Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1581. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to provide funding for the provision of the freestyle libre flash glucose monitoring system to people with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37615/23]
View answer1582. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will ring-fence some of the anticipated 2021 cost savings from the recent HSE medicines management programme (MMP) preferred blood glucose strips for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes evaluation, to fund the provision of the Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to people with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37616/23]
View answer1612. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if he plans to provide funding in budget 2024 to fund the provision of the glucose monitoring device Dexcom G7 to persons with diabetes over 21 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37681/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1581, 1582 and 1612 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including clinical efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. I, as the Minister for Health, have no role in these decisions.
The Health Information and Quality Authority have undertaken a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in respect of the provision of glucose monitoring devices to adults with Type I diabetes. This HTA will inform the HSE decision-making process.
While preparations in respect of Budget 2024 are ongoing, any health measures introduced will be in the context of the implementation of the health commitments in the Programme for Government and the funding available to progress healthcare priorities.
