Vol. 508 No. 2
48 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the action, if any, he will take arising from the publication of the National Cardiovascular Health Strategy; if he will include nicotine patches under the drugs refund scheme in view of their acknowledged role in reducing smoking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18250/99]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach launched the report of the cardiovascular health strategy group in July of this year. The Government is committed to implementing the 211 recommendations contained in that report in a planned and structured manner. At that time I announced that I was setting up a heart health task force and an independent advisory forum on cardiovascular health to drive the process forward. These groups have been set up and both have held their first meeting. A major national conference is planned for 5 November where the recommendations of the report will be discussed in detail with all organisations involved in its planned implementation.
With regard to nicotine replacement therapies, I agree with the recommendation in the report that there is a role for NRT as part of the overall fight against smoking. I have asked the advisory forum to bring forward proposals on how we can prioritise NRT for medical card users as a matter of urgency.
