Vol. 416 No. 6
284 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health whether appliances prescribed as necessary for infants with identified defects are provided free to the children concerned; and if not, if he will outline the basis on which subvention is provided.
Under the provisions of the Health Act, 1970, prescribed appliances are provided in the following manner:
Appliances are provided free of charge to medical card holders and their dependants, and to persons diagnosed as suffering from a prescribed long term illness. In the case of dental, ophthalmic and aural appliances, these appliances are made available free of charge in respect of defects noticed at child health and school health examinations.
For persons with limited eligibility and their dependants, the drugs refund and drug cost subsidisation schemes provide subventions towards the cost of certain appliances.
In cases of particular hardship, health boards may provide assistance towards the cost of prescribed appliances.
If the Deputy is concerned about a particular case, I will have the matter investigated on receipt of the details.
