Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1237. To ask the Minister for Health to provide the most recent estimates, of the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and high cholesterol among adults over 65, by age cohort; if she accepts the findings of the report (details supplied) which indicates rates of 36% and 45% respectively; and the measures being taken to address this “critical unmet need.” [48352/25]

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.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1238. To ask the Minister for Health if she has considered establishing a national cardiovascular and metabolic screening programme for older adults, with particular emphasis on hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol, in light of evidence of widespread undiagnosed illness. [48353/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1244. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has conducted cost-benefit analyses of proactive screening and early intervention in older adults, compared to the cost burden of late-stage illness such as stroke, cancer, and heart disease, resulting from untreated hypertension and high cholesterol. [48359/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1238 and 1244 together.

As Minister for Health, I am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people and improving the overall health of our population.

I would emphasise that any proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister.

The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.

In relation to work currently being progressed by NSAC, I am pleased to note that the final reports from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on two separate Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes to consider the potential introduction of a population-based screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in men aged 60 and the proposed expansion of the BowelScreen programme to those aged 50-54, are due to be submitted to NSAC for consideration in advance of their meetings in October and December 2025 respectively. I look forward to receiving recommendations from the Committee on both over the coming months.

In addition to this, I would highlight that at the request of NSAC, HIQA has commenced three new HTA processes to examine the evidence for proposed expansions to the BreastCheck programme, the potential introduction of a screening programme for Familial Hypercholesterolemia and calls for the addition of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) to the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme.

HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies in order to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. They are time-intensive and rigorous processes.

NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite proposals from all stakeholders and organisations, including members of the public, the HSE and other medical professionals, for the introduction of new screening programmes or changes to existing programmes. The 2025 Call for Submissions was launched in June and closed on 12 September 2025. The Committee will consider all submissions received at its upcoming meetings.

Finally, I would like to emphasise that screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional immediately.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1239. To ask the Minister for Health the current ratio of consultant geriatricians to population over 70; how this compares to international best practice; and what expansion of geriatric medicine is planned in view of the doubling of Ireland’s older population over the next 25 years. [48354/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The HSE have been asked to reply to the Deputy directly.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1240. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which her Department has considered a formal role for community pharmacists in screening, monitoring, and referral of older adults with chronic conditions, as recommended by a report (details supplied); and if any pilot schemes have been evaluated. [48355/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As recently announced, there has been a successful conclusion of talks between the State and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) on a new Community Pharmacy Agreement. See .

The Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) 2025 has been delivered following extensive negotiations between the Department, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the IPU. The Agreement sets out a comprehensive and ongoing pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Ireland’s healthcare services.

The CPA 2025 supports commitments to expand pharmacy services, provides new investment in the sector, supports value for money and modernisation and digital reform. The Agreement will be implemented on a phased basis and will be supported by structured engagements between the Department, HSE and the IPU.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1241. To ask the Minister for Health the number of older adults hospitalised due to falls and fractures in each of the past five years; the percentage of these patients receiving structured falls-prevention or rehabilitation programmes; and whether her Department accepts the reported rise in fall-related hospitalisations from 24% to 31% as identified in recent research. [48356/25]

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.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1242. To ask the Minister for Health the proportion of older adults reporting chronic pain who currently receive pain management treatment under the public health system; the specialised pain services that exist at HSE level; and whether gaps identified by a report (details supplied) will be addressed in the upcoming service plan. [48357/25]

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.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1243. To ask the Minister for Health the proportion of older adults who present with clinically significant depressive symptoms; the share of those who receive timely access to mental health supports; and whether her Department has set specific targets for improving access to geriatric psychiatry and psychological services. [48358/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Enhancement of specialist mental health services including mental health services for older people is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government , and the HSE.

Mental health policy is guided by Sharing the Vision the national mental health policy , which promotes tailored, community-based services for older adults and better integration between primary care and specialist mental health teams. Over 30 Psychiatry Later Life Teams are currently in operation, and the Model of Care for Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People is being implemented on a phased basis, with five demonstration sites delivering liaison psychiatry services. Expansion of these services is ongoing, with additional teams planned based on identified needs and staffing gaps.

With reference to the specific additional information requested, as this relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1245. To ask the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to combat social isolation and loneliness among older adults, in view of recent research highlighting both the health risks and the preventability of loneliness. [48360/25]

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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National Mental Health Promotion Plan

The first National Mental Health Promotion Plan for Ireland was launched in December 2024. It was informed by national and international evidence and provides the foundation for the programme of work that will be required to deliver on the high-level goals and objectives aimed at promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for the whole population.

