Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to providing accessible and affordable health care.

The Department of Social Protection administer the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme and the Fuel Allowance , which may assist individuals in meeting the costs associated with operating medical devices. Further information on these can be found, respectively, at:

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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. 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:

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In addition, the Government has provided energy credits to each household in budget 2024 and budget 2025. As a result of this, a further €250 will be paid to households over the coming months.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) does not provide an electricity allowance for new clients for devices within their home. Previously there was an allowance provided to some people in CHO 9 based on historic practices. This was discontinued for new clients, in line with the practice in the rest of the country. However, a small number of existing recipients remain in receipt. There currently are no plans to provide an electricity allowance via the HSE.

However, the HSE does administer schemes that may assist individuals in meeting the costs that may arise due to their medical needs.

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, based primarily on an assessment of financial means.

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