Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. In her reply, she stated it was important to note "that the new proposed procedure in respect of hair loss was for cancer provision only and had no impact on non-cancer related alopecia patients". I take from that that those suffering from alopecia will still be entitled to the same allowance as before. That is bringing clarity and I thank the Minister of State for that.

On the standardised allowance, we both agree that absolutely is where we want to be. I appreciate the Minister has instructed the HSE to press pause until there is further clarity on it. I honestly feel that, in terms of the sentence from the speech I have just reiterated, it is clear there may be proposed changes for cancer payment in terms of standardisation but that there will be no change for those suffering from alopecia. That is exactly what I want to hear and I thank the Minister of State for that.