Vol. 517 No. 4
120 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide spacer devices with face mask attachments for the treatment of asthma in children on the GMS; and the reason he has failed to respond to the advice given by the Irish General Practice Asthma Group to his Department that such provision is essential for proper control of children's asthma. [9882/00]
221 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide spacer devices with face mask attachments for the treatment of asthma in children on the GMS; and the reason he has failed to respond to the advice given by the Irish General Practice Asthma Group to his Department that such provision is essential for proper control of children's asthma. [10215/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 221 together.
A common list of reimbursable medicines is in place for the general medical services scheme and the drug payment scheme to ensure equity in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. This common list is subject to ongoing review and amendment monthly as new products become available, additions and deletions are notified monthly. The inclusion of spacer devices with face mask attachments on the common list is under consideration by my Department.
The Deputies will wish to know that, in certain circumstances, health boards make special arrangements for the supply of non-reimbursable items to medical cardholders.
