Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Health Schemes.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

406 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether he has plans to extend a prescription Xenical scheme similar to that covering the Defence Forces to the Garda Síochána; if such a scheme currently covers the Garda; the total numbers and percentage of gardaí currently in receipt of such prescriptions; and the amount this is costing the Exchequer per annum. [22404/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Xenical is a prescription-only drug that may be prescribed by primary care physicians or other physicians whom members of the Garda Síochána elect to attend. Medical costs in such cases are borne by the members themselves or by their health insurers where applicable.