Vol. 417 No. 7
51 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the extent to which homeopathic and alternative medicine is practised in the health services; if he has satisfied himself with the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The practice of homeophatic and alternative medicine is a matter for the professional judgment of individual general medical practitioners but homeopathic medicines are not eligible for re-imbursement under the general medical services scheme. This form of medicine is not part of the hospital services provided by health boards nor is its costs recoupable under the Voluntary Health Insurance scheme. I do not have any proposals under consideration to vary policy in this regard.