The Plan contains six high-level goals (with associated actions), two of which specifically aim to address loneliness and social exclusion.

A National Policy Lead for Mental Health Promotion within Department of Health was appointed in September 2025. The priority for 2025 is engagement with other government Departments to finalise actions and agree timelines for implementation.

Men’s Sheds/Sheds for Life

Men’s Sheds provide a space for men to come together, learn new skills and socialise with their peers. Healthy Ireland and the HSE supports the National Office for the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) which exists to support the growth and sustainability of men’s sheds on the island of Ireland and the Sheds for Life Programme, which focuses on improving the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the shedders. This includes the provision of resources, health and wellbeing programmes and men’s health information.

Social prescribing

Social prescribing recognises that health is heavily determined by social factors such as poverty, isolation and loneliness. Social prescribing offers GPs and other health professionals a means of referring people to a range of non-clinical community supports which can have significant benefits for their overall health and wellbeing. HSE-funded Social Prescribing services are now available in over 44 locations around the country. These services are delivered in partnership with community and voluntary organisations such as Family Resource Centres and Local Development Companies. The HSE Social Prescribing Framework outlines how social prescribing can be mainstreamed and integrated within the HSE. In 2024, 4,714 adults accessed social prescribing services across the country. The majority of participants (59%) were referred as a result of loneliness or social isolation.

Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme

The goal of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme is to improve the long-term health and wellbeing of 19 communities across Ireland. The programme takes a place-based approach to tackling health inequalities with a focus on the determinants of health. Health inequality impacts on life expectancy, the risk of chronic disease and the general health of a person. The significant investment under the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme allow us to work in partnership with local authorities and local community groups to further enhance supports for tobacco cessation, healthy eating, parenting and social prescribing in the area. This investment and partnership approach will empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices to improve their overall physical and mental health and wellbeing.

As part of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Social Prescribing link workers have been employed by local community organisations to deliver an integrated social prescribing service with clear referral pathways from GPs, Mental Health Services, Primary Care and Older People’s Services in each of the 19 areas. People can also self-refer to these programmes and service. The aim is to empower individuals to access a range of community-based options and health service programmes and services to improve their health and wellbeing.

Meals on Wheels and Day Care Services:

There are currently 318 Meals on Wheels Organisations (based on Quarter One 2025 data) who are funded to deliver 2.7 million meals in 2025. They operate across the country delivering on average 236,000 meals monthly to 18,000 clients monthly, 281 are Grant Aided and 37 are HSE Services.

Meals on Wheels funding has increased by close to 80% over the last number of years, from €3.5m in 2022, to a current budget of €6.25m for 2025.

An additional €10 million in capital funding was also recently made available for the Community Capital Funding initiative to support improvements to service provision for HSE-funded Meals on Wheels and Day Centers. This supported capital projects such as upgrades to kitchens for increased food production and quality and food safety improvements at these sites.

There are approximately 313 Day Care services in operation across the country with approximately 15,657 service users registered who avail of these services nationally.

These supports complements other services like home support which are essential to ensuring older people are supported appropriately in our communities.

Since its establishment, the Meals on Wheels service has been an invaluable resource in helping older people in our communities to maintain their health and independence through the provision of healthy meals.

The importance of the service and the social benefits both to the client and the wider community is clear, with the Meals on Wheels service proving itself to be a vital resource in many rural communities.

Day Centres are also a crucial part of social care provision in our communities, providing invaluable support for people who may, for any number of reasons, be experiencing isolation and loneliness. Currently day care services are provided across the country by private, voluntary and HSE funded Day Care centres across the country.

Home Support Services

Demand for home support continues to increase due to population growth and the increasing dependency of the growing numbers of people aged ≥80years.

In Budget 2025 the investment in older person services was raised to close to €3 billion for this year. This represents an increase of approximately €349 million on the comparable Budget 2024 figure.

This additional funding has allowed for a significant increase in the funding for home support services for older people which has increased from €495 million in 2020 to approximately €840 million in 2025. The delivery of home support hours has increased from 17.9 million hours in 2019 to approximately 24.3 million hours, including complex home support in 2025, supporting circa 60,000 people by the year end.

