Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 5

Written Answers. - Drug Payment Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

93 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will itemise the medications which will in future be unavailable under the drug refund scheme and under the medical card; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of these items are very cost effective in health support; and if he will reconsider some of these restrictions. [3143/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The position is that the existing drugs cost subsidisation and drug refund schemes will be merged into one new drug payment scheme with a threshold of £42 per month per family unit.

The primary aim of the new drug payment scheme is to bring about important improvements in the existing schemes. The new scheme will effectively merge the best elements of the two existing schemes and is designed to significantly improve the cash flow situation for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

It is intended to introduce a common medicines list for both the drug payment scheme and the general medical services, GMS, scheme in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. The comprehensive range of the most modern therapies required to treat all conditions that are currently available on the GMS will continue to be paid for under the new scheme. The detail of this new list is, however, under review. Pending the outcome of this review it is not possible to say exactly what will be on this list.

Noel Ahern

Question:

94 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has considered the eligibility of viagra under the medical card or drug refund scheme; if he will allow it under the drug refund scheme for cases of long-term diabetics where it is specifically prescribed in view of the fact that its use can be judged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3144/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Viagra is now available on prescription in this country. Due to the absence of any experience in Europe regarding the demand for the drug by patients or the prescribing patterns of doctors, and because of the issues surrounding the control of the drug, which have been extensively reported in the media, an expert group was established to examine this matter in detail. I expect to receive the final report of this group in February.

On receipt of the report, I will consider the reimbursement of Viagra under the general medical services and community drug schemes in the light of the expert group's recommendations.