There is a comprehensive list of essential drugs and medicines under the General Medical Services scheme, which are available free of charge to medical card holders, on foot of a general practitioner's prescription. A number of products, generally those available without prescription on an "over-the-counter" basis, are not available under the scheme. If the Deputy will let me have details of the medication and medical treatment for ME to which he refers, I will have the matter examined.
The problem of myalgic encephalomyelitis is one about which widespread scientific debate is carried on in the medical literature. The nature of the illness, its diagnosis and the various modes of treatment are all being rigorously researched and evaluated worldwide. My Department is not aware of any EU initiative to provide relief for ME sufferers; it will, however, continue to monitor international developments on this debilitating disease. Whilst there are no plans to appoint a specialist in this area, I am satisfied that those in the Irish health services dealing with ME are conversant with modern thinking and practice in relation to the condition.
