Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
640. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if he will make funding of €5 million available in Budget 2024 to enable increased access to continuous glucose monitoring for people with Type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42472/23]
View answer641. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if he plans to make Freestyle Libre intermittently scanned sensor technology available to all people with Type 1 diabetes, without age restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42473/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 640 and 641 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 completed a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in respect of the provision of glucose monitoring systems to adults with Type I diabetes in Ireland. This was published on 29 September 2023 and 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.
