Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1085. To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients availing of the type 2 diabetes cycle of care programme in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the cost of the programme to date; his plans to extend it to patients with type 2 diabetes who do not have a medical card or general practitioner-only visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19994/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.

People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.

Diabetes is currently listed on the Long Term Illness Scheme which means that patients can get a range of medicines from their community pharmacy free.

As the PQ also refers to the Diabetes cycle of care which is run by the HSE , it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.