Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 1

Written Answers. - Medical Card Scheme.

Seán Haughey

Question:

154 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the medical card scheme to cater for residents of private nursing homes; if he will allow residents to retain subsidies in relation to incontinence wear; if he will include vaseline, gauze, dressings and strapping together with suppositories and enemas in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15351/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

A review of medical card eligibility for the elderly and large families has been identified as a key priority in the Government's Programme An Action Programme for the Millennium and my Department is currently making the arrangements necessary to advance this review with the health boards.

In addition, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the reply given by the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Tom Moffatt in response to a written question from Deputy Sargent on 30 September where it was outlined that a person in receipt of a nursing home subvention is entitled to items which are covered by the subvention, including incontinence wear, aids and applicances. Article 16.1 of the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993 provides that a registered proprietor of a nursing home shall not seek any additional payment from a subvented patient for any service which is considered to be essential to the maintenance of a person in a nursing home and common practice in nursing homes. Among the services which are considered to be essential to the maintenance of a person in a nursing home, and common practice in most nursing homes, are incontinence wear and bedding, laundry services and aids and applicances necessary to assist a dependent person with the activities of daily living. The position in respect of the supply of dressings, including vaseline gauze and strappings, to patients in receipt of subvention is being investigated and I will communicate with the Deputy, and Deputy Sargent when the position is clarified.

The position regarding suppositories and enemas is that certain products which require a doctor's prescription are available to patients free of charge on the GMS. Generally these treatments are available without a prescription on an over-the-counter basis and, as such, are not available on the GMS scheme.