Teresa Costello
Agricultural Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“For example, in Tallaght, Firhouse and Ballyroan, people are telling me that the road and junction narrowing has led to increased congestion, longer journey times and frustration on the part of motorists, while also making it more difficult for buses, delivery vehicles and larger vehicles to navigate safely.”
“Likewise, long-acting reversible contraception such as implants and intrauterine devices will continue to be provided through appropriately trained medical professionals. These safeguards ensure that patient safety remains at the heart of this new service. The legislation represents good use of public resources.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here today. Over the past few years and during my time as a councillor, there have been many changes to the roads in my area. It led me to ask the Minister to undertake a comprehensive review of the design manual for urban roads and streets, commonly known as DMURS.”
“I am not the first to raise this and I will not be the last but I am constantly receiving reports - one as recently as this morning - about the huge number of dumped nitrous oxide canisters in the community. If there is a car park that does not have a gate on it is left full of these. I have had to clear up car parks with people.”
“While I acknowledge the council's position, many local people's lived experience has been different from what has been said about DMURS. We are seeing queues building up at peak times, greater difficulty accessing side roads and a road network that is becoming less efficient for everyone who depends on it.”
“I looked at one particular junction where cars were constantly overshooting white lines. It was very confusing and difficult for motorists. The proposed removal of village car parking under DMURS creates significant challenges.”
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“It tells them they are approaching a crossing point, identifies potential hazards and helps them to navigate independently. When tactile paving varies from one location to another, that information becomes less reliable. One issue Vincent highlighted repeatedly was that many blind people feel they are constantly forced to second-guess themselves. When standing at a crossing, they should know immediately that they have arrived at a crossing point. They should not have to stop and question whether the paving beneath their feet is intended to indicate a crossing or whether it is simply another type of paving finish. Vincent pointed to the tactile paving outside the Maldron Hotel on the N81 in Tallaght as the best example he has encountered anywhere in this country.”
“What stuck out for me was inconsistency. Within a short walking distance, different types of tactile paving were in use. As Vincent explained, some were easy to detect and provided clear information, while others were not as noticeable. For a sighted person, this may seem like a minor issue, but for a blind person, it can mean the difference between feeling safe and confident or feeling uncertain and vulnerable. This is why I am asking the Minister of State whether there is an agreed national specification or standard for the sourcing and installation of tactile paving slabs and dished crossings across Ireland. Tactile paving is not simply a different type of surface. For blind and visually impaired people, it provides essential information.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here. I welcome the opportunity to raise this important issue concerning tactile paving, dished crossings and the safety of blind and visually impaired people when navigating our streets and communities. I am raising this matter on behalf of one of my constituents from Tallaght, Mr. Vincent Stack, who is part of an organisation called Voice of Vision Impairment. Mr. Stack is blind, and to better understand his concerns, I walked a number of routes with him in Tallaght so I could experience first-hand the challenges blind people face every day. I can tell the House now that it was a nerve-wracking experience for me. To be honest, I had never heard of tactile paving and I had never really given much consideration to the obstacles faced by people with visual impairments.”
“The drugs group could make a recommendation to the senior leadership team in the HSE, which is the final decision-making authority, or can refer it for further review to the technical review committee for rare diseases. I am running out of time. These people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are running out of time, as are the people with Friedreich's ataxia. These are muscle wasting diseases. Two drugs are available that can halt the damage being done and preserve these people's dignity. I am passionate about this and desperately want these drugs to be available to these people.”
“On 6 June 2025, givinostat received European Medicines Agency, EMA, approval. In July 2025, the manufacturer submitted it for reimbursement in Ireland. In August, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE, initiated a full health technology assessment, HTA. In September, pre-submission consultation took place. In November, patient submissions were gathered by advocacy groups. In January, the full HTA dossier was submitted. In March, the NCPE completed its assessment and stated reimbursement could not be recommended unless cost-effectiveness improved. That sounds harsh but it was not the final decision. In March, commercial negotiations began. On 10 June, tomorrow, this medicine comes before the drugs group.”