Mental Health Services

Mental health service developments are guided by Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, Ireland’s national mental health policy. This framework emphasizes the need for tailored mental health services for older adults, including better integration between specialist psychiatry of later life teams and general primary care services. The policy advocates for community-based approaches to care that address not only clinical needs but also social isolation, physical health and loneliness—significant factors affecting mental health in older age.

Ongoing work includes the development of integrated care pathways between primary care and mental health services, including consultation-liaison psychiatry, shared care models, promoting evidence-based digital mental health interventions in the general population and with older persons, efforts to better address the physical health needs of people accessing specialist mental health services within the primary care context, and linking recommendations with the ongoing Commission on Care for Older People.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1246. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has assessed the adequacy of existing community support schemes such as the senior alert scheme, meals on wheels and befriending services in view of evidence from a report (details supplied) that social interaction plays a decisive role in maintaining health and independence. [48361/25]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Budget 2025 saw a significant increase in investment in the area of Older Persons Services, with the total budget for this year being close to €3 billion. This represents a year on year funding increase for older person services by approximately €349 million from over €2.6 billion in Budget 2024. As a government we are committed to supporting older people to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and to increasing the level of support available in our communities for Older People. This is a key priority for me and for the Government.

Older People in our community can avail of a number of community-based supports such as Home Support services, Day Care Services, Senior Alert scheme and Meals on Wheels services. These services provide valuable health support to their clients and also offer a social outlet which can be particularly beneficial to those living in rural communities.

Improving access and expanding these services has been a key priority for this government with funding for Home Support services increasing to circa €838 million. This represents the largest budget ever allocated for this service. This increased investment will see home support and complex home support hours delivery increase to approximately 24.3 million hours in 2025, supporting circa 60,000 people by the year end.

Improving access to community-based supports such as Meals on Wheels services is a priority for this Government. This support complements other services like home support and day care services which are essential to ensuring older people are supported appropriately in our communities by delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time. The Programme for Government commits to increasing funding for the national Meals on Wheels network and developing a plan to ensure there are supported providers in every town in the country. Meals on Wheels funding has increased by close to 80% over the last number of years, from €3.5m in 2022, to a current budget of €6.25m for 2025.

Additionally in 2024, €10 million in capital funding was made available for the Community Capital Funding initiative to support improvements to service provision for HSE-funded Meals on Wheels and Day Centres. This supported capital projects such as upgrades to kitchens for increased food production and quality and food safety improvements at these sites which it is hoped will help with the delivery of these services into the future.

Currently, There are approximately 318 Meals on Wheels Organisations operating across the country who are funded to deliver 2.7 million meals in 2025. They operate across the country delivering on average 236,000 meals monthly to approximately 18,000 clients monthly.

Day Care services are another key community support in place which support approximately 15,657 registered service users across the country. These Day Care Centres play a crucial role in our communities, providing invaluable support for people who may, for any number of reasons, be experiencing isolation and loneliness.

Another resource to support Older People in our communities is the Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) which is a scheme to support eligible people aged 65 years or older to get a monitored personal alarm. The alarm enables people who are eligible to continue to live securely in their homes giving them confidence and peace of mind. This Scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and administered by Pobal. Eligible people can apply for equipment available through their local community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisation registered with Pobal to administer the Seniors Alert Scheme.

Along with these valuable community supports the Government has also funded a number of positive initiatives to support Older People in our communities to support positive Mental Health.

Mental health service developments are guided by Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, Ireland’s national mental health policy. This framework emphasizes the need for tailored mental health services for older adults, including better integration between specialist psychiatry of later life teams and general primary care services. The policy advocates for community-based approaches to care that address not only clinical needs but also social isolation, physical health and loneliness—significant factors affecting mental health in older age. Ongoing work includes the development of integrated care pathways between primary care and mental health services, including consultation-liaison psychiatry, shared care models, promoting evidence-based digital mental health interventions in the general population and with older persons, efforts to better address the physical health needs of people accessing specialist mental health services within the primary care context, and linking recommendations with the ongoing Commission on Care for Older People.

Additionally through the HSE’s Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programme, ALONE delivers two types of Support and Befriending Services and Assistive Technology.

