Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
172. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 24 January 2024, the steps he will take to ensure that the review of Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme is prioritised this year; the detail regarding any meetings carried out by his officials in the last 12 months regarding parameters of this planned review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4487/24]
View answerThe Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme (COSMTS) was established in 2004 as a pilot project in response to an identified need. The Scheme engages four practices across seven locations to provide medical and minor surgical care to patients outside of the acute care setting. This allows hospitals and eye clinics to focus on treating more complex conditions. The treatments and the current fees payable under the Scheme were agreed in 2013.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) have advised that a detailed evaluation of the current operation of the COSMTS needs to be carried out before it is extended further. This review remains a priority for my Department in 2024. The requirements of this review have been regularly discussed in meetings between officials from my Department and their HSE counterparts as well as internally within my Department. This process is continuing in tandem with the pursuit of other priorities in the provision of appropriate eye care.
