AGP Executive Report

Health Access & Rights: A deaf-blind man is set to argue in the High Court for legal aid after the HSE/contractor Vision Ireland refused funding for an Irish Sign Language interpreter needed for Braille training. Children’s Waiting Lists: An audit into Children’s Health Ireland finds it’s unclear how much NTPF-funded extra work has reduced waiting lists, citing weak measurement of “core capacity” and inconsistent record-keeping. Care Standards: HIQA reports 100 restrictive conditions were applied to nursing homes after inspections, with the chief inspector using stronger powers where residents faced serious risks. Public Health & Policy: Men’s health charity Movember urges reform of Ireland’s paternity leave, saying fathers lose major income and that current leave is too short and poorly supported. Food & Nutrition: Truly Irish launches nitrites-free rashers nationwide, using fruit and spice extracts instead of nitrites. Wellbeing & Brain Health: Trinity’s Global Brain Health Institute marks a decade with a Chuck Feeney Lecture on brain health, equity and how social and environmental pressures shape mental health and ageing. Air Quality: A report warns air pollution from wood burners could take decades to meet international guidelines, with vulnerable winter impacts. Cardio-Metabolic Research: Althera Laboratories highlights its expanding cardio-metabolic pipeline at CPHI South East Asia in Bangkok. Vaping Safety: New research focuses on “ice” vape flavours, suggesting cooling agents may affect the body beyond just making vaping feel smoother.

Health Service Accountability: Children’s Health Ireland is “falling short” of best-in-class paediatric care, with an internal audit finding many urgent and semi-urgent referrals miss clinically recommended waiting times. Infectious Disease Watch: Ireland’s health watchdog says Ebola risk remains low, while preparedness for high-consequence infections is being strengthened and clinical pathways are kept under review. Sleep & Epilepsy: FutureNeuro and Ozlo Sleepbuds are teaming up to study whether home sleepbuds can improve sleep disruption for adults with epilepsy. Child Safety & Justice: A Dublin court approved a €48,500 settlement for a 9-year-old left with a scar after a fall at a pub, while a separate Parnell Square knife-attack trial continues with childcare workers describing “ferocious” stabbing. Community Health & Care: Irish AIDS Day messaging urges people to “talk and listen” to tackle stigma, with HSE reporting improved attitudes. Animal Health Support: A free vet visit programme opens for farmers, offering tailored consultations and biosecurity guidance. EU Health Tech: UCD will lead an €8m Shield-6G project to boost security and resilience for next-gen 6G networks.

Men’s Health Week (Midlands): Healthy Laois and Offaly Community Safety partners kick off Men’s Health Week with community events like a “Men on the Move” cycle, farmers breakfasts and fitness classes, with donations to Mental Health Ireland and Accessible Counselling Tullamore. Elder care spotlight (Cork & Kerry): HSE Southwest reports over 1,000 elder abuse concerns last year, including emotional abuse and neglect, with events planned for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Health system strain (autopsies): Ireland’s chief state pathologist warns of a growing crisis in homicide and suspicious-death autopsy capacity as hospitals reduce services and staffing shortfalls push cases to Dublin District Mortuary. Public health risk (water infrastructure): Uisce Éireann says Cork City has 10.7km of cement-bound asbestos pipes, but won’t confirm replacement plans, noting ingestion is not seen as a health risk. Safety & emergency response (Cork Civil Defence): Cork West Civil Defence volunteers were honoured for 3,574 operational hours over 18 months, supporting missing persons, medical emergencies and extreme weather. Food safety (children’s slushies): Government says any slushie ban must fit EU rules; FSAI advises children aged 10 and under not to consume glycerol-containing slush ice drinks due to possible adverse effects.

Rare disease access: Rare Diseases Ireland says people living with rare conditions “cannot wait” for another review of drug approval, arguing earlier work hasn’t improved timely access to medicines on the ground. Heart health: Mater Private Network highlights atrial fibrillation can be diagnosed with a simple, painless ECG, warning untreated AF can lead to stroke and heart failure. Food safety: The FSAI recalls pork mince products from Lidl and SuperValu over Salmonella fears, urging shoppers not to eat affected batches. Workplace rights in care: A Kildare healthcare provider has been ordered to pay compensation after the WRC found public holiday entitlements were handled in breach of employment law. Maternity services debate: A Rotunda row is reigniting discussion about what maternity care should look like under Sláintecare. Public health & safety: Garda figures show spiking incidents may be undercounted, with calls for standalone legislation and routine toxicology testing. Nutrition trend: Protein demand is driving a whey shortage and price surge, pushing more high-protein products onto shelves. Community wellbeing: Water safety lessons are being delivered to schoolchildren ahead of summer holidays, focusing on beach flags and cold-water shock.

