Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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667. To ask the Minister for Health if he will give due consideration to setting up a diabetes task force composed of healthcare professionals, researchers and patient advocates for the purposes of developing a ten-year diabetes strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3040/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Diabetes is a complex condition that can require management across the entire spectrum of healthcare delivery, including self-management support as well as care delivered through general practice, community specialist care and hospital inpatient specialist care.

The inclusion of diabetes as one of four chronic diseases in respect of which GMS patients receive ongoing, planned care from their GP through the Chronic Disease Management Programme also represents a major step forward in assisting those living with diabetes to manage their condition. As part of the GP Agreement of 2023, agreement was secured to include all women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia since January 2023 in the CDM Preventative Progamme.

Guidelines for Diabetes prevention and management include the Model of Integrated Care for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, the Model of Care for the Diabetic Foot (2021) and the National Clinical Guideline for the Management of Adult Type 1 Diabetes. Guidelines are reviewed and amended in line with the most up to date evidence to support best clinical practice and standardisation of care for diabetes patients.

In 2020, the Health Service Executive published The National Framework for the Integrated Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease (2020-2025) which adopted a whole system approach to integrated care for people with Chronic Diseases. It sets out a national framework for an integrated approach to the prevention and management of chronic disease in Ireland over the coming years. This framework was developed in relation to four major chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The framework builds on the existing policies and guidelines, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, disease management and rehabilitation services that are coordinated across different healthcare providers and healthcare settings.

I am aware of the needs of the diabetes community and the challenges faced by those living with the condition. Officials in my Department are engaging with the HSE Diabetes clinical team in consideration of the future development of diabetes related services.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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668. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ringfence dedicated funding to widen access to continuous glucose monitoring for people with Type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3041/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including clinical efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published a Health Technology Assessment of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on 29th September 2023. In line with the advice from HIQA and due to the budget impact associated with these products, the HSE has established a single reimbursement application system for all CGM sensors on the Reimbursement List. This reimbursement application system will apply to all current and any future CGM sensors reimbursed under the community drug schemes. This single reimbursement application can be used by any person with type 1 diabetes, regardless of age.

Patients treated with insulin who have recently accessed a CGM sensor under community drug schemes will continue to have reimbursement support; a new application will not be required where approval is in place.

As of 1st December 2023, all patients initiating on CGM sensors must receive prior approval for reimbursement support. Hospital clinicians responsible for the initiation of CGM systems (i.e., clinicians in diabetes clinics) can apply for reimbursement approval for suitable patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. All applications will be reviewed by the HSE Medicines Management Programme.