AGP Executive Report

Drug Safety Watch: The HSE has warned festival-goers about new potent substances, including “pink cocaine” (not actually cocaine), a new ketamine strain and synthetic cannabinoids, urging people to avoid drugs and get informed before taking anything. Public Health & Care Access: Ireland is facing pressure on cancer services, with reports of thousands of women waiting over 10 days for urgent breast cancer appointments and a large number of CervicalCheck samples tested last year. Addiction Support: A spotlight on painkiller addiction highlights the need for specialist help and pharmacist support when people try to come off prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. Home Safety Tragedy: An Irish teenager, Alex McKee (17), has died in Greece after authorities suggested electrocution from faulty shower equipment, with investigators looking at the property’s water heater and wiring. Mental Health Culture: A new piece on breaking out of “the prison of pain” and addiction ties into wider calls for better mental health support and safer pathways to recovery. Community Wellness: More blood donation clinics are planned in Limerick, supporting local health efforts.

Local Sports Planning: Limerick residents can have their say on a draft Limerick Local Sports Plan 2026–2030, aiming to boost participation, back clubs and volunteers, and improve access to facilities, with submissions open until 2 September. Cancer Care Pressure: HSE data shows 21% of women referred for urgent symptomatic breast clinics this year have waited longer than the 10-day target, with hundreds still waiting beyond 21 days. Women’s Screening Oversight: New figures on CervicalCheck show almost a quarter of samples were tested outside Ireland last year, highlighting ongoing concerns after the earlier controversy. Mental Health in Schools: A pilot counselling programme for primary pupils is being credited with helping children feel heard and calmer, with the evaluation pointing to benefits for families and school staff. Age-Friendly Housing: A new age-friendly scheme in Castlerea has opened with six single-storey homes designed for independent living, including step-free access and energy-efficient heating. Road Safety: A fatal motorbike crash in Galway brings the year’s road death toll to 116, while a serious three-vehicle crash in Meath has left one man in critical condition. Wellbeing in Care Settings: Aoife’s Clown Doctors trained with a music improvisation workshop in Mayo and Galway to help ease fear and anxiety for children in hospital. Farm Safety for Social Farming: A new national project is rolling out health and safety training and guidance for social farms, including safer open days and events. Community Fundraising: Pedal for Grace returns to Firies on 5 September, targeting €90,000+ for Vision Ireland in memory of Grace O’Sullivan.

Rare-disease drug fight: Pressure is mounting on the Taoiseach to intervene over HSE refusal to fund Skyclarys for Friedreich’s ataxia, with politicians calling for full transparency on the Drugs Group decision and what options remain for patients. Community health through sport: SETU is inviting men across Waterford to join a free 12-week Football for Life programme (with HSE and FAI partnership) aimed at boosting physical health, wellbeing and social connection. Wearables that act: Google’s Pixel Watch 5 adds breathing emergency detection, calling emergency services if it detects severe oxygen drops and the wearer doesn’t respond. Cancer support and recovery: Beverley Callard shared how breast cancer treatment is affecting her, saying she’s “quite badly burnt” but coping well and awaiting prognosis updates. Safety and health services: Gardaí confirmed a man in his 40s died after a serious Dublin city-centre assault, with appeals for witnesses and dash-cam footage. Healthcare trust and abuse: A GP in the UK, linked to an Irish clinic partner, has been jailed for sexually assaulting women during post-crash medical examinations. Digital youth voice: UNICEF relaunched U-Report in Liberia with support including Ireland, aiming to reach thousands of young people and amplify adolescent girls’ voices.

Water safety in Dublin: HSE and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Council warn Seapoint swimmers to avoid compass jellyfish after sightings, noting even dead jellyfish can sting. Children’s health access: Children’s Health Ireland reports 104 children waiting for spinal surgery, with outpatient spinal appointment waits down to 3.9 months and more surgeries completed than added to the list since January. Care staffing concerns: HIQA finds a Tusla special care unit for vulnerable teens (Crannóg Nua) “not adequately resourced,” citing staffing non-compliances for safe care. Rare disease spotlight: Fianna Fáil members press Government/HSE to fund Skyclarys for Friedreich’s ataxia after internal disputes and patient outcry. Health and travel: A High Court ruling backs a drink-driver’s right to inspect breathalyser equipment, with possible knock-on effects for other drink-driving cases. Community health on the move: Whole Supp’s Body Fuel launches in WHSmith Travel stores nationwide, aiming to make high-protein, fibre-rich meals easier to grab while travelling. Public health learning: A study from Heriot-Watt links specific whisky compounds to stronger tropical aromas, pointing to how food and drink flavour science can be “dialled” through process steps.

