I propose to take Questions Nos. 249, 255, 256 and 257 together.
My Department has no record of having received correspondence from the Irish general practice asthma group on the matters referred to by the Deputy. If the Deputy will let me have details of any submissions made in the matter I will have them examined.
A common list of reimbursable medicines is in place for the general medical services scheme and the drug payment scheme to ensure equity in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. This common list is subject to ongoing review and amendment on a monthly basis as new products become available, additions and deletions are notified on a monthly basis. The inclusion of spacer devices with face mask attachments on the common list is at present under consideration by my Department.
The Deputy will also wish to know that, in certain circumstances, health boards make special arrangements for the supply of non-reimbursable items, including spacer devices, to medical card holders.