Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1111. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the level of contact he has had with the domestic waste industry regarding waivers being available to people with health issues and who use incontinence products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35700/23]
View answerThe Health Service Executive provides a wide range of medical products and services to eligible persons, including incontinence wear products, following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are available, where prescribed, to those with medical cards or with Long-Term Illness scheme eligibility.
Reimbursement support for incontinence wear products is also provided under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), but must be supported by a valid prescription for such products.
The DPS provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances (including incontinence wear) exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS threshold was reduced on 1 March 2022 to €80 per month. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for those who are not eligible for a medical card or Long-Term Illness scheme card but who incur ongoing medical expenditure.
As the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications holds responsibility for the administration of waste disposal charges, queries in that regard should be directed to that Department.
