Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the vacancy for primary care south Tipperary ophthalmologist following the planned retirement of the ophthalmologist in October 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23186/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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179. To ask the Minister for Health when she will publish terms of reference for the review of the physician associate grade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24150/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The 2025 HSE National Service Plan committed to an independent expert to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the Physician Assistant role internationally and make recommendations for standardisation, scope of practice, and appropriate deployment in Ireland.

The review will consider the benefits and value in the HSE Healthcare system of the role as well as potential risks. The reviewer will give due cognisance to the matters raised and lessons learned in other jurisdictions where this role was introduced.

The assessment of the Physician Assistant role, including the publication of the terms of reference, is a service matter and I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.