Child Health & Services: More than 8,000 children are still waiting for first contact from Child Disability Network Teams (CDNT), with 5,261 waiting over a year—figures that highlight ongoing pressure on Ireland’s disability supports. Carers’ Week: National Carers Week (8–14 June) is spotlighting the often overlooked, undervalued role of Ireland’s family carers, with events across the country to connect people to support. Public Health & Food Safety: The FSAI issued closure orders to seven food businesses in May, including a Dublin pub shut over rodent droppings. Men’s Health (Farming): Men’s Health Week urges farmers to take “one step at a time” with practical health checks and lifestyle support, recognising how work and stress can delay care. Health Policy & Care Access: A Rotunda Hospital board decision means consultants on public-only contracts will no longer take on private care, following health minister pressure. Addiction & Harm Reduction: Crack cocaine use is rising, with treatment demand up sharply, as people describe the drug as highly accessible. Humanitarian Logistics: Middle East conflict is disrupting global aid deliveries, delaying medicines and emergency supplies. EV Push: Ireland’s ICE2EV scrappage pilot will offer up to €8,500 from July 1, 2026 for eligible older petrol/diesel cars. Community Health & Rehab: Fundraising continues for a child with bilateral cerebral palsy to access specialist physio in London.

Rotunda Maternity Care: The Rotunda Hospital has confirmed “personal” weekend “gifts” from private consultants to public-only colleagues, with amounts reported up to €1,500—renewing scrutiny of public vs private maternity arrangements. Public Health & Safety: A Jet2 Glasgow-bound flight declared a mid-air emergency after a medical issue, requesting priority landing; the aircraft landed safely. Cancer & Living With Illness: Irish athlete Ciara Mageean shared a heartbreaking stage four cancer update, saying she “probably won’t make” her 40th birthday, while continuing to focus on living fully. Chronic Disease Awareness: MS Ireland spotlighted Sinead Curran’s MS journey, stressing planning, stress reduction and staying active with physiotherapy support. Health Policy (Ireland): Sinn Féin plans to bring legislation to remove the mandatory three-day wait for early abortion care, aiming to reduce barriers and prevent some people travelling abroad after fatal foetal abnormality diagnoses. Community Care: Sunflower Children’s Hospice fundraiser The Big Brave Cut saw two sisters donate 12 inches of hair each to create wigs for children experiencing hair loss.

Hospital Pressure: Ireland’s public hospital waiting lists hit a record 1,008,600 people at end of May, with sharp rises in first outpatient appointments and GI endoscopy waits, as clinicians warn elective cancellations are worsening the backlog. Medical Innovation: RCSI researchers have developed a low-cost mitral heart valve model that mimics real valve tissue mechanics under realistic heart pressures and flow—aimed at improving understanding of valve disease and future treatments. Health & Safety in Care: A UK healthcare assistant has pleaded guilty in Dublin to smuggling a woman using a Swedish “lookalike” passport document, highlighting ongoing risks around identity fraud at airports. Public Health Policy: The EU is rejecting Brazil’s bid to delay new antibiotic rules for beef imports, with concerns about whether Brazil can meet strict traceability requirements across an animal’s lifetime. Community & Support: The Salvation Army in Connah’s Quay marks its 135th anniversary with community events, including a free barbecue and special worship service. Wellbeing & Lifestyle: A new report claims smartphones may be reducing fertility, adding to growing debate about how modern habits affect reproductive health.

Women’s heart care gap: Global Heart Hub reports women often delay seeking help for heart symptoms, with ongoing gaps in recognition and diagnosis. Health system accountability: A nurse’s registration was cancelled by the High Court after findings of professional misconduct and poor performance at Mater Private. Patient safety & regulation: The FSAI issued a closure order for a Carlow restaurant after repeated cleaning and hygiene failures. Infectious disease research: A new study suggests disturbed habitats may carry a wider diversity of mosquito viruses, raising questions for disease surveillance. Public health fear signals: Rising tick issues are driving anxiety and avoidance behaviour, with experts urging prevention-focused information. Cancer support in the community: A Tang resident with stage 4 lung cancer has launched a fundraiser to extend time with her child. Indoor air innovation: An 11-year-old’s low-cost air filter project has been accepted for presentation at Indoor Air 2026 in Singapore. Sports & wellbeing context: Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel will be played at a neutral venue behind closed doors after protests. Food & pet health: The US FDA fast-tracked an emergency generic treatment for New World screwworm in dogs and cats.

