Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this important issue. The HSE is working to standardise the grants available for wigs and hairpieces. Based on the work done to date, an expert group has made a proposal for the development of guidelines by the HSE to standardise the grants paid. The Senator is absolutely correct that it just does not add up that somebody in Wexford would get €200 less than someone in Dublin. As I said, while the finalisation of the guidelines was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, much significant work has been done and improvements have been introduced in a number of areas.

In particular, I welcome the interim measures introduced by the HSE whereby each person affected by the absence of wig fittings is to be provided with additional funding of €80 to facilitate the purchase of up to two items of headwear. I hope this measure will be of assistance to patients who have experienced additional difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The HSE expects to finalise and implement the new guidelines in mid-2022.