treatment, while also driving innovation. The plan emphasises shifting from treatment to prevention, and among other things calls for stronger action against tobacco and smoking. The plan encourages Member States to develop or implement standalone or integrated national cardiovascular health plans by 2027.
The Programme for Government places a strong focus on cardiovascular health and we have committed to the development of a new national cardiovascular plan. I am fully committed to advancing cardiovascular health at both EU and national level, supporting the implementation of the EU Safe Hearts Plan in Ireland, and the development of a new national cardiovascular plan. Officials are in the initial stages of developing the new plan and are actively engaging in the work required to ensure a robust and evidence-based approach.
393. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to clarify if all new graduate nurses will be offered permanent posts in named clinical areas across all HSE regions, following the withdrawal of previously made offers in Cork University Hospital; if offers have been withdrawn in any other hospitals or regions; and if graduate nurses in other regions are being offered contracts through the HSE staff bank, rather than in named clinical areas where they can expand their practise and build on their skills. [66160/26]
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.