Drug Access Fight: More than 60 Fianna Fáil politicians are urging the HSE to reconsider its refusal to fund Skyclarys (omaveloxolone) for Friedreich’s ataxia, after the HSE Drugs Group cited cost and limited efficacy—patients say the delay is crushing as the disease progresses. Water Crisis & Heat Safety: A leading DCU academic warns Ireland needs a national emergency response to climate-driven water shortages, as hosepipe bans could be extended; meanwhile, farmers are under pressure in drought conditions. Rural Tragedy: A farmer in Cork drowned while trying to source water for animals from the River Bandon, with the HSA launching an investigation. Community Health Support: Laois’s Rathdowney Community Garden hosted a Street Feast with cookery and movement sessions, highlighting local food and wellbeing initiatives. Mental Health & Services: The Navan Mental Health Housing Association is being wound up after the jailing of a former trustee for stealing over €172,000, leaving vulnerable people without the service. Sports & Health Context: Irish sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke won silver at the European Championships in a national record 22.28, while Britain’s Amy Hunt took gold—Hunt also spoke about health issues affecting her 200m this year.

Shark Attack (Waterford): Angler Sebastian Achim says he “didn’t think” he’d survive after a blue shark tore part of his calf off Ardmore, and he’s set for surgery at Cork University Hospital, including a skin and tissue graft. Cancer Care (Ireland): University Hospital Waterford joins a European cancer network, starting a two-year accreditation journey with an external review aimed at meeting international standards. Prostate Cancer (Intimacy): An Irish Cancer Society-funded survey finds many men and partners feel unprepared for how prostate cancer treatment affects sexual function, with most saying the impact was worse than expected. Tobacco Policy (HIQA): HIQA is set to assess tobacco affordability as smoking rates stall, looking at how affordability is measured and whether new approaches are needed. Public Health (Community input): A study argues public deliberation can make health policies more workable and trusted, not just cheaper. Wellbeing & Prevention: Research highlights dementia risk reduction by avoiding high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking in midlife. Local Health & Support: Westmeath County Council will seek help to expand children’s fishing training in Mullingar Kinnegad, linking outdoor activity with water safety and wellbeing.

Eye Health Warning: Experts are urging people not to look at the solar eclipse without certified protection after reports of real risk to vision, including possible retinal damage. Local Health & Safety: Two gardaí were treated in hospital after a patrol car collided with a stolen vehicle in Dublin, and have since been released. Cancer Care Access: TDs are calling on the HSE Drugs Group to explain its decision not to fund Skyclarys for Friedreich’s ataxia, after a rare-disease review supported the drug. Public Mental Health: A school counselling pilot for children is unlikely to go national because of a shortage of mental health professionals, leaving many counselling slots unused. Food & Drug Safety: A counterfeit Opdivo batch has been flagged by the Maldives regulator, highlighting the ongoing danger of falsified cancer medicines. Community Support: New Traveller and Roma employment offices are planned for Waterford, expanding local training and job supports. Wellness in Ireland: Karl Henry highlights sauna benefits, while a gardening feature focuses on plants that cope in dry weather.

Dementia Support: A free 7-week in-person dementia training course for family carers is running from Aug 24 to Oct 5 in Athlone, covering dementia progression, communication, routines, and access to supports. Tobacco Policy: HIQA has started an affordability review of tobacco as smoking rates appear to have stalled, with a focus on how taxes affect real household purchasing power. Rare Disease Funding: The HSE Drugs Group has recommended against reimbursing Skyclarys for Friedreich’s ataxia, with a final decision due Aug 25 after cost-effectiveness concerns. Mental Health Access: Local mental health services in Trim have reportedly closed without notice, forcing patients to travel to Navan for care. Eye Safety for Solar Eclipse: Eclipse glasses sold out in Ireland, but experts say there are still safer viewing options—while warning against uncertified glasses and ordinary sunglasses. Road Safety & Tragedy: A Donegal GAA legend James McHugh died after an N3 crash in Cavan; his wife Noreen later died too, while separate reports highlight serious injuries from M50 collisions and ongoing Garda investigations.

