Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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198. To ask the Minister for Health if she has considered introducing access to oral immunotherapy for those with allergies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57550/25]

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.

Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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199. To ask the Minister for Health the work being carried out in her Department to improve access to EpiPens in local communities, schools, and childcare settings; and if she will consider including allergy awareness and response training as part of essential first aid programme requirements. [57551/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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In October 2015, the then Minister for Health signed The Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 449/2015) into effect. The regulations increase access to specified prescription-only medicines in an emergency including adrenaline. This allows for the administration of adrenaline for known or suspected anaphylaxis, to be administered by trained members of the public in emergency situations, without the need for a prescription. Of note, there is provision for organisations such as schools and workplaces to store these medications for the administration by a trained person.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland provide guidance on the implementation of this amendment for pharmacists and the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council has established a course for the education and training of persons to safely and competently administer adrenaline in an emergency.

There is a responsibility to ensure that medications are stored and administered safely and appropriately. Those with a known risk of anaphylaxis should carefully follow their doctor’s guidance regarding carrying an adrenaline pen (‘EpiPen’) on person.

Community pharmacies are among the most accessible and trusted healthcare providers in Ireland. The State recognises the importance of pharmacies being prepared to administer these medicines safely and effectively. This is reflected in the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 which establishes an Emergency Medicine Administration Preparedness Allowance. To recognise that community pharmacists are authorised to administer emergency medicines, and that this service is provided on an ad hoc basis requiring pharmacists to be trained and ready to respond, an annual recurring allowance of €525 will be made available to community pharmacy contractors, commencing in 2026.