Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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649. To ask the Minister for Health the diagnostic supports available for suspected sarcoidosis (including access to high-resolution CT, PET-CT where indicated, tissue biopsy, cardiac MRI, and ophthalmology assessment); whether national guidance on investigation and follow-up is being updated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53413/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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650. To ask the Minister for Health the treatment options available to sarcoidosis patients under the public system (e.g. corticosteroids, steroid-sparing agents, biologics); the criteria for access and reimbursement; whether any forthcoming changes are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53414/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must apply to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.

In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to several criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

The Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e., full eligibility (medical cards) and limited eligibility. Reimbursable claims for medicines on the HSE reimbursement list are based on prescriptions which are transmitted to the pharmacist.

The reimbursement list can be found online at: www.sspcrs.ie/druglist/pub

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 under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

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. Medical cards may be subject to review and medical reports may be needed to support the renewal or continuation of the eligibility.

Under the Drug 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 those who are not eligible for a medical card but incur ongoing expenditure on medicines.

There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the DPS threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.

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%.