Road Safety & Community Loss: Donegal GAA legend James McHugh (62) died in a car-vans crash on the N3 at Drummallaght, Co Cavan, and his wife Noreen (60s) later died of injuries after being airlifted to Beaumont. Gardaí are appealing for dashcam/camera footage from 1pm–2pm and the community has suspended club activities as tributes pour in. Access to Care: New figures highlight a GP shortage in Donegal, with only five new GPs appointed this decade, while national participation in the medical card dentists scheme has fallen by 35% since 2020. Medicines & Safety: Irish experts warn people taking common reflux drugs lansoprazole and omeprazole to be alert to possible side effects—don’t stop without speaking to a clinician. Rare Disease Funding: The HSE Drugs Group has recommended against reimbursing Skyclarys for Friedreich’s ataxia, sending the decision to senior management. Women’s Health: Organon has opened enrolment for the MIUDELLA copper IUD REMS programme, aimed at reducing risks from improper insertion. Public Health Research: Trinity and St James’s Hospital research suggests dexamethasone can calm harmful inflammation in nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease without weakening infection control.

Flood Insurance: The Government is setting up a new flood protection insurance “gap” working group, bringing together departments, agencies and insurers to improve access for homes and businesses left without cover in high-risk areas. Rare Disease Access: The HSE Drugs Group will review whether to fund Skyclarys for Friedreich’s Ataxia, with a final decision due after further reports and cost discussions. Road Safety Tragedy: Donegal football legend James McHugh has died after a crash on the N3 in Cavan; his wife was airlifted to Beaumont and Gardaí are appealing for witnesses. Cycling Safety: A woman in her 80s has died after a collision with a truck in Kildare, with Gardaí seeking any dash-cam footage. Women’s Health & Care Delivery: A new BMJ study says remote consultations are now a mainstream part of early medical abortion services in Ireland, sparking renewed debate on safety and regulation. Public Health Notice: A “do not swim” warning has been issued for Malahide Beach in north Dublin after wastewater overflow. Conservation & Wellness: Fota Wildlife Park has welcomed a rare Indian rhino calf and is inviting the public to help name him.

Public Health Alert: A Do Not Swim notice has been issued for Malahide Beach after an overflow at the Malahide Waste Water Treatment Plant, with the HSE consulted and resampling underway for at least three days. Cancer Support: The Irish Cancer Society is bringing its Your Health Matters roadshow to City Square Shopping Centre in Dublin next week, offering free cancer nurse advice plus blood pressure, BMI and carbon monoxide checks and screening info. Health & Travel: Ireland’s tropical illnesses are rising, with the HPSC noting cases including malaria, Mpox, giardiasis, West Nile fever, typhoid and dengue, linked mainly to increased travel and mosquito spread. Medical Research/Industry: Jazz Pharmaceuticals is expanding its epilepsy pipeline with a $850m deal to buy Actio Biosciences, targeting a rare gene-driven epilepsy type with limited options. Workplace Safety & Care: The HSE says immigrant staff are reluctant to report racist abuse because managers’ responses can be “ineffective or non-existent,” pointing to gaps in support and messaging.

Policing & Safety: Ireland’s policing watchdog, Fiosrú, has opened an independent investigation into a serious M50 collision near Firhouse that left nine injured, including eight teenage boys taken to different hospitals and one in critical condition. Child Health & Cost of Living: New Asthma Society of Ireland research says 1 in 10 parents have had to go without asthma medication for their children due to financial pressure, with calls for free MART inhalers starting with ages 12–17. Allergy Care: NHS Scotland has approved Acarizax, a house-dust-mite allergy treatment using allergen extracts, marking a major milestone for people with moderate to severe symptoms. Health Access & Equity: Early intervention in psychosis services shows improved outcomes in new national data, including reduced untreated psychosis and better employment results. Wellness & Community: A Mayo native’s family-funded epilepsy app, EpSMon, is being rolled out in the UK for free, supporting SUDEP prevention efforts. Nutrition & Industry: Vimto owner Nichols has agreed to buy Dublin-founded functional drinks brand VitHit for €75m, betting on growth in lower-sugar, vitamin-fortified beverages. Public Health Policy: Government is considering a “smoke-free generation” lifetime-style ban on cigarettes and nicotine sales, following the UK’s approach. Food Safety: FSAI recalls over 40 Dunnes/SuperValu products over salmonella fears, with “do not eat” warnings issued. Outdoor Wellbeing: Coillte is promoting forest visits in Tipperary as part of a “Start at Your Local Coillte Forest” campaign linking nature time to wellbeing.