Women’s Health & Heart Care: Two new studies highlight a major gap in women’s cardiovascular care, with perimenopause linked to a sharp rise in risk and women less likely to be referred for advanced heart treatments. Obesity & Metabolic Disease: UCD-led research discusses survodutide trial results showing targeted visceral and liver fat reductions, with side effects mainly gastrointestinal. Irish Health System & Private Care: Two consultants launch judicial reviews challenging the HSE’s plan for new public surgical hubs, arguing private care should be allowed on-site. Migration & Asylum: Ireland’s new asylum process begins under the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, with screening at Citywest and health/vulnerability checks built into the process. Public Health Abroad: UK travel health updates warn of dysentery and salmonella linked to Cape Verde, with dozens of cases reported in recent returns. Community Mental Health: A Dublin car-meet initiative aims to help men open up about mental health through shared interests. Health & Safety at Home: Dermatology/cosmetic advice warns that lifestyle factors like heat and inflammation can undermine melasma treatment.

Mental Health Pressure: Cork Independent reports 1,054 young people on the CAMHS waitlist in the South West, with 351 waiting over a year, highlighting ongoing strain on child and adolescent mental health services. Hospital Capacity & Staffing: Senator Dee Ryan urges a clear timeline for a dedicated hospital development board and faster consultant recruitment for University Hospital Limerick amid burnout concerns from nurses and midwives. Kidney Care Access: KPJ Healthcare launched its first kidney transplant service within its hospital network after a successful living-related donor procedure, expanding specialised transplant pathways. Public Health & Safety: WHO issued updated guidance for heat-health action plans as El Niño develops, warning extreme heat is already driving major health harms across Europe. Wildlife Protection: Minister Christopher O’Sullivan confirms crayfish plague in Dublin’s River Camac area and urges “Check, Clean and Dry” for boats and fishing gear to protect the white-clawed crayfish. Health System Governance: HSE audit coverage flags incomplete training in post-mortems at hospitals and concerns around monitoring as public consultant contract changes roll out. Community Health Innovation: SETU is set to play a key role in a €460m national research investment, contributing to three new Rinn research centres. Eye Health Advocacy: CBM Ireland calls on Ireland to back binding, funded commitments on global eye health ahead of a November 2026 summit.

Irish Health System Oversight: An HSE audit of 12 hospitals found post-mortem training wasn’t fully designed or delivered everywhere, with gaps in records and an unclear relationship with coroners that could affect how families are informed. Mental Health Accountability: A woman whose husband died by suicide the day after discharge from St Vincent’s University Hospital has settled a High Court action, calling for an overhaul of mental health services. Digital Care Urgency: The Irish Hospital Consultants Association says the national electronic health record rollout is too slow, warning fragmented systems limit real-time access to patient records. Public Health at Mass Gatherings: Toronto health officials preparing for FIFA World Cup crowds are ramping up infectious disease monitoring, including wastewater testing for norovirus and stronger handwashing messaging. Research & Innovation: Ireland announces €460m for seven new Rinn research centres, aiming to create hundreds of research roles and boost PhD training. Medical Device Breakthrough: RCSI researchers developed a low-cost artificial mitral valve model that mimics human valve mechanics to help study disease and improve treatments. Homelessness Pressure: A Galway family in emergency accommodation describes how harsh conditions are worsening day-to-day life, with child numbers still at record levels. Community Wellbeing: The All-Ireland Social Prescribing Conference in Dundalk brings North and South together to expand non-medical supports for loneliness, mental ill-health and long-term conditions.

Rare disease drug progress: The HSE Drugs Group has recommended approval of givinostat for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a potential breakthrough for about 100 Irish children. Homelessness and ageing pressure: An Independent Senator says his office is “inundated” with older people who are homeless, with experts warning homelessness can “accelerate ageing” and worsen health outcomes. Pharmacy competition check: Ireland’s CCPC has launched a study into the retail pharmacy sector, looking at consumer experience, price transparency, switching and services like vaccinations. Public health warning for swimmers: Two Dublin beaches (Rush North and Rush South) have “do not swim” notices due to a wastewater pump failure and overflow risk. AI and the environment: A UN report warns AI data centres could dramatically increase electricity use and water demand, raising new concerns for sustainability. Health system access: A new Dublin clinic launch by an online GP service highlights ongoing demand for faster, local access to care. Community health and care: Nursing and pre-treatment support for cancer patients is being spotlighted as a way to improve recovery and outcomes.

