Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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565. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department plans to provide for the delivery of free cardiovascular health checks in pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52994/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. It remains a leading cause of death in Ireland and significant hospital bed days. CVD claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Ireland in 2023 and is estimated to cost the Irish state €1.7 billion annually, with 46% of this being direct healthcare costs.

Ireland has made progress in tackling CVD. Today, CVD mortality is about half of the levels of 1995. CVD still accounts for 27.8% of all deaths in Ireland. However, the absolute number of CVD cases has increased due to the rise in population and Ireland’s ageing demographics. CVD imposes significant social and personal costs for patients including reduced quality of life, and potential lost earnings.

CVD and its management are prioritised through national policy, strategies, and clinical programmes, which include models of care for stroke, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure and chronic disease management.

The Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future commits to enhancing patient care and timely access by building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy to develop a more ambitious plan.

On 8th April 2025, the National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services was published. This comprehensive, evidence-based report provides 23 key recommendations to inform future cardiac health policy. It offers both a data-driven analysis and a clear roadmap for reforming cardiac services across the country.

My officials are now working closely with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to progress the implementation of these recommendations. This is a complex, multiyear reform programme that will ensure a comprehensive and deliverable approach in achieving outcomes. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.

Technological advances in medical tests and associated medical devices have facilitated the increased provision of testing services in pharmacy for patient diagnosis, monitoring and screening. The appropriate use of such tests and medical devices by pharmacists has the capacity to increase patient access to these services, to allow for patient screening, to improve public health and to enhance inter-professional collaboration.

Earlier detection, prevention and improved management of patients’ medical conditions can also be achieved through the responsible use of such tests. However, in order to maximise patient outcomes and ensure patient safety, the provision of such services and any related information must be in accordance with best practice standards.

In the provision of these services, it is essential that patients’ expectations of the standard of care provided by their pharmacist are met and that they can be assured of the quality, accuracy and reliability of such testing.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the pharmacy regulator, has produced guidance on the provision of testing services in pharmacies. This guidance supports pharmacy owners and pharmacists in the provision of safe and effective testing services whether provided in the pharmacy by the pharmacist or supplied for home use. It can be found at the following link: www.psi.ie/practice-supports/guidance-and-guidelines-pharmacists-and-pharmacies/guidance-provision-testing

The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 has been delivered following extensive negotiations between the Department, the HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

The Agreement sets out a comprehensive and ongoing pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Ireland’s healthcare services. It supports the delivery of safe, equitable, and efficient healthcare, and ensures community pharmacists are better equipped to contribute to national health priorities through structured engagement, sustainable funding, and integrated service delivery.

The Agreement will be implemented on a phased basis and will be supported by structured engagements between the Department, the HSE and the IPU. The Agreement is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/community-pharmacy-agreement-2025/