Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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2902. To ask the Minister for Health if she will conduct a full assessment of the financial impact of heart failure on patients, including recommendations on appropriate actions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42587/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Heart Failure is a complex condition that affects approximately 2% of the population, and this percentage is expected to grow. In 2020, the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) estimated 1.75% of over 50 year olds suffered from congestive heart failure. This is influenced by a range of factors, including an ageing population, increased prevalence of diabetes and obesity, and increased numbers with high blood pressure.

Many people are unaware they have Heart Failure, due to the gradual onset of symptoms, which are often mistaken for typical signs of ageing or attributed to other conditions. Therefore, Heart Failure has frequently progressed significantly by the time a diagnosis is made. Treatment of this complex condition requires coordinated multidisciplinary care. The Government recognises that Heart Failure places significant burden on individuals, families, and the healthcare system. A multifaceted approach to care is therefore required, encompassing community-based care, early diagnosis, patient support and targeted interventions.

Ireland has made substantial progress in managing Heart Failure and the implications of the diagnosis. The 2021 Heart Failure Model of Care standardises care and aims to improve outcomes for patients. It has established structured care pathways that support patients from hospital discharge to community self-management. It includes practical tools, patient resources, and signposting. The National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services provides 23 key recommendations to inform future cardiac health policy, including Heart Failure. The HSE are now developing an implementation plan for the Review.

Under Sláintecare reforms, there is a clear emphasis on integrated primary and community care to prevent repeat hospitalisations. Since 2020, the chronic disease management programme has supported those at the most significant risk, including those with Heart Failure. The programme includes prevention, targeted case finding and ongoing management, helping us identify heart disease early, manage the condition effectively and slow or halt disease progression. The HSE is rolling out GP direct access to diagnostics such as a specific blood test and early echocardiogram to aid in early detection of Heart Failure in primary care.

Cardiovascular health has been prioritised in Budget 2025, which allocates over €9 million in full-year funding to support vital cardiovascular initiatives. Budget 2025 allocated €4 million full year costs, and 45 WTEs to progress cardiac services, which includes Heart Failure. This investment facilitates the initial steps in cardiac services reform and will support the development of a new cardiovascular strategy in the longer term. In the short term, we will deliver enhanced cardiac services and develop the necessary structures to ensure success in the longer term.

The HSE provide a wide range of supports for those with chronic disease and disability. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE and is primarily based on an assessment of 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. 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.

Further information regarding medical cards can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/

Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), 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. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals 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%.