Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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486. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form for January 2020 to December 2022, the number of people in South Tipperary CHO Area 5 who have a diagnosed neurological condition and are waiting to see the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team (CNRT); if his Department and Health Service Executive intend to establish a community neuro-rehabilitation team in CHO area 5 to specifically cover South Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2709/23]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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487. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on any plans that may be under way to ensure adequate support is provided to home dialysis-patients in the context of the current energy and cost-of-living crisis to ensure that they continue to receive their lifesaving and sustaining treatment at home, and can afford same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2713/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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488. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on any plans that are under way to ensure to include home dialysis-patients in the long-term illness scheme, as they carry out their own lifesaving and sustaining treatment at home at a significant savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2714/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, free of charge to eligible persons (such as medical card holders and people on the Long-Term Illness scheme) following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community. This includes aids and appliances needed for home dialysis.

The Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.

Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. The LTI scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.

In the meantime, for people who are not eligible for the LTI scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medical costs.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility 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. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.

In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.

The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) ensures that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals not eligible for a medical card but with ongoing expenditure on medicines.

Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.

For persons experiencing difficulty paying their electricity costs, financial assistance may be available through schemes administered by the Department of Social Protection. Further information can be found at:

www.gov.ie/en/collection/d5554-supplementary-welfare-allowance/.

www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/

In addition, energy suppliers are required to establish, maintain and regularly update a register of vulnerable customers. Vulnerable customers include:

- Those who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment. This includes (but is not limited to) life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment, or

- Those who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.

There are a range of additional protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers. This includes measures around communication, disconnection and other important areas. Energy suppliers are required to provide customers with a free and easy way to register as a vulnerable customer.

Further information regarding this can be found at:

www.cru.ie/need-assistance/vulnerable-customers/

Finally, as announced in Budget 2023, every household in Ireland has been granted 3 x €200 energy credits, totalling €600, towards the costs of their electricity.