David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

593. To ask the Minister for Health the net cost of a 1% shift in favour of advanced nurse practitioners within the nursing workforce; the training cost; and the number of nurses this would relate to. [28686/25]

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

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

594. To ask the Minister for Health the annual expenditure on HIQA since 2020, in tabular form. [28687/25]

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

Please see the annual expenditure from the Department of Health on HIQA since 2020 to the 27th May 2025 below, along with a copy attached.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

595. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated net additional cost of providing two rounds of publicly funded IVF. [28688/25]

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

As the Deputy's question relates to a service-related matter, I have referred it to the HSE for answer.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

596. To ask the Minister for Health the current budget provision for IVF. [28689/25]

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

As the Deputy would be aware, referrals for publicly-funded, privately-provided assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment commenced in September 2023. €30 million has been allocated on an annual basis to deliver access to AHR treatment via HSE-approved private providers for those who meet all the relevant criteria.

Over 2,300 couples have been referred to date by a Reproductive Specialist Consultant for AHR treatment following extensive investigations and/or secondary level treatment within the HSE-run Regional Fertility Hubs. Furthermore, the Hubs have successfully and directly managed thousands more patients presenting with fertility-related issues who have been referred by their GP. Not all couples experiencing fertility challenges actually require such advanced and invasive interventions as IVF.

I want to reassure the Deputy that my Department and the Government are focused, through the full implementation of the Model of Care for Fertility, on ensuring that patients receive care at the appropriate level of clinical intervention and then those requiring, and eligible for, advanced AHR treatment such as IVF will be able to access same through the public health system.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

598. To ask the Minister for Health the net additional cost of providing full emergency cardiac services at University Hospital Waterford. [28691/25]

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

Government is committed to progressing cardiac services at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) and has invested significantly in providing the resources required to support the delivery of enhanced and extended cardiac services. Construction projects with a total cost of €64 million have been completed at UHW. Part of this investment has been a significant focus on developing cardiac services, particularly cardiac catheterisation laboratory services at UHW.

In 2018, a second cardiac catheterisation laboratory was approved for UHW. The second Cath Lab opened on 4th of September 2023 and operates 5 days per week Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. 24 posts were provided to support the opening of the second cath lab. In September 2022, the opening hours for the original cath lab were extended to 8 am – 8 pm, Monday to Friday.

In March 2024, the Government announced funding for additional staff to extend cardiac catheterisation lab services to weekends from 8 am to 8 pm. After a successful recruitment campaign and discussions with the clinical teams, the 7-day service went live on March 18th, 2025. The Minister for Health is now asking the HSE to further extend the opening hours so that UHW can provide pPCI services 24/7.

Costs associated with further extension of cardiac services at UHW are part of a broader reform and development of cardiac services nationally; these reflect the ongoing commitment by the Government in advancing cardiac care for the residents of Waterford and the Southeast Region.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

599. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing the new National Rare Disease strategy. [28692/25]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, a National Rare Disease Steering Group was established in December 2023 and was tasked with developing a successor to the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland 2014-2018.

The National Rare Disease Steering Group have concluded their work and have presented the new National Rare Disease Strategy 2025-2030 to me for consideration and approval. Once approved, the Strategy will be officially launched and published, following which implementation will commence.

As part of the Strategy’s recommendations, the Steering Group has recommended the establishment of an Implementation Oversight Group (IOG). The IOG will develop an implementation plan outlining the actions and resources required to deliver on the Strategy’s recommendations.

Funding of €1.5m was provided in Budget 2025 to support rare disease services in 2025, with a further €5m provided to support the implementation of the Strategy once published.

Regarding the estimated cost of implementing the new Strategy, while the full cost is not yet clear, more detailed costing will be a key component of the IOG’s Implementation Plan and funding will be sought through the annual services planning process to support the full implementation of the Strategy.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

600. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of implementing the new national adult palliative care policy. [28693/25]

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

As part of the current Programme for Government, we will ‘continue to invest in palliative care to achieve full national coverage of hospice and community services. We will also continue to fund our National Adult Palliative Care Policy.’

