Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - Services for Coeliacs.

Mary Hanafin

Question:

267 Ms Hanafin asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements for each health board region for providing free bread to coeliacs; if this bread is made available through the chemist; if so, if there is a charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15174/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): The availability of non-drug items on the general medical services scheme – GMS – is a matter for the general medical services payments board. A range of gluten free bread, bread mixes and flour for coeliac patients is currently available, on prescription, to medical card holders free of charge through community pharmacies. With regard to patients who do not hold a medical card, these items are also available, on prescription, through community pharmacies and are reimbursable under the community drug schemes.