3898. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of the National ePrescribing project; if vendors have been shortlisted; to outline the next steps; the timeline for full implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58100/26]

The National ePrescribing Programme is a major digital health initiative which will modernise prescribing and medicines management across Irish healthcare services. The programme will support electronic prescribing and dispensing across care settings in the community and is a key enabler of safer medicines management and improved continuity of care.

The programme will support the electronic creation, transmission and management of prescriptions and will contribute to improved patient safety, reduced medication-related risks, better information sharing and greater efficiency across the health service.

The programme is progressing through procurement and implementation planning. The procurement process will run though 2026.

As this is an active procurement process, it would not be appropriate to comment on individual vendors or procurement participants at this stage. Vendor shortlisting is complete and all vendors have been advised of the outcome of that process. The next step in procurement is the competitive dialogue process which will be followed by finalisation of contractual arrangements and detailed implementation planning.

The precise sequencing and timeline for implementation will be determined following completion of procurement and will take account of technical readiness, service requirements, integration with existing systems and the need to ensure safe and effective deployment.

The National ePrescribing Programme will also support wider digital health transformation through implementation of Digital for Care, including the HSE Health app, National Shared Care Record and the National Electronic Health Record Programme.