Vol. 492 No. 4
51 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children his Department's policy in relation to ensuring access to family planning for general medical service clients; the steps, if any, he is taking in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14243/98]
The purpose of the general medical services scheme is to provide an adequate treatment and curative service for medical card holders. Consistent with that objective, and in line with the Guidelines to Health Boards on Family Planning issued in March 1995, the following family planning services are available under the GMS scheme, namely, advice on family planning, the contraceptive pill, contraceptive devices including IUC devices, contraceptive caps and contraceptive diaphragms. Spermicidal contraceptives and lubricating jelly for use in association with contraceptive devices are also available.
I am satisfied that the range of family planning services available under the GMS meets the objective of the scheme.
