Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2026
1000. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to expand eligibility for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, particularly for adults with diabetes who are currently excluded from access under existing criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1002. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the reason people with disabilities in Ireland who are living with diabetes do not have access to continuous glucose monitoring device; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22310/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1000 and 1002 together.
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 devices ,therefore, I have asked the HSE for an update in this matter. The HSE has advised that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Rapid Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was published on 29th September 2023. The published document can be found at: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/rapid-health-technology-assessment-continuous
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, type 3c diabetes, or other types of diabetes excluded from the HTA referenced above, such as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), monogenic forms of diabetes etc. has not been undertaken. Therefore, there is limited information to support the extension of reimbursement to this cohort, including cost-effectiveness assessment and budget impact of same. The HSE-MMP and National Clinical Programme for Diabetes, with the support of the HSE Chief Clinical Officer, submitted a joint proposal requesting HIQA to consider including a HTA of CGM for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes in their 2026 workplan. A HTA could identify if CGM technology is clinically and cost-effective in patients with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, which populations of patients will likely derive greatest benefit from the availability of CGM, and could support decision making regarding long-term funding and availability of this technology.
