Medical Aids and Appliances

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024

Tuesday, 27 February 2024

Questions (469, 473, 522, 523, 565, 567, 575, 598, 623)

Sean Fleming

Question:

469. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when he will reinstate the provision of clothing for people with breast cancer (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9329/24]

Ged Nash

Question:

473. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the reported impact that proposed changes to the allowance and supports made available to women for the provision of post-mastectomy products (details supplied) may have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8644/24]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

522. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason for reducing support for women with breast cancer by reducing their allowance to access prosthetic bras following a mastectomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8892/24]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

523. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to detail any changes in available public funding for wigs or hairpieces and post-mastectomy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8911/24]

Ivana Bacik

Question:

565. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if the position of his Department has changed since 2017 with respect to funding supports for post-mastectomy patients; the rationale for cutting the allowance for post-mastectomy products; and if he will review the decision to cut the allowance. [9066/24]

Willie O'Dea

Question:

567. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the recently announced cut to funding for post-mastectomy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9072/24]

Peter Fitzpatrick

Question:

575. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health why funding for post-mastectomy products has been cut (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9114/24]

Verona Murphy

Question:

598. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the HSE changes to financial supports to cancer patients for prosthesis costs and mastectomy bra costs; what engagement his Department had with the HSE as regards these changes; if the Minister will seek an immediate reversal of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9209/24]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

623. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review correspondence regarding the proposed changes to the provision of post-mastectomy products (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9285/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 469, 473, 522, 523, 565, 567, 575, 598 and 623 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provide an extensive range of aids and appliances to individuals living with a wide variety of different medical conditions. These support individuals to continue living within their communities and to enjoy a greater quality of life than would otherwise be the case. The Community Funded Schemes (CFS) is the collective name for the provision of these products and services.

The Community Funded Scheme service improvement programme recently published two new national procedures for the provision of an allowance for cancer treatment in respect of hair loss and post mastectomy products. The HSE advise that the intention of the new procedures was to standardize provision across the country.

I instructed the HSE to ensure that no patient, either currently availing of the scheme or accessing it in the future, should be at any financial loss as a result of the proposed changes.

The HSE has since communicated to each CHO advising them to revert to the pre-existing level of contributions to patients in respect of hair loss and post mastectomy products until such time as the new procedures can be reviewed in terms of the proposed allowances to be provided. CHOs were also instructed to contact any member of the public who received an email/communication advising them of the new procedure to inform them it has been withdrawn. This communication also reiterated that no person should be disadvantaged in any way in the intervening period.

I want to reiterate that progressing Women's Health is a priority within the Programme for Government, and a top priority for me as Minister for Health. I am proud to have overseen unprecedented levels of funding in women's health services over the last few years. I want to ensure that the necessary supports are put in place so that every woman has the same level of access to appropriate healthcare no matter where they live in Ireland.