1301. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health to clarify the rules surrounding provision of medical supports (details supplied) to those in need and their provision by the HSE to non-medical card patients; and if such equipment when provided to all patients, is returned and reused making it more cost effective for her Department. [65029/26]

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 receive approved drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

The HSE has advised that certain aids and appliances may be accepted for refurbishment and re-use. However, some items are designated for single-patient use only and, for reasons including safety and structural integrity, cannot be issued to another patient. In these instances, the items may be returned to the HSE for appropriate recycling and disposal.

As the Deputy’s question concerns specific aids and appliances, and as arrangements for their re-use may vary depending on the product concerned, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.