508. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the funding available to help support families and individuals with the purchase of seizure detection devices (details supplied); her plans to introduce a fund to assist families with the cost of purchasing seizure detection devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54404/26]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides an extensive range of aids and appliances to individuals living with a wide variety of different medical conditions, through Community Funded Schemes(CFS) - also referred to as Local Demand Led Schemes (LDLS). These schemes support individuals to continue living within their communities and to enjoy a greater quality of life than would otherwise be the case.

Aids and appliances are provided to eligible service users in line with the established processes and procedures in place in local health areas. The criteria for accessing aids and appliances are varied and can be based on clinical need, demand, medical card eligibility, Long Term Illness (LTI) eligibility, priority listing, compassionate grounds, or a combination of these.

In addition, under the Long-Term Illness Scheme, patients with one of sixteen conditions, which includes epilepsy, receive approved drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

In addition to these supports, if an individual cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants, they may be eligible to apply to the HSE for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme.

As the Deputy raises questions regarding the provision of services, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.