Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances free of charge to eligible people following assessment by a relevant health professional.  

The Community Funded Schemes (CFS) is a collective name for the many aids and appliances that are provided through community services. Provision is based on an appropriate clinical assessment, the funding available within local budgets, and a determination of the most appropriate product that will meet the eligible person’s needs. 

The CFS provides aids and appliances and assistive technologies to a wide section of the community including older people, people with diverse chronic illnesses, and people with disabilities. The actual products and services provided are subject to ongoing assessment and change in line with developments in clinical practice, and as new products are developed and become available to the market.

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE and is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. 

As this question also involves service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.