Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 3 Jun 1993

Vol. 431 No. 8

Written Answers. - Family Planning Service.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

45 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health if, in view of his agreement to allow the pill to be prescribed as a contraceptive to medical card holders, he will now enable other contraceptive devices to be prescribed for women, as many women are unable to take the pill; and if he will ensure that he provides a comprehensive national family planning service through the health boards.

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

81 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he had, given his recent announcement that the contraceptive pill will be made available to GMS patients other than as a cycle regulator, to extend the availability to such patients of contraceptives other than the pill.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 81 together.

The provision of family planning advice and the prescribing of the contraceptive pill are covered under the GMS scheme. In general the scheme does not cover the cost of items which do not require a doctor's prescription and I have no plans to change this situation at present. The Health (Family Planning) (Amendment) Act, 1992 and subsequent regulations provide for a comprehensive family planning service to be provided by the health boards and I have no indication that such services are not available in any health board area.