Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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645. To ask the Minister for Health what financial supports are available for amputees who do not qualify for a medical card, who are required to pay extremely high costs upwards of €6,000 every few years for necessary prosthetics; the measures he will take to address this gap in supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16077/24]

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, including prosthetics, 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.

Amputees, whose amputation arose from either a traumatic or elective event, usually have their primary prosthesis fitted at the hospital where the surgery was undertaken. Subsequent prostheses are provided to eligible clients through the Community Funded Schemes. Rehabilitation services are provided by the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) primarily at their site in Dun Laoghaire and augmented by a number of satellite clinics that they operate throughout the country. There are also a number of smaller services operated at regional level that provide assessment and fitting clinics along with prostheses at a local level.

A HSE Service Improvement Programme (SIP) has the aim of improving the equity of access, value for money, and functional processes of the Community Funded Schemes through the establishment of national guidelines for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances.

The HSE advise that currently funding of prosthetics is undertaken through the Community Funded Schemes based on an individual's clinical needs and their eligibility status. A priority for the HSE SIP in 2024 is a review of the existing provision of limb prosthetic services.

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.

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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646. To ask the Minister for Health if, following the recent publicity surrounding the provision of bras, prosthetics, and swimwear for post-mastectomy clients, he will clarify what are the entitlements; to provide a list of the companies that provide these products nationally and which of the entitlements they supply (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16079/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) provide an extensive range of aids and appliances to individuals living with a wide variety of different medical conditions. These support individuals to continue living within their communities and to enjoy a greater quality of life than would otherwise be the case. The Community Funded Schemes (CFS) is the collective name for the provision of these products and services.

The Community Funded Scheme service improvement programme recently published two new national procedures for the provision of an allowance for cancer treatment in respect of hair loss and post mastectomy products. The HSE advise that the intention of the new procedures was to standardise provision across the country.

I instructed the HSE to ensure that no patient, either currently availing of the scheme or accessing it in the future, should be at any financial loss as a result of the proposed changes.

The HSE has since communicated to each CHO advising them to revert to the pre-existing level of contributions to patients in respect of hair loss and post mastectomy products until such time as the new procedures can be reviewed in terms of the proposed allowances to be provided. CHOs were also instructed to contact any member of the public who received an email/communication advising them of the new procedure to inform them it has been withdrawn. This communication also reiterated that no person should be disadvantaged in any way in the intervening period.

I want to reiterate that progressing Women's Health is a priority within the Programme for Government, and a top priority for me as Minister for Health. I am proud to have overseen unprecedented levels of funding in women's health services over the last few years. I want to ensure that the necessary supports are put in place so that every woman has the same level of access to appropriate healthcare no matter where they live in Ireland.

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