Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health following the Health Service Executives cut to special footwear allowances for patients needing orthopaedic footwear, the alternative funding measures available to enable patients purchase the footwear they require but may be unable to afford [41898/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) does not operate a national scheme with a fixed list of entitlements which includes footwear allowances to people who require orthopaedic footwear. Local offices may operate a discretionary budget which covers a wide range of items ranging from mobility aids to communication aids. It is possible that some individuals have received orthopaedic footwear in the past from this source. However, the HSE has not issued a national instruction to exclude items from this budget, which is decided on a case by case basis at local level.

People with disabilities may be eligible for medical/surgical aids and appliances from the HSE, including specialised footwear, which facilitates and/or maintains mobility and/or functional independence. The basis for this provision is in the Health Act, 1970 and is subject to specific eligibility criteria as follows: Medical Card holders; and Long-Term Illness Card holders, where the medical/surgical aid is deemed appropriate and specific to their diagnosed illness or disability. Individuals who do not come under the criteria outlined are considered on a case by case basis. Assessments are carried out by a range of multi-disciplinary staff.

Approval of the items is based on detailed information received and with the assistance of local prioritisation guidelines to ensure that people with the most urgent assessed needs have their needs met first, within a set monthly budget. All professionals providing community based services will be aware of the prioritisation criteria and will provide any necessary and urgent items of equipment following appropriate assessment, as soon as possible.