Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Psychiatric Drugs.

David Stanton

Question:

741 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason psychiatric drugs prescribed to public out-patients in areas outside of the Eastern Regional Health Authority area are not made available free of charge as they are in the eastern area; if he will rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2103/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

The current situation in relation to the supply of psychiatric drugs to public out-patients in the Eastern Regional Health Authority differs from that in other health board areas. This is an anomaly which has occurred for historical reasons. I understand that the Eastern Regional Health Authority is currently examining a number of options to rectify the situation.