Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to see that the device is being considered under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Minister might give an indication of when he expects a decision to issue on it or when the expert group will report back. As he will appreciate, parents know this device is available. I understand that it is being used in some of the hospitals, that they are giving it out in the clinics. Parents would wish to have anything that would make it easier and less painful for their children, but it comes at a cost and a lot of parents simply cannot afford it. Again we have the "chequebook rule", where people who have the money can purchase a device or treatment while people who do not are under pressure. No-one would want to see a child suffer just because the parents cannot afford the device. Considering that all things for diabetics do come under the long-term illness scheme, I would appreciate if the Minister might get a report back from the expert group at some stage, although I understand he does not have a say in the decision.