1. Visitation Support and Befriending (VSB): This service provides companionship and practical support to older people who would like extra social contact through a weekly volunteer visit. It is designed to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, help solve everyday problems, and enable older people to feel secure at home. This involves assisting with phone calls, accessing information online and offline, supporting with basic daily tasks, assisting with technology and supporting the older person to attend local activities and integrate with their local community.
2. Telephone Support and Befriending (TSB): This is a free support and information service for older people. Volunteers provide personal daily or weekly contact, depending on needs, to ensure that recipients are safe and well in their home. This includes providing companionship and support such as appointment reminders, and information on local activities and relevant initiatives.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1247. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which her Department is supporting the expansion of community-based hubs for older people combining social interaction, meals, advice services, and outreach, as a preventive measure against ill-health and loneliness. [48365/25]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Budget 2025 saw a significant increase in investment in the area of Older Persons Services, with the total budget for this year being close to €3 billion. This represents a year on year funding increase for older person services by approximately €349 million from over €2.6 billion in Budget 2024. As a government we are committed to supporting older people to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and to increasing the level of support available in our communities for Older People. This is a key priority for me and for the Government.

Older People in our community can avail of a number of community-based supports such as Home Support services, Day Care Services, Senior Alert scheme and Meals on Wheels services. These services provide valuable health support to their clients and also offer a social outlet which can be particularly beneficial to those living in rural communities.

Improving access and expanding these services has been a key priority for this government with funding for Home Support services increasing to circa €838 million. This represents the largest budget ever allocated for this service. This increased investment will see home support and complex home support hours delivery increase to approximately 24.3 million hours in 2025, supporting circa 60,000 people by the year end.

Improving access to community-based supports such as Meals on Wheels services is a priority for this Government. This support complements other services like home support and day care services which are essential to ensuring older people are supported appropriately in our communities by delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time. The Programme for Government commits to increasing funding for the national Meals on Wheels network and developing a plan to ensure there are supported providers in every town in the country. Meals on Wheels funding has increased by close to 80% over the last number of years, from €3.5m in 2022, to a current budget of €6.25m for 2025.

Additionally in 2024, €10 million in capital funding was made available for the Community Capital Funding initiative to support improvements to service provision for HSE-funded Meals on Wheels and Day Centres. This supported capital projects such as upgrades to kitchens for increased food production and quality and food safety improvements at these sites which it is hoped will help with the delivery of these services into the future.

Currently, There are approximately 318 Meals on Wheels Organisations operating across the country who are funded to deliver 2.7 million meals in 2025. They operate across the country delivering on average 236,000 meals monthly to approximately 18,000 clients monthly.

Day Care services are another key community support in place which support approximately 15,657 registered service users across the country. These Day Care Centres play a crucial role in our communities, providing invaluable support for people who may, for any number of reasons, be experiencing isolation and loneliness.

Another resource to support Older People in our communities is the Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) which is a scheme to support eligible people aged 65 years or older to get a monitored personal alarm. The alarm enables people who are eligible to continue to live securely in their homes giving them confidence and peace of mind. This Scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and administered by Pobal. Eligible people can apply for equipment available through their local community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisation registered with Pobal to administer the Seniors Alert Scheme.

Along with these valuable community supports the Government has also funded a number of positive initiatives to support Older People in our communities to support positive Mental Health.

Mental health service developments are guided by Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, Ireland’s national mental health policy. This framework emphasizes the need for tailored mental health services for older adults, including better integration between specialist psychiatry of later life teams and general primary care services. The policy advocates for community-based approaches to care that address not only clinical needs but also social isolation, physical health and loneliness—significant factors affecting mental health in older age. Ongoing work includes the development of integrated care pathways between primary care and mental health services, including consultation-liaison psychiatry, shared care models, promoting evidence-based digital mental health interventions in the general population and with older persons, efforts to better address the physical health needs of people accessing specialist mental health services within the primary care context, and linking recommendations with the ongoing Commission on Care for Older People.

Additionally through the HSE’s Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programme, ALONE delivers two types of Support and Befriending Services and Assistive Technology.

1. Visitation Support and Befriending (VSB): This service provides companionship and practical support to older people who would like extra social contact through a weekly volunteer visit. It is designed to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, help solve everyday problems, and enable older people to feel secure at home. This involves assisting with phone calls, accessing information online and offline, supporting with basic daily tasks, assisting with technology and supporting the older person to attend local activities and integrate with their local community.
2. Telephone Support and Befriending (TSB): This is a free support and information service for older people. Volunteers provide personal daily or weekly contact, depending on needs, to ensure that recipients are safe and well in their home. This includes providing companionship and support such as appointment reminders, and information on local activities and relevant initiatives.