Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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246. To ask the Minister for Health if anything can be done to help people with diabetes who cannot afford dressings when they have skin breakdown due to their diabetes, given that dressings are currently not covered by the medical card (details supplied). [11894/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicinal product added to the formal Reimbursement list.

In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.

There are a range of schemes that assist people with their medical costs. 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.

Another scheme that assists people with specific medical costs is the Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme. This scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. Diabetes is one of the illnesses included. Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.