I propose to take Questions Nos. 1180 and 1181 together.
The Government is committed to providing accessible and affordable health care.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, free of charge to eligible persons following assessment by a relevant health professional. It is not possible to quantify the number of these aids and appliances that are energy consuming devices as the existing information systems do not record this. In addition, short of carrying out a national census, it would not be possible to quantify the number of patients (including private patients) nationwide that have such devices.
However, there are a range of schemes that assist individuals in meeting their medical costs.
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.
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.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) ensures that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines who are not eligible for a medical card.
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%.
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:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/d5554-supplementary-welfare-allowance/
www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/
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. This includes measures around communication, disconnection and other important areas. 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:
www.cru.ie/need-assistance/vulnerable-customers/
Finally, as announced in Budget 2023, every household in Ireland will receive three €200 energy credits, totalling €600, towards the costs of their electricity over the coming months.
