Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last week, I raised concerns related to HSE-funded post-mastectomy products in the House. I am really glad that the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, showed real leadership and intervened as he recognised that the threshold of support provided under those new procedures may lead to some women receiving less support than before. He asked the HSE to amend the procedures to ensure that no woman who is currently availing of the scheme or who might access it in the future would be at a financial loss as a result of the changes. It was very welcome to see him use his influence to further support women's healthcare here.

Somewhat similarly, I have been contacted by some local hair, scalp and wig specialists from my own area in south Kildare. The first lady contacted me to express her concern about changes in the terms of the provision of scalp and wig therapy funding through the HSE. She was concerned that proposed changes to the funding stream for hair therapy pieces would negatively affect those suffering from alopecia. I looked at this and no more than the post-mastectomy support, there seems to be a postcode lottery for what women would receive. For example, in Kildare, they would receive €750 worth of scalp therapy, wigs, etc. In Cork, it is €450 and in Kilkenny it is €550.Obviously, it is important that we standardise the amount right across the country. It should not be a postcode lottery, no more than with the post-mastectomy pieces.

I should add that this should be limited to those who have specific training in that, because, unfortunately, hair loss is not part of hairdresser training. It is important that there would be specialist training that would be recognised in relation to this.

From my conversations with Aileen, I am informed that a HSE funding stream was available for the provision and funding of hair, scalp and wig therapy for those suffering from alopecia as well as those suffering from hair loss because of cancer but that proposed changes that were due to come into effect on or after 4 March 2024 will remove this entitlement. I sought clarity from the HSE. They came back to me and stated that the introduction of a national standard with an increase in the allowance for the majority of areas in the country along with the ending of the inequities that previously existed is welcomed by service user support group, the Irish Cancer Society and healthcare professionals working in the area, and that eligibility is expanded, procedures are simplified and service users provided with great choice. That is excellent. I have no issue with that and we all would welcome it, but it does not clarify for me or for any of us the situation in terms of those with alopecia which is why I am raising this in the Chamber today.

Losing one's hair, whether as a result of cancer treatment or due to conditions such as alopecia, is very traumatic. It can have a hugely negative impact on people's self-confidence and esteem, especially for women. Our hair is inextricably linked to our sense of self and our identity and many women would choose not to leave their home than go out without an adequate wig or hairpiece, if they are suffering hair loss.

Alopecia is a medical condition and it is often the result of an autoimmune condition. I really would appreciate some clarity from the Minister of State.