Alan Kelly
Ceist:817. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of test purchase inspections on the sale of tobacco and vaping products carried out, in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [6282/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTobacco Control Measures
Ceisteanna (817)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (818)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:818. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to recruit one WTE staff grade optician and one senior grade optician to work within the public health service. [6283/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (819)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:819. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to open an adult ADHD treatment clinic in the South Tipperary catchment area; when the clinical pathways regarding ADHD treatment changed in the South Tipperary area; whether there are any financial supports in place to help people pay for private assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (820)
David Cullinane
Ceist:820. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to provide details of the total annual medicines budget for each year from 2020 to 2024. [6304/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (821)
David Cullinane
Ceist:821. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to outline the breakdown of actual spending within the medicines budget from 2020 to 2024, distinguishing between off-patent medicines, including generic and biosimilar medicines and new or originator medicines; and to provide an estimate of the total savings generated for the State by the off-patent medicines industry during the same period, specifically those resulting from the launch of generic or biosimilar medicines following the expiration of originator patents. [6305/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (822)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:822. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed that the frontline staff in the Irish Blood Transfusion Service will receive their pandemic payment; the reason for the delay [6310/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to workers in the Irish Blood Transfusion Service for the important work they carry out every day.
In January 2022 the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic.
Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation. I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:
• Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
• Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
• Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
• Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);
Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
Agency roles working in the HSE;
Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Only those staff who met all the above eligibility criteria were covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens provided very important services during the pandemic.
It was a hard task to set out the eligibility criteria for this payment, but the Government based its decision on certain aspects of all the different roles within the Healthcare sector and certain risks which eligible frontline workers faced. Undoubtedly immense efforts have been made by all healthcare staff since the onset of the pandemic which has not gone unrecognised.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (823, 824)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:823. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide the full membership of the Sláintecare programme board; the dates at which it has met since its inception; the date at which the next meeting will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6315/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPádraig Rice
Ceist:824. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if the minutes of all meetings of the Sláintecare programme board have been published; if so, to provide a link to the place in which they are collated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6316/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 823 and 824 together.
Primary responsibility for the effective delivery of Sláintecare rests with the Sláintecare Programme Board, co-chaired by the Secretary-General of the Department of Health and CEO of the HSE. Membership of the Board also joint leads of the reform projects from the Department’s Management Board and the HSE’s Senior Leadership Team as well as representatives from the Department of An Taoiseach and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Full membership of the Board is set out below.
The Programme Board has met sixteen times since its first meeting in December 2021 (dates of all meetings are set out below). The minutes of all meetings are published as a matter of course and can be found at this at this location www.gov.ie/en/publication/fbc36-slaintecare-programme-board/
The minutes are normally approved by the Board at each subsequent meeting and then published, i.e. the minutes of the Board meeting of 19 November 2024 are expected to be approved at the next scheduled meeting on 4 March 2025.
Programme Board Meetings
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
15 December |
14 February |
21 February |
12 March |
|
29 March |
21 March |
23 April |
|
|
8 June |
7 June |
11 June |
|
|
21 September |
19 September |
17 September |
|
|
15 November |
11 December |
19 November |
The current Programme Board members are:
|
Department of Health |
HSE |
Other |
|
Robert Watt Muiris O’Connor Mary Horgan (DoH)Derek Tierney (DoH)Louise McGirr (DoH)Siobhán McArdle (DoH)Niall Redmond (DoH)Rachel McKenna (DoH)Tracey Conroy (DoH) |
Bernard Gloster Damien McCallion Sandra Broderick Pat Healy Colm Henry |
Elizabeth Canavan (D/Taoiseach) Colm O Conaill (DCEDIY) |
Question No. 824 answered with Question No. 823.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (825)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:825. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of the Health Information Bill 2024; the timeline for proceeding to Committee Stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6317/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Information Bill 2024 is part of a suite of legislative measures to deliver on national health information policy and meet our obligations under the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation. It will provide a legislative basis for the introduction of digital health records for all patients in Ireland and facilitate appropriate sharing of patient information across healthcare settings.
The Health Information Bill was published in July 2024 and passed Dáil Second Stage in September 2024 before the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil. The Bill has now been restored to the Dáil Order Paper at Committee Stage and will be progressed as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (826)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:826. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on implementation of “Digital for Care—A Digital Health Framework for Ireland”, published in May 2024; if she intends to publish an accompanying implementation plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6318/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030 has been developed to reflect the rapidly changing landscape of health and social care in Ireland. The framework defines a Vision and Mission for Digital Health in Ireland. These are supported by six principles that describe how we will deliver on this vision, to guide investment and provide clear direction in building up strong digital health infrastructure and capabilities. These six strategic principles are as follows: Patient as an Empowered Partner, Workforce and Workplace, Digitally Enabled and Connected Care, Data Driven Services, Digital Health Ecosystem and Innovation and Digitally Secure Foundations and Digital Enablers. The Programme for Government underlines this ambition to continue to work towards the full digitisation of Irish healthcare records and information systems. The HSE published a corresponding Digital Health Strategic Implementation Roadmap 2024-2030 in July 2024 that provides details on the various initiatives under each of the six principles, and the programmes, systems and services that need to be put in place to bring about the level of digital transformation required of the health serviced.
A link to the implementation roadmap can be found here: https://about.hse.ie/publications/digital-for-care/
As part of the national service plan for 2025, the ICT Capital Plan has been aligned with the framework and associated HSE roadmap. The initiatives described in the plan are closely coupled with the six principles contained within the strategy, and the priorities for digital health in the coming year. Whilst we will continue to invest in core systems, infrastructure and building cyber resilience, digital health initiatives in 2025 will place a particular emphasis on patient engagement and empowerment through the use of digital channels and services, building capacity by developing virtual care wards, and provide more options for patients to avail of telehealth services.
