Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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880. To ask the Minister for Health if the range of food products available through the reimbursement scheme will be expanded for sufferers of PKU and BH4; the status of engagements he may have had with concerned parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19498/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a debilitating lifelong condition, in which people must maintain an extremely low protein diet. In Ireland, a national programme, Diet for Life, is in place for lifetime management of the condition and it provides continuous individual monitoring and assessment of patients.

People with PKU in Ireland can get essential clinical nutritional products and low protein foodstuffs free of charge, under the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme. About €5 million worth of these products are provided annually under the LTI Scheme.

For a product to be supplied on the community drugs schemes, the supplier must apply to the HSE for reimbursement approval and the product must meet published criteria. In November 2016, the HSE published revised guidelines on applications for reimbursement of non-drug items, including clinical nutritional and other products for people with PKU.

A number of reimbursement applications have been made under the new guidelines. The HSE has assessed these applications and will notify applicants in the coming weeks and it is hoped that this process will broaden the list of products available on the LTI Scheme.

There is also a process for reimbursement of particular items for individuals, if required. The HSE has, in the past, made exceptional arrangements, on an individual basis, taking into account the price constraints outlined.

New products have come to market elsewhere in recent years and suppliers need to increase the range and availability of their products in Ireland also, so that Irish patients can have a much better choice and variety of food. The next opportunity for suppliers to seek reimbursement is expected to be later this year.