State apology and accountability: A Commission of Investigation report into Bill Kenneally details “clear and serious dereliction of duty” by gardaí and health services, with the State set to apologise to victims after decades of failure to protect children. Carers’ pressure eased (slightly): The Carer’s Support Grant will be paid to 147,000 carers, worth €2,000 per care recipient, but a survey shows many are still overwhelmed, missing social life, and fear caring demands will rise. Maternity care row at Rotunda: The Rotunda says eight women under private care by a public-only consultant will switch doctors for the rest of pregnancy and birth, after a public dispute over whether private work can continue on-site. Health workforce disruption: Heart surgery specialists’ strike action in Cork, Galway and Dublin could have been avoided, perfusionists say, after pay-parity talks broke down. Research investment: Ireland will invest €460m in seven advanced tech research centres under a new national network spanning AI, advanced therapies, medical devices and pharma. Public health in farming: Teagasc warns spring bean growers to act now on foliar disease control to protect yields and crop health. Community wellbeing: A new addiction-nurse gap in prisons is highlighted as a further hit to vulnerable people needing treatment.

Health Policy & Services: Mary Horgan has been reappointed interim chief medical officer after “unsuccessful” recruitment attempts, with the role set to run up to four years. Hospital Workforce: Cardiac surgeries at Cork University Hospital were cancelled as perfusionists began a 24-hour strike over pay links, with emergency services still covered. Rare Disease Access: Taoiseach Micheál Martin says he wants Friedreich’s Ataxia drug Skyclarys approved “as fast as we possibly can”, with the HSE drugs group expected to consider it at the July meeting. Disability Rights: Minister Emer Higgins delivered Ireland’s national statement at the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities conference, including events on disability in conflict and assistive technology. Maternal Health & Legal Case: A woman with cerebral palsy has settled a High Court action against the Coombe Hospital for €6.25m over alleged birth management issues. Public Health & Safety: Outdoor swimming infrastructure funding of €400,000 is available via Local Sports Partnerships, including participation and safety/access upgrades. Mental Health Research: A large study reports brain network differences in bipolar disorder, linking severity and treatment to “wiring” patterns.

Cancer Awareness: The Irish Cancer Society’s Your Health Matters Roadshow is heading to Thurles Shopping Centre (June 17–18, 10am–5pm), offering free talks with specialist cancer nurses plus blood pressure checks, BMI and CO readings, and help with prevention and screening. Obesity Debate: An Irish-led study finds the public often blames personal choices for obesity, while experts point to environmental pressures; it also shows disagreement on whether “carrot” supports or “stick” taxes should lead policy. Disability Services: A public consultation is open to shape the review of the Disability Act 2005, focusing on assessment of needs processes and how services affect disabled people, families and carers. Hospital Care Row: Rotunda Hospital in Dublin has stopped consultants on public-only contracts from treating private patients, citing government funding pressure. Public Health Policy: A consultation opens ahead of a review of the Disability Act 2005, with deadlines and assessment-of-need changes at the centre. Child Services Complaints: Cork recorded 9% of complaints to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in 2025, with education, Tusla and children’s health services among the top concerns.

Rotunda Maternity Row: Ireland’s Rotunda Hospital has agreed to stop private maternity care by public-only consultants on public contracts, after ministerial pressure and an extended deadline for an audit of private work. Public Health Watch: The CCPC warns parents not to buy “baby sleep pillows” sold online, saying they can cause suffocation or overheating; over 1,100 listings have been removed. Obesity Drug Update: Boehringer Ingelheim’s survodutide Phase III results report targeted visceral and liver fat reductions in people living with obesity, with findings presented at major medical meetings. Rare Disease Support: A Cork family service has launched to support parents and caregivers affected by drug and alcohol addiction, aiming to break intergenerational cycles. Community Health & Care: A new family-focused addiction treatment service opens in Cork under HSE and local task force funding. Wellness & Lifestyle: A UN report flags AI data centres’ growing water and energy demands, raising fresh environmental health concerns. Health Tech in Ireland: Cork’s Zendra Health says its AI ADHD assessment platform is on track for a €1m turnover milestone. Safety & Care Access: Donegal exam students are urged to stay calm as the Leaving Cert and Junior Cert cycle continues. Health & Justice: A jury has been sworn for the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who denies attempting to murder three children in Dublin in 2023.