3612. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the financial assistance or schemes available for a person (details supplied) with type two diabetes in purchasing sensors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57034/26]

3704. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health to introduce a clinician-led assessment pathway to allow reimbursement of continuous glucose monitoring systems where a consultant endocrinologist certifies that such monitoring systems are clinically necessary, regardless of whether a patient has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57437/26]

3705. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health to request the Health Information and Quality Authority to undertake a health technology assessment of continuous glucose monitoring systems for cohorts other than persons with Type 1 diabetes, including persons with insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57438/26]

3706. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date data her Department holds on assessing the potential savings arising from wider access to continuous glucose monitoring systems through reductions in hospital admissions, emergency presentations and diabetes-related complications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57439/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3612 and 3704 to 3706, inclusive, together.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide an alternative approach to self-monitoring of blood glucose (using blood glucose test strips with an associated blood glucose meter). These CGM systems comprise of sensors, transmitters and a mechanism to display the results (readers/receivers or smart device application).

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices. The HSE has advised that the HIQA Rapid HTA of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was published on 29th September 2023.

The HTA recommended the establishment of a single managed access programme for all CGM systems for all individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, noting that such a system would need clearly defined criteria for access. Following on from the recommendations in this HTA, the HSE-MMP, in conjunction with the HSE-PCRS, and with the support of the HSE Chief Clinical Officer, introduced an online reimbursement application system for all CGM sensors on 1st December 2023.

Reimbursement support for CGM sensors at this point in time is based on the HIQA HTA and is for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, who have required insulin from the outset. To date, a HTA of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus or other types of diabetes has not been undertaken in Ireland. Therefore, there is limited information to support the extension of reimbursement to these patient groups, including cost-effectiveness assessment and budget impact of same. The HSE has identified preferred CGM products based on cost-effectiveness to manage this expenditure. A second review of CGMs is taking place which will include an update of the preferred CGM sensors evaluation. On the 21st of May, The Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A Strategy for Better Care was launched by the Minister for Health. This is Ireland’s first national strategy for diabetes. It sets out recommendations for action in relation to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy and paediatric diabetes. The strategy marks a major milestone in diabetes care in Ireland, representing the development of a unified approach to the delivery of diabetes care.