Question from Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - PQ 65429-25

To ask the Minister for Health if she has reviewed the joint statement from groups regarding changing the reimbursement arrangements for high-protein oral nutritional supplements (ONS) (The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI), the Irish Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (IrSPEN) and over 600 clinical nutrition experts on the Medicines Management Programme proposal, Joint Position Paper (INDI & IrSPEN) & MMP plan to move all HP ONS to list B – IrSPEN & INDI strongly oppose – Irspen); if she is aware that the expert view has warned that such changes would undermine evidence-based nutrition support for vulnerable patients; if high-protein ONS will remain available to all patients for whom they are clinically indicated without proposed additional restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter.