Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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601. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider the introduction of courses (details supplied) being covered by the medical card taking into account the benefits that they offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48044/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e., full eligibility (medical cards) and limited eligibility.

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Individuals with full medical card eligibility can access certain health services free of charge, including General Practitioner (GP) services, prescribed drugs and medicines, in-patient/out-patient public hospital services including consultant services, dental, ophthalmic, and aural services. In addition to the provision of clinically prescribed aids and appliances, they may also have access to community care services, such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The criteria of that Act would not cover the introduction of the proposed courses under the community drug schemes.

The HSE may utilise another agency to provide health services. Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004 (as amended) provide for such arrangements between the HSE and other agencies to deliver health and social care services. Once a need has been identified, the establishment of such arrangements usually require a procurement process by the HSE to identify appropriate service providers to fill that need. The provision of the proposed courses would require further consideration in that regard.