Written Answers Nos. 166-170
166. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to funding shortage concerns by an organisation (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure the long-term continuity of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16966/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
167. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if all cancer drug therapies available to Irish patients are universally and equitably available on the public system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16969/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 provides a rigorous process for the assessment of new medicines for reimbursement. This allows taxpayers to be confident both that the right medicines are chosen, and that those medicines are approved at a price that can sustainably be afforded in a budget-limited health service. Economic assessment is valuable to stretch the funds granted to the HSE as far as possible, allowing them to provide a range of services as well as innovative medicines for all citizens.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the 2013 Act. Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted marketing authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority. In line with the 2013 Act, and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must first submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
All medicines which have been added to the reimbursement list, including cancer drug therapies, are available to eligible patients in the public health service.
168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16972/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
169. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the amount the HSE has spent on salaries and fees for trainee clinical psychologists in each year of the past five years, in tabular form; the number of graduates from the programme; the number who went on to work for the HSE as qualified clinical psychologists in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16975/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
170. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17013/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that those suffering from hearing loss have access to the services they require, including access to affordable hearing aids. The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides hearing aids and associated maintenance free of charge to adults with a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The Treatment Benefit Scheme, provided by the Department of Social Protection, is available to those who have paid sufficient PRSI contributions. This Scheme provides a maximum funding once every four calendar years of €500 towards a single hearing aid or €1,000 towards a pair of hearing aids and €100 towards the cost of repairs. Suppliers must be registered with the Department of Social Protection. A person may choose to purchase a more expensive hearing aid and would pay any additional costs arising. Individuals who do not possess a medical card or who are not eligible for the Treatment Benefit Scheme would have to purchase hearing aids privately from a commercial provider. If the individual has private health insurance, it may cover hearing aid costs.
Hearing aids are exempt from VAT and people may also be entitled to claim tax relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) on their purchase of hearing aids where prescribed by a practitioner.