Health & Care Access: National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire is trialling fold-out beds for parents of paediatric patients, after chair beds were judged not meeting needs. Food Safety: SuperValu has issued an urgent recall of €1.40 Sesame Seeds due to Salmonella risk, with specific batch codes and “do not eat” warnings. Public Health & Environment: An opinion piece warns Clare’s water quality is being treated too casually as bathing restrictions and pollution issues return each summer. Cancer & Patient Stories: An Irish Hospital Foundation project is recruiting Limerick participants for a Photovoice study on end-of-life experiences, aiming to improve how services reflect families’ needs. Community Health Funding: St Francis Hospice in Raheny received a €142,902 donation from the family of Veronica Guerin to support its in-patient redevelopment. Wellness & Lifestyle: A Dublin woman shares how she lost four stone by overhauling habits through a structured wellness clinic approach. Road Safety: Nine people were injured after a wrong-way collision on the M50 in Dublin, with one youth in critical condition.

Food Safety Alert: The FSAI has recalled over 40 Dunnes Stores Baxter & Greene loose salad and pre-packed items, plus specific SuperValu and Gem sesame seed products, after salmonella was detected. Consumer Guidance: Don’t eat the affected batches and remove them from sale; recall notices should be displayed at point-of-sale. Public Health Context: Salmonella symptoms often start 12–36 hours after infection, with diarrhoea the most common sign. Healthcare Access: New figures highlight pressure on Irish primary care and hospital services, including GP shortages and overcrowding concerns at University Hospital Limerick. Injury & Safety: A serious M50 crash left multiple people seriously injured and taken to hospital. Health & Research: Trinity College Dublin researchers report ancient smallpox genomes from northern Chile, linking the disease’s spread in the Americas to European colonisation. Community & Wellbeing: A Dublin sailor is set to race solo around the world to raise €1m for Parkinson’s charities, inspired by his father’s diagnosis.

Food Safety Recall: The FSAI has recalled multiple Dunnes Stores Baxter & Greene salad and pre-packed products, plus SuperValu and Gem sesame seed items, after salmonella concerns. Public Health Policy: Economists back risk-proportionate taxes on smoke-free nicotine alternatives (vapes, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches) to cut smoking, raise revenue and reduce illicit trade. Maternal Care & Support: A Kuwait childbirth story highlights how better information and doula support can help women feel safer and more in control during labour. Cancer & Treatment Journeys: Irish entrepreneur Rachel Purcell shares her chronic myeloid leukaemia diagnosis at 28 and how treatment shaped her life and motherhood plans. Road Safety & Injuries: Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a serious three-vehicle crash in Donegal left a woman airlifted to Sligo University Hospital. Community First Aid: Mayo All-Ireland winners Eoin McGreal and Enda Hession present €22,000 to Hollymount Community First Responders in memory of teenager Caylum Flynn. Emergency Care After Serious Injury: Limerick boxer Lee Reeves remains in critical but stable condition after a ring collapse in Dublin, with a fundraiser topping €98,000.

Cancer Care Breakthrough: St James’s Hospital marks five years of CAR-T in Ireland, with 150 patients treated since first use in Dec 2021—highlighting a potential lifeline for chemo-resistant blood cancers. Women’s Health Pressure: HSE figures show 965 women waiting for endometriosis care across specialist services, with 135 waiting over a year—led by Tallaght University Hospital. Maternity Standards: New national clinical guidelines set consistent care for water-birth/birthing pools across maternity settings, including monitoring, temperature/depth and emergency procedures. Mental Health & Neurodevelopment: A report flags long delays in Ireland’s autism assessment pathway, while another update shows Cavan–Monaghan’s integrated approach cutting children’s audiology waiting times dramatically. Public Health & Transport: Ireland’s e-scooter rules move into Cabinet with proposals including under-18 bans and mandatory helmets/hi-vis—sparking debate over safety and access. Community & Care in Action: RNLI rescued four crew from a fishing vessel taking on water south of Ballycotton Island, underscoring ongoing coastal safety efforts.