Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
64. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been made in relation to the long-awaited roll-out of the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to persons with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need. [7927/22]
View answerI am aware that the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system makes a real difference to patients living with type 1 diabetes by enabling needle-free monitoring of blood sugars.
Currently, access to the Freestyle Libre glucose monitoring system is available to children and young adults, aged 4 - 21 years.
However, I want to ensure that the device is made available to all patients. Age should not be a barrier.
There is an exceptional application process in place for type 1 diabetic patients outside of the 4–21 age cohort. I appreciate that this exceptional process is not ideal and that is why I want it readily available for all patients that require it.
The HSE, in 2021, commissioned the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) to conduct a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of the device.
However, the company responsible for the device has expressed a preference to submit evidence to support its effectiveness to the HSE Health Technology Advisory Group for their consideration.
I do not want any further unnecessary delays for patients. Therefore, I have written to the HSE requesting that it be assessed by the Health Technology Advisory Group without any further delay.
