Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20557/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Requests for funding for footwear are made by Health Service Executive (HSE) approved clinicians on a standardised application form on behalf of clients with medical cards or long-term illness cards. Approval for funding is based the detailed information received and prioritised to ensure that people with the most urgent assessed needs have their needs met first, within budget. The HSE has informed the Department that, the current waiting time for priority cases is 13 months.

The National Procurement department of the HSE is currently reviewing its contracts arrangements for the supply of orthoses, footwear and orthopaedic appliances. As a result of this review, the HSE will present to the market as a single entity, harnessing the purchasing power of individual locations. This approach will facilitate the introduction of standardised pricing across the HSE within orthotics ensuring that value for money is achieved whilst maintaining quality standards and clinical choice in compliance with international best practice. The provision of new contracts will in turn ensure that waiting times for the supply of devices will be reduced.