“I want to speak once again about givinostat and the urgent need for Irish boys living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to finally gain access to that drug. Tomorrow marks an important point in the reimbursement process and on Thursday, 11 June, it will be exactly one year since the day we gathered outside and inside Leinster House to explain and show the reality for people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Those families are still waiting for access to givinostat. Duchenne is the most common and one of the most severe genetic conditions diagnosed in childhood. It almost exclusively affect boys and causes progressive muscle-wasting, loss of mobility, heart disease and respiratory failure, and it ultimately shortens lives. Time is something these boys do not have. I will go through the timeline quickly.”
“There is a drug, Skyclarys, for Friedreich's ataxia and givinostat for Duchenne's. Without these, these children will waste away. These children will not get to realise their dreams and hopes. With these drugs, they can continue to have their independence, their mobility, their voice and their dignity. I urge the decision makers to make these available. We need these drugs in Ireland for these children.”
“The second event was the opening of a new woodwork room at Rosary College in Kimmage. It is a state-of-the-art facility. The investment in practical education will give students the opportunity to develop valuable hands-on skills, creativity, confidence and pathways into future careers and apprenticeships. Facilities such as this are more than a classroom. It is about giving young people the tools to build their future. I looked at some of the creations the sixth years had on display and the standard was unbelievable. I stood in both rooms and could see possibility and bright futures. It reinforced what investment in young people can do. Talking about investment in young people, I did not have such a good experience yesterday. I met with families and young people affected by Friedreich's ataxia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.”
“In the past week, I attended two very different but equally inspiring events that highlighted the importance of investing in our young people, not only financially but with time, and the impact that can have on their lives and communities. The first was Citywise Education awards night in Tallaght. It was a celebration of achievement, commitment and community spirit. A special mention must go to Elizabeth Valentine, who was recognised as volunteer of the year. Her award reflected the incredible contribution volunteers make. The evening was a reminder that when young people are surrounded by encouragement, mentorship and opportunity, they thrive. It was a room full of friendships and acceptance and everybody was just so happy to see each other succeed. It was heartwarming.”
“As we mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we should honour the women who carried those traditions forward, support the women farming today and inspire the next generation to see agriculture not as something from the past, but as one of the most important and rewarding careers for the future.”
“It is about sustainability, climate action, science, technology, biodiversity and food security. Women are increasingly leading in areas such as regenerative farming, agribusiness and environmental management. Agriculture offers meaningful work connected to people, place and community. As someone from Tallaght, with roots in Bohernabreena, I am proud to speak about agriculture because it is part of our local story too. This Tallaght girl does know a bit about agriculture because I come from people who understood the value of land, the dignity of hard work and the strength of the community.”
“I acknowledge the work of the Minister, and also the work of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, in recent years. Initiatives such as the women's farmer capital investment scheme with its enhanced grant supports, the national dialogue on women in agriculture, women-only knowledge transfer groups and the women in agriculture action plan were important and practical steps towards improving participation and recognition for women in farming. Those initiatives showed commitment to ensuring women are better supported across the agrifood sector. We must continue building on the progress because we also need to send a strong message to the young women, like Senator Brady's daughter, that agriculture is an exciting and rewarding career. Modern farming is innovative and forward-looking.”
“Even as Dublin expanded around it, families worked the land, supported their neighbours and built communities grounded in resilience and hard work. At the heart of all that were the women, who often went unrecognised but were central to family farms and rural life, managing homes and farms, raising families, caring for their livestock and helping keep communities going. That is why the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer really matters. It gives proper recognition to women whose contribution to agriculture has too often been overlooked, despite the fact that farming simply would not function without them. Here in Ireland, as has been said, only 13% of farm holders are women, which shows there is still work to do around access, visibility and opportunity within the sector.”
“I want to commend Senator Boyhan on his motion. I do enjoy our chats about all things agriculture. The Senator is always very generous with his time and knowledge. As a member of the agriculture panel, I am often asked how a Tallaght girl made it onto the agriculture panel. What would a Tallaght girl know about agriculture? The answer is because my family roots are in Bohernabreena, just a brief ten minutes from the hustle and bustle of Tallaght village, where urban life fades into farmland, rivers, fields, forests and bogs. My childhood was spent in farmyards, running through fields and enjoying the freedom that rural life brings, which left me with a deep love and appreciation for agriculture. Bohernabreena has held on tightly to its farming traditions and rural identity.”
“The apartments are fabulous but it is a pity that this car parking issue, which was flagged, has happened. I really hope to see a resolution and will fight tooth and nail for it.”
