Vol. 459 No. 8
74 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made for laser treatment of short sightedness now common in private practice to be extended and made available to elderly people on medical cards. [19070/95]
, Limerick East): My Department receives requests on a regular basis for service developments throughout the health services, including developments arising from the introduction of new technology.
The laser treatment referred to by the Deputy falls into this category. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible to meet all demands as they arise. New developments are considered as sympathetically as possible in the context of identified health priorities, availability of resources and the likely cost-effectiveness of the service or treatment.