Delivering on these commitments, €10 million was allocated in 2025 to progress specific national palliative care policy initiatives. Costings have been estimated at €108 million over seven years. The costing is not definitive and will be adjusted as detailed project proposals are presented through normal service planning cycles. Costings will be informed by the findings of developments in the sector and specific research work which is planned to inform decision making and service planning for palliative care in the coming years

The National Adult Palliative Care Policy is the first such strategy in this area in over 20 years. The policy has been developed to facilitate high-quality, patient-centred palliative care through an integrated approach across primary, acute, and social care settings. The policy aims to bring about improvement, transformation, and change to ensure universal access to palliative care for people with life-limiting conditions and their families. It does so through four strategic objectives under the Sláintecare pillars of: Right Care; Right Place and Time; Right People; and Good Governance. There are 25 recommendations and 104 associated activities.

The government will continue to prioritise our palliative care services, working towards the highest possible quality of end-of-life care and support for people with life limiting illnesses across the country.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

601. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of implementing the HSE Climate Action Strategy. [28694/25]

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

As this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for attention and direct reply to him.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

602. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of fully funding the Traveller Health Action Plan. [28695/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

603. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of fully funding all existing national strategies and such policies, in tabular form; and the funding allocated to date for each strategy or policy, by year. [28696/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

604. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of 100 older person day service places. [28697/25]

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

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

605. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated revenue and capital cost associated with the set-up of a new Jigsaw centre, in tabular form; and the whole-time equivalent staffing requirements. [28698/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

606. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of an additional community CAMHS team, CAMHS-ID team, and early intervention in psychosis team, in tabular form; and the WTE staffing required. [28699/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

607. To ask the Minister for Health the current and capital cost of ten eating disorder inpatient beds, in tabular form. [28700/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

608. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost, revenue and capital, and staffing requirements for implementing the eating disorder services model of care in full. [28701/25]

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

The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded.

The HSE spends over €9 million on eating disorders services annually. As a result, access to eating disorder services is increasing, with 25% more assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 vs 449). Approximately 100 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day. Enhancement for specialist mental health services including eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Under funding secured for Budget 2025, there will be two new eating disorder teams operational by the end of this year. These comprise of an adult team in the Midlands, and a CAMHS team in the Mid West.

With reference to the future cost for the requirements for implementing the eating disorder Model of Care in full, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply as it is an operational issue.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

609. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of the full rollout of the self-harm and suicide reduction programme, by measure, in tabular form; and the cost of the full and appropriate provision of SCAN nurses at each emergency department and the number of existing and required nurses, by location. [28702/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

610. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of full implementation of the ADHD in Adult National Clinical Programme. [28703/25]

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

ADHD 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 8 teams funded, with 7 teams are currently operational and one team in recruitment. Additional funding has been provided in Budget 2025 to roll out all further teams envisaged in the Model of Care.

In relation to the future costs to implement the ADHD Programme, as this is an operational matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

611. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of funding two WTE consultant liaison psychiatrists, net of existing whole-time equivalents, in every emergency department (ED), in tabular form; and the number of existing WTE at each ED. [28704/25]

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

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

612. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of full delivery of the all-island mother and baby perinatal mental health unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital. [28705/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

613. To ask the Minister for Health the annual expenditure on the school dental screening programme; the number of children screened; the estimated number of children who are eligible for a screening who do not receive a screening; and the estimated expenditure should every eligible child receive a screening and the typical level of care provided on average. [28706/25]

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

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

614. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of providing 1,000 publicly funded rounds of IVF. [28707/25]

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

As the Deputy's question relates to a service-related matter, I have referred it to the HSE for answer.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

615. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of increasing National Ambulance Service staffing by 10; the number of new posts this would create; and the unit cost, by grade. [28708/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

616. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of increasing the National Ambulance Service fleet by 10%; and the number of vehicles this would involve, by type. [28709/25]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 615 and 616 together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

618. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of implementing the National Ambulance Service’s strategic plan and workforce plan. [28711/25]

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

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

619. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of fully implementing the neuro-rehabilitation implementation framework, by measure, in tabular form. [28712/25]

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

This PQ should be directed to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality as the topic raised in this PQ is under their remit.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

621. To ask the Minister for Health the expenditure on private community optometry services for children; the details of existing schemes; and the cost to standardise such schemes and payments across all health areas. [28715/25]

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

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.