Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Medical Appliances.

Noel Ahern

Question:

138 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance, if any, available to a person purchasing a TENS physiotherapy machine; if it can be reclaimed under the normal drugs refund scheme; and if the matter will be clarified and any other means of financial assistance outlined. [17085/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

While this equipment is not reimbursable under the community drugs schemes health boards may offer assistance towards the cost of medical appliances to patients where such items are deemed to be medically essential and where a person is unable to acquire such items without undue financial hardship. Health boards consider each application individually and according to its merits.