Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Insulin pumps are not available as a treatment option for adults with type 1 diabetes in the HSE mid-west region, even though they are available for children. Ours is the only region where this is the case. Patients who require pumps have to go on the waiting list in other regions and then travel for treatment. This is an extra burden on the host regions' overstretched services and on patients who have to travel for treatment that should be available locally. The only other option is to go to a private endocrinologist for treatment, but this is expensive. As with any medical condition, a range of treatment options must be available to ensure the best possible care can be provided. The mid-west diabetes advocacy group was told, through a parliamentary question in 2022, that pumps would be available in the mid-west region from the end of 2023. In June 2024, the group got an answer to a parliamentary question which said this would not happen. No explanation was provided. Will the Taoiseach indicate why the promised treatment was not delivered and advise as to when it will be?

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