Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
170. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she will review the drugs payment scheme to examine whether the purchase cost of a prescribed CPAP machine can be included under the scheme, rather than limiting support to rental costs. [69099/26]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE also have responsibility for the administration of the Community Drug Schemes, including the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS).
Under the DPS, no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines and medical appliances. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. Further information can be found at: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/drugs-payment-scheme/card/.
The rental costs for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are included under the DPS. Further information, including how to claim, can be found at: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/drugs-payment-scheme/refunds/.
There are currently no plans to refund the purchase cost of CPAP machines under the Drug Payment Scheme.
