Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
642. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if he has considered having the budget for the provision of prosthetic limbs separate to the overall budget for appliances for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43486/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister has not received a request of this nature from the Health Service Executive (HSE).
However, a HSE Primary Care led National Service Improvement Programme, established in 2019, has the aim of improving the quality and sustainability of the Community Funded Schemes through the establishment of national standards. This will aim to provide equity of access, value for money, and a management system that ensures compliance with those standards and objectives. Standards will be based on clear evidence-based rationale and will include a list of approved items, national prescribing guidelines and clinical criteria for each.
Both Aids and Appliances, and Prosthetics, are being considered within this Programme. While the work of the Programme was disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic, and further impacted by the recent cyber-attack, as the situation regarding the pandemic continues to improve, the work of the Programme will gather pace.