“I thank the Minister. I think there is an awful lot of messing going on with parking. I refer back to the car parking spaces that have been in situ for 50 years in Tallaght village. They want to remove them. Recently up in Marlfield a management company tried to impose parking charges for people who had car parking spaces outside their houses. This is absolutely unacceptable and ridiculous carry on. If there is a call five minutes down the road for additional car parking, there should not be a removal of car parking in that vicinity. I acknowledge the wording of support and encouragement but the word I am feeling is "forced". I have to call it the way I see it. I appreciate the Minister's response and I acknowledge the high standard of housing that is being delivered.”
“We need to start looking at practical solutions as well, whether that is additional parking facilities, shared parking arrangements, park and ride expansion or exploring dedicated parking lots in high-density areas. If we just keep building developments, which we need so badly, without the supporting infrastructure we are just going to frustrate people and cause them stress.”
“For 50 years residents and businesses have had car parking only for there to be a chance that it will be taken away, while literally less than five minutes around the corner in Airton Plaza there are huge issues because not enough parking is provided. Again, it is predictable how this will turn out - damage to businesses and frustrated residents. I just wonder where the common sense is. One of the most worrying things I am hearing and witnessing is that people are refusing housing offers because they know there is no realistic parking solution for their family. That is raising alarm bells. I urge the Minister to look again at the current apartment parking standards, especially in suburban areas where public transport infrastructure just is not where it needs to be.”
“Particularly in areas like Tallaght and Citywest, people still need their cars. They need them for work, childcare, school runs, caring responsibilities and just daily life. People should be able to drive if they choose to. It should not feel like people are punished for owning a car or being designed out of having one. We see the same concerns now across Citywest and other high-density developments: overspill parking, blocked roads, neighbourhood disputes, frustration in communities and huge stress for residents trying to find parking every evening at a time when they should be enjoying their new home. I commend the other politicians on raising the issue of a lack of car parking. In Tallaght village, there are serious plans to remove on-street car parking that has been there for over 50 years as part of enhancement works.”
“The apartments are fabulously built to such a high standard in an excellent location but there are just 184 parking spaces for more than 320 apartments. That is roughly half a car parking space per apartment. The problems happening there were predicted. Each time a development came before the council, the majority of the councillors at the time, myself included, flagged that the lack of car parking spaces would be a huge issue. Residents are struggling to park anywhere near their homes. Families are under pressure. Shift workers are stuck because public transport just is not reliable enough for people starting work at 5 or 6 o'clock in the morning or finishing work late. That is the reality. Our public transport system is not at a level yet where people can fully depend on it.”
“I thank the Minister for taking this. I want to raise the growing issue of the lack of car parking spaces in newly built apartment developments, particularly in areas like Tallaght and Citywest. I am not the first to raise this in recent times and I will not be the last. We all know how desperately we need these new developments. We welcome them. I am delighted to see my constituents getting their forever homes. It is brilliant in south Dublin each week to see so many homes being advertised on choice-based lettings and seeing the housing list moving, and we badly need more homes. However, people are so frustrated that the planning of these developments seems completely out of touch with the reality of everyday life for so many families. A good example of this is Airton Plaza in Tallaght.”
“If good people care about their communities and do the work, they should be acknowledged and should not be run down. One hundred years is a huge achievement, and we have achieved a lot. There is not a word about housing delivery from the Opposition when it happens. The position is similar when it comes to community sports grants. The amount of negativity engaged in by people astounds me. Our party is 100 years old, and we are proud, inclusive and diverse. All of us sitting here are different people. We welcome people. The lack of empathy I witness online from people looking to be elected is shameful. God bless you if you needed help because you would be a long time waiting for help from any of them.”
“Last weekend, we had a wonderful celebration of the centenary of Fianna Fáil. I am a bit disappointed about Senator Keogan running down our party, which is a progressive party. I got into politics in 2019. My only real understanding of politics before that was that Seán Walsh of Fianna Fáil got us our first ever house. Fianna Fáil is a party of community. We are inclusive and we care. An example of an issue I noticed was in the election when Opposition parties canvassing against me told people not to vote for me. This was not because I am incapable or do not do the work. They said, "Forget anything she's done for you. Forget the work she does. If you're voting for her, you're voting for Fianna Fáil." That is a pathetic way to behave.”
