Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 5

Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

53 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the drug lactaid is not on the approved general medical services list; the proposals, if any, he has to put the drug on the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2934/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

In general, over the counter products such as lactaid are not included in the common list of reimbursable items for the general medical services and drug payment schemes. In addition, one of the criteria for the inclusion of a product in the common list is that the product is not advertised to the public.

If a medical card holder is suffering undue hardship obtaining a product which is not covered under the common list, he or she may apply to the chief executive officer of the relevant health board for assistance in such instances.