Vol. 536 No. 4
139 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of over the counter products are available on both the general medical service and drugs payments scheme; if he will include nicotine replacement products on the list of those which can qualify for these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14340/01]
My decision to make nicotine replacement therapies available to medical card holders was taken on foot of recommendations made by the Cardiovascular Health Strