David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response and congratulate him on the work he and the Government are doing in this area. I wonder what the cost will be of not making these sensors available to people, particularly if they get ill, end up in hospital or whatever and their quality of life disimproves.

One of my constituents informed me that the sensor changed the quality of his life when he started using it. His readings were kept at a manageable level and he feels much better when going out and about. He also said that prior to Christmas, the sensors were free to type 1 and 2 diabetes patients but that this has changed since then. I hope the Minister will clarify whether that is the case. My constituent applied to the HSE to have his sensor added to his long-term illness card but his application was rejected due to what he tells me was a change in the rules. He has had diabetes for over ten years. His consultant has indicated that the man also requires insulin. Since he obtained the self-funded technology, he has transformed his diabetes care with excellent control of the disease and improved safety. This is extremely important. It could be subsidised, and the Minister might consider that.

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