“Last Friday, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, NICE, approved givinostat for boys in Northern Ireland and across the UK. Boys in Belfast could have access to this drug within a matter of weeks. Let us think about that. If we were a couple of hours up the road, we would be celebrating. Children on this island a couple of hour's drive down here could be facing a completely different future. Speaking of celebrations, my little friend Archie Ennis will make his Communion tomorrow. One of the most special milestones in all of our lives but Archie's family have a cloud hanging over their heads of fear and worry of what the future holds for him. For Ireland to refuse or endlessly delay access to the innovative, life-changing treatment is nothing short of unforgivable. Families have waited long enough.”
“Givinostat is an effective treatment that will end up saving the State money retrospectively given how it stops the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, DMD. More importantly it will save the children their dignity. The evidence is there. The need for the drug is there. The families are waiting. I have witnessed first hand the suffering of these children and their families. I can tell Senators that time is not on their side. My fear is that instead of approval being given at the drugs group, this will be kicked further down the line and referred on again to the rare disease technology review committee. For families living with Duchenne, delay is not a option. It means muscle loss that cannot be recovered. It means opportunities for these children that will be lost forever.”
“I want to update Senators on the status of what is happening with givinostat because people care and I know Senators all care about this. I am told the company has submitted all required documentation and a final offer is on the table. Most importantly, this drug will now come before the drugs group at its June meeting. For those unfamiliar with the drugs group, it is the body that reviews medicines and makes recommendations to the HSE on whether treatments should proceed towards reimbursement and access for patients. The group's decision matters so much because it directly impacts whether families get the drug or face more delays. I have to apologise as I am feeling really emotional about this today.”
“I thank Senator Andrews for raising the issue of car parking. Hopefully he will speak to his colleagues in Tallaght where they are supporting the removal of on-street car parking spaces that have been in situ for 50 years in the area. That is actually a concern. It would be great if Senator Andrews could pass that message on.”
“I welcome to the Gallery a group of students and their teachers from the Harold School, Glasthule. They are guests of the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. As is customary in Seanad Éireann, there will be no homework for the students today. I hope they really enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Following the meeting of the Joint Committee on Health I mentioned, I will start chasing up the procurement side of this.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. I want to drive home my message about the machinery. As I said, if an office was operating with a photocopier that was not working to the proper standard, it would get rid of it. This is life-saving technology. I want to know what is going on in procurement and I want to be a part of the national cancer strategy. I want to be a part of what is going on. I am a stakeholder. People who are sick or dying are sharing their stories because they know what a harsh illness cancer is. That is why I am so passionate about getting this strategy up and running. We have seven months left and we need to deliver. We need clear timelines regarding when the next ten-year strategy is going to be rolled out. This is not the kind of thing where we can have a break for two months without a strategy in place.”
“What is the current status of the next national cancer strategy? Has formal work commenced? What consultation process is planned with clinicians, patient groups and Oireachtas Members? When can we expect a framework for cancer services beyond 2026 to come before this House? Cancer touches almost every family in this country so we want to know that we are going to be looked after and that a solid plan is in place.”
“I acknowledge the calls from the family of Eavan Glynn, who bravely shared his bowel cancer story. Bowel cancer does not just affect people over 50 and awareness of signs and symptoms is critically important. Significant investment has already been made. Since 2017, more than €105 million has been allocated directly to support the national cancer strategy and over 670 staff have been recruited into cancer services. Between 2021 and 2024, 74 cancer drugs received reimbursement approval, with spending exceeding €645 million. Importantly, the current strategy contains 52 recommendations and I understand that 43 have now been implemented. I would welcome an update from the Minister of State on the remaining nine recommendations and the timeline for their delivery. My ask is very simple.”
“If a photocopier in an office became unreliable or was constantly breaking down, it would be replaced immediately. Life-saving machinery should be treated with far greater urgency. Procurement needs significant focus, particularly with regard to how it is operating. I also highlight the importance of screening and public education. The HPV vaccine has been a game-changer. Laura Brennan's advocacy played a huge role in raising awareness of its importance. I would like to see a renewed catch-up initiative, more education and an increase in further uptake. I continue to support expansion of the BreastCheck age criteria, as outlined in my submission to the national screening advisory committee, NSAC. We need greater awareness of missed appointments and stronger public engagement to encourage attendance.”
