Written answers

Monday, 8 September 2025

Department of Health

Hospital Appointments Status

Photo of Paul LawlessPaul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

2060. To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44518/25]

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

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

2061. To ask the Minister for Health if she will investigate a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44519/25]

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Office has addressed the matter raised through direct correspondence, and has advised that the Department of Health does not have access to the requested information regarding the individual concerned. However, consideration may be given to contacting one or more of the following:

  • The local HSE Safeguarding and Protection Team, if a person has a concern about the safeguarding of an adult at risk within a health or social care service (contact details for these Teams are available at: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/socialcare/safeguardingvulnerableadults/safeguarprotectteams.html).
  • The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), if a person has a concern regarding a centre regulated by HIQA (e.g. a nursing home) – by email at concerns@HIQA.ie or by telephone at 021 240 9646.
  • The Patient Advocacy Service (PAS), which provides a free, independent and confidential advocacy service to assist people to make a complaint about the care they or a family member has experienced in a nursing home. PAS can be contacted by telephone at 0818 293 003.
In relation to possible policy or legislative changes relevant to adult safeguarding, this Department is at an advanced stage of finalising a new national policy on adult safeguarding for the health and social care sector. Subject to its approval by the Government, this policy and any related legislation will extend across the entire sector, including all public, private and voluntary healthcare services and social care services.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.