Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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1332. To ask the Minister for Health the timeline for the development and publication of a national cardiovascular strategy; if this strategy will take into account the recent review of cardiac services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48962/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government 2025 outlines this Government’s commitment to improving public health, including building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy.

On April 8th, the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services was published. The Review provides a detailed, evidence-driven analysis of cardiac services across the Country. A wide range of stakeholders - clinical, patient and public - were consulted as part of this review. The HSE are currently developing the implementation strategy for the Review’s recommendations which I expect in the coming weeks.

The Review facilitates the development of a new national cardiovascular strategy. This will take time to develop and will require significant reform to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.

Cardiovascular health is a major pillar of the health funding announced as part of Budget 2025. This included over €9 million in full-year costs to support important cardiovascular health initiatives, including €4m and 45 posts for cardiac services. €5m were allocated towards the National Stroke Strategy, which will provide 56 WTEs to strengthen Acute Stroke units and expand the Early Supported Discharge Team network from 11- 15 teams nationally. This funding has enabled initial reform in cardiac services and continued delivery of the National Stroke Strategy. The investment will also support the development of a new cardiovascular strategy in the longer term.