“While services have improved overall, waiting times and outcomes can still depend too heavily on geography. Postcode inequalities need to be addressed. A major focus of the next strategy must also be diagnostic capacity. We need sustained investment in MRI, CT and PET scanning services to ensure earlier diagnosis and faster access to treatment. Radiotherapy capacity must remain a priority. The upgrading and replacement of radiotherapy machines are essential if we are to provide modern, timely and safe treatments for patients into the future. At a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Health, we discussed ageing equipment and I was stunned by some of what I heard. I reached out afterwards to my community of women in Breast Friends and many confirmed appointments had been cancelled because machines were out of action.”
“There has also been a stronger focus on prevention, early diagnosis, psychological supports and survivorship services. All of these have made a real difference to patients and families across the country. I recognise the work of healthcare professionals and patient advocates who help drive that progress. We are at an important point. Cancer cases are expected to increase significantly in the years ahead because of our ageing and growing population. That is why the strategy covering the next decade is so important. Patients and families was certainty about the future direction of cancer care. Healthcare workers need confidence that workforce planning, infrastructure investment and service expansion are being prioritised now. I want to highlight the need to address the ongoing inequalities in access to cancer care.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. I am raising this Commencement matter because we are in May 2026, and the current national cancer strategy, covering 2017 to 2026, is entering its final months. It is essential that we receive a clear update on the development of the next cancer strategy that will guide cancer services over the next decade. I acknowledge the significant progress made under the current strategy. The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 has delivered real improvements in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. There have been improved survival rates, expanded screening programmes, stronger specialist cancer centres, improved access to modern treatments and better multidisciplinary care for patients.”
“However, we are now at an important moment. Cancer cases are expected to rise significantly in the coming years and that is why planning for the next strategy, covering 2027 to 2037, is so important. The next strategy must address inequalities that exist in access to cancer care, where outcomes and waiting times depend too heavily on geography. We need major investment and a strategic procurement approach in diagnostic capacity, including MRI, CT and positron emission tomography, PET, scanning services, to ensure earlier diagnoses and faster treatment. I want to request that the Minister come to the Chamber to debate the status of the next cancer strategy. Has work formally commenced? What consultation process is planned? It is important that we get to debate the framework for cancer services beyond 2026.”
“The progression of this disease can be halted with givinostat and that is why we are advocating so passionately for it to be made available to children in Ireland. I want it known that I stand with all Duchenne families in their fight to access givinostat. I also call on the Minister for Health to provide a clear status update on the development of the next cancer strategy as the current strategy, covering the years 2017 to 2026, is now in its final year. Over the past decade, the national cancer strategy has delivered important progress in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. I acknowledge the work of the national cancer control programme, the clinicians, researchers, advocacy organisations and front-line healthcare staff, who have worked tirelessly to improve patient outcomes across Ireland.”
“I understand the importance of negotiations and ensuring safe and effective treatments but I highlight that time matters greatly for those living with progressive conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As time goes by, these children's muscles are wasting. I want to take a moment to welcome my little buddy Archie Ennis home to Tallaght following his gene therapy treatment in the US. Archie and his family have shown extraordinary courage throughout his Duchenne journey. Their story has touched people right across the country. His family were hit with his diagnosis and quickly discovered how difficult it was to navigate supports and treatments when living with Duchenne. They even had to turn to fundraising.”
“It needs to be respected and protected, and not treated as a dumping ground. I have requested CCTV for some particularly badly affected areas and I hope it is installed sooner rather than later. I will take this opportunity to give a brief update on the status of givinostat in Ireland. It represents a real hope for boys and families living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is currently going through the HSE national application assessment and decision process for medicine pricing and reimbursement. I am told that the corporate pharmaceutical unit, CPU, is waiting for the manufacturer to revert with a commercial offer. While this is happening, families across Ireland are anxiously awaiting progress.”
“I want to speak about the area my family are originally from, namely, Bohernabreena. Less than a ten-minute drive from The Square, you enter a place that has a proud agricultural heritage and some of the richest natural landscape. It is just so beautiful. Its farmlands, rivers, waterworks and mountainous surroundings are not just a part of our local economy, but a part of our identity and a way of life. It frustrates and annoys me that this beauty is being damaged by the ongoing scourge of fly-tipping. Illegal dumping is constantly polluting our roadsides, harming the wildlife, threatening waterways and placing an unfair burden on the local residents and farmers who take pride in caring for and working the land. We need stronger enforcement, better waste management awareness and real consequences to protect Bohernabreena's environment.”