With increased digital funding allocated to accelerate the pace of roll-out and implementation of digital health capabilities, Ireland can leverage the many benefits digitalisation offers from improving the quality of healthcare, equipping our healthcare workforce with the necessary digital capabilities to increase productivity and efficiency while enabling the health service plan for our future health needs.
The pace at which the HSE will deliver these programmes will depend on several critical factors, including the extent to which dedicated funding and resources become available. Delivery of the framework and associated programmes identified under the roadmap will require sustained investment from 2025 to 2030.
Ministerial Responsibilities
Ceisteanna (827)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:827. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a copy of the Departmental brief presented to her upon her appointment. [6321/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Awaiting reply from Department.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (828)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:828. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she will commit to reinstating the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccination Catch-Up Programme; if her Department has considered this proposal; the steps her Department has taken to advance it, if any; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6322/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative, it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection. Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage and protection. It is vital that, moving forward, the importance of receiving HPV vaccination when it is offered through the routine HPV vaccination programme is communicated effectively to the population and that there is no confusion over the optimum time to receive the vaccine.
With the aim of moving towards cervical cancer elimination in the coming years, it is important to focus on increasing vaccination uptake rates in the routine HPV vaccination programme. To eliminate cervical cancer, all countries must aim to ensure that 90% of girls are vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15 years.
The Laura Brennan HPV Vaccination Catch-Up Programme commenced on 8 December 2022 with the opening of the HSE’s online registration portal for the programme. In 2023, the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccination Catch-Up Programme offered free HPV vaccines to: - females who are 24 years of age or younger
- males who are 21 years of age or younger
Approximately 11,000 people received HPV vaccination through this programme.
In 2025, the HSE will run a pilot programme which will aim to support Ireland’s effort to eliminate cervical cancer by improving the HPV vaccination rates among underserved communities, including Traveller, Roma and Migrant groups living in Ireland. The pilot will seek to address the need of underserved communities to access HPV vaccination in the community and to provide access to targeted information and support that facilitates them to make an informed choice in relation to vaccination. Learnings from this pilot will be evaluated and taken into consideration for the planning of any further roll-out.
The HSE and my Department continue to work together to review available options in relation to provision of HPV immunisation in the future.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (829)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:829. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the timeline she is working towards in introducing legislation to further restrict vaping products; to outline her plans in respect of flavours and disposable vapes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6323/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Cabinet approval was given on 10 September to proposals for a Bill to further regulate nicotine inhaling products, including a complete ban on disposable vapes. Those proposals are now being drafted with the Office of the Attorney General. Once completed, the draft legislation will require notification at EU level under the Technical Standards Directive (Directive 2015/1535).
At this early stage in the legislative process, I do not have a timeline for the introduction of the measures in the Bill.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (830)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:830. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the case of a nursing home facing closure in Kerry (details supplied); the steps her Department has taken to find an appropriate solution which ensures that the facility remains open into the future; if the option of the HSE purchasing the facility has been considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6324/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (831)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:831. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide details in respect of the policies in place to ensure that people with autism are not discriminated against in mental health services; if she will provide information on the specific training provided to staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6326/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (832)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:832. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on free HRT scheme. [6330/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for this question. Menopause is an important health and wellbeing issue which has been prioritised as part of the Government’s commitment to improved women’s health outcomes. Much important work has been done in this area, driven by the Women’s Health Taskforce and the Women’s Health Action Plans, launched in 2022 and 2024.
The new Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future continues to emphasise this important commitment to improving women’s health outcomes and experiences.
Budget 2025 announced the intention to fund the cost of HRT products prescribed to a woman to help manage the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause. This new HRT measure represents another step to widen access to menopause related treatments and services and follows on from all the other developments that have taken place over several years.
On 5th November 2024 the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Bill 2024 passed all stages in the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law.
This legislation means that where a woman has been prescribed a HRT product by her healthcare provider to alleviate the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products will be met by the State. For the purpose of this measure, menopause means, in relation to a woman, the various stages for the treatment of menopause symptoms and includes perimenopause, post menopause, early menopause, premature menopause and medically induced menopause.
This measure will cover any HRT medications and products which are reimbursable by the HSE, which have been prescribed for the purposes of alleviating the symptoms of menopause. The cost of GP consultation fees and pharmacy dispensing fees are not included in the measure.
I met last week with the Irish Pharmacy Union to discuss my objectives for expanding and reforming community pharmacy more generally and for progressing the Budget 2025 HRT initiative. The Department of Health has engaged with both the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmacy Union in relation to the practical rollout of this measure. We will continue working to introduce this measure as soon as possible.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (833)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:833. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Health if her Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within her Department in 2024 and to date in 2025; if any section of her Department currently makes use of artificial intelligence; if she will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; if she has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI; if she will provide a schedule of consultants engaged and costs of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6340/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Training is currently being provided to a small number of staff regarding possible use cases of Generative Artificial Intelligence within our existing infrastructure, including improved efficiency and productivity. My Department spent approximately €3,000 last year, and will expect to spend approximately €8,000 in 2025 in respect of licences and training in this regard. My Department has an approved policy in place on the use of Gen AI which is based on recommendations from the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies and DPENDR’s Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service. The default approach is that Gen AI is not to be used for Departmental business, unless there is an approved business case that has completed the appropriate risk assessments. We have not formally engaged any consultancy firms but have met with firms to gain a better understanding of possible opportunities in the use of AI.