Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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230. To ask the Minister for Health his views on rogue crisis pregnancy agencies performing transvaginal ultrasounds in early pregnancy; and his plans to regulate the practice. [9100/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to rogue crisis pregnancy agencies, the HSE - along with my department are aware and continue to monitor the situation in relation to disingenuous agencies operating in Ireland. These agencies may not be upfront about their intentions and may try to influence a person’s decision regarding their pregnancy. Signs of a disingenuous service include a delay in giving pregnancy test results, advice and supports that do not include information on abortion services, and the use of negative or frightening language.

The HSE recommend that people should contact My Options which is the official HSE service if they need information or support in the event of an unplanned pregnancy, or if they need post-abortion supports.

The HSE has taken several measures to address the issue of disingenuous agencies targeting people experiencing unplanned pregnancy, promoting awareness of My Options through Google search ads, targeted social media, out of home (OOH), radio and digital audio advertising.

The My Options search ad campaign is performing extremely well and appears as the top ad or as the top organic search result for any related searches. To help combat the promotion of disingenuous messaging, the HSE are monitoring any competitors and have set a bid management strategy to automatically increase their bids if another website appears ahead of theirs. The HSE monitor the search ad performance and that of disingenuous agencies on an on-going basis and share feedback with Google.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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231. To ask the Minister for Health if supports will be introduced to assist people suffering with ME and POTS with medical costs arising from their conditions; if his attention has been drawn to reports that, in many instances, people are off work due to these diseases and have a much-reduced income, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9101/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable. There are currently two schemes, administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE), which protect people 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 is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. It 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%.