“In the face of this grief, these brothers have chosen courage, compassion and action. They want the world to listen, hear and know about dementia. They want to educate people about dementia and the realities that people face every day. In ten days, they have raised €1 million for awareness and research; an extraordinary achievement. Their journey will conclude in Dublin on 28 May. They are asking as many people as possible to come out and support them, to dress in vibrant colours as their mother did, to shine a light on this cruel disease and to stand in solidarity with families and people affected by dementia. I encourage Members to follow and support their journey on social media through FTD brothers.”
“There is no cure at present and the impact on families and patients is devastating. Awareness matters, because understanding leads to early diagnosis, better support, more compassion and ultimately, more investment in research. There are 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland at present and that number is expected to double by 2045. There are more than 200 different types of dementia, including Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, VaD, Lewy body dementia, LBD, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia, just to name a few. For Jordan and Cian, this campaign is personal. They run the risk of frontotemporal dementia. Their mum, Geraldine, who was Irish, lived with it and sadly passed away from the illness. Heartbreakingly, 12 members of their family have lost their lives to this illness.”
“Anyone who watched "The Late Late Show" on Friday night will have seen an interview with two brothers, Jordan and Cian Adams, known as the FTD brothers. They are undertaking an incredible challenge in memory of their mother, Geraldine. They are running 32 marathons in 32 days across Ireland, or 33 if we count the fact that Jordan began this journey by running the London Marathon with a fridge strapped to his back. What a way to start this campaign. The mission is simple, namely, to raise awareness about and funds for dementia. This family is affected by frontotemporal dementia, FTD. FTD is a cruel and progressive brain disease that affects personality, behaviour, speech and movement. Unlike other forms of dementia, it often affects younger people, sometimes in their 40s and 50s.”
“Then they were opening themselves to allergens. As the Minister of State said, she had that similar experience on the plane. I would be really grateful if she could bring something back to the Minister on that and maybe we could it flesh it out and be a bit of help to these people, advising them on a way of possibly getting reimbursement for this.”
“I thank the Minister for State for her understanding on this matter. I was struck by the lived experience of people who said they were not being reimbursed. If it was something that was not available and they were going abroad-----”
“Even being on a plane, they are exposed to more allergens. We need a national model of care for food allergies. We need investment in specialist services and a clear, funded plan to expand access to oral immunotherapy across the country.”
“The benefits are life-changing. Children gain independence. Families gain confidence. Everyday activities, such as eating out or travelling, become a possibility again. In Ireland, we have already seen its potential. A pilot programme at Cork University Hospital focused on young children with peanut and tree-nut allergies. It has shown that 91% of participants can tolerate small amounts of the allergen. However, access to this treatment is limited and it is not broadly funded by the HSE. There is no national roll-out plan. I spoke to family members of people with allergies, some of whom talked about their experiences of travelling abroad, which was not something they really wanted to do. They said they would like the treatment to be available in Ireland. They are paying to go abroad. It is not covered by the schemes I mentioned.”
“Some families are even travelling abroad to access treatment in places such as the UK, France and the United States. That is why I have raised this Commencement matter. Oral immunotherapy is a treatment that is already transforming allergy care internationally. It involves the gradual introduction of an allergen under medical supervision, with the aim of building tolerance. As I mentioned, people are travelling abroad. However, this is not covered by the treatment abroad scheme or the cross-border directive. It is not an experimental treatment. It is evidence-based and recommended by European clinical guidelines. It is widely used around the world. It can reduce the risk of severe reactions by up to 80% and it shifts care from passive avoidance to active treatment, giving patients protection rather than precaution.”
“Families are very fearful of it. Currently, there is no national policy framework or model of care for food allergies in Ireland. Patients can wait for up to a year to see a specialist and for two to three years for an oral food challenge. Access to allergy specialists is limited and care pathways are inconsistent. The delays are very harmful because without early intervention, children are more likely to develop additional allergies. The impact goes far beyond healthcare. Parents often struggle to access childcare, with providers unwilling or unable to manage allergy risks. Many are forced to reduce working hours or to leave employment entirely. Children can be excluded from everyday activities, such as school trips or birthday parties, which leads to social isolation.”