Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1137. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the work her Department has carried out to work towards the full digitisation of Irish healthcare records; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24076/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Modernisation and reform of the health service through the digitisation of services across health and social care is a key policy priority for Ireland. The Programme for Government acknowledges this and reaffirms the commitment of Government to ‘work towards the full digitalisation of Irish healthcare records and information systems.’

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 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: .

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.

The first public release of the HSE Health App on 25 February 2025 was a significant early milestone in our journey to digitise patient health records. There are further releases planned later this year. Through regular releases, this App will evolve to offer the public a safe, secure, and convenient way to access their personal health information, better manage their own health, provide access to trusted sources of information such as HSE Live, and enhance communication channels between patients and healthcare providers.

The pace at which the HSE will deliver digital technology programmes will depend on several critical factors, including the availability of dedicated funding and resources. Sustained investment from 2025 to 2030 will be required to realise the framework and associated programmes outlined in the implementation roadmap.

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.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1138. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the work her Department has carried out to establish a national system for electronic prescribing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24077/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The national ePrescribing system is being developed as part of the wider ePharmacy programme and is being delivered under the remit of the Health Service Executive. The programme is established, an ePrescribing project team is in place, being led by experienced pharmacists and supported by the technology team.

The project is preparing to go to market for a suitable vendor of the core system. Requirements have been developed and agreed. The procurement will be an open procurement and the project board has approved an open competitive dialogue process as most suitable in this instance. Preparations are complete with some legal aspects currently being addressed. It's likely procurements will extend into 2026.

ePrescribing is a very important foundational component of the future digital health landscape. The Department has been supporting of the work of the ePrescribing team throughout and participated in regular project board meetings. The Department also introduced changes to legislation in response to the pandemic when there was an immediate need to move from paper to electronic transfer of prescriptions (ETP) and in advance of full ePrescribing - which will replace ETP.