Vol. 494 No. 4
294 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the availability of immuno therapy for hay fever and related allergies and conditions in other EU member states; the plans, if any, he has to incorporate these therapies into the health services here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18475/98]
I understand that the particular immuno therapies to which the Deputy is referring are non-pharmaceutical therapies based on complementary or alternative practices such as homeopathy and reflexology.
I would refer the Deputy to the replies which I gave in response to questions raised by him on 30 September 1998, in which I indicated that complimentary and homeopathic therapies are not eligible for reimbursement under the general medical services scheme and that I had no plans to change the current arrangements in place. Neither have I any plans to change the present position in relation to such therapies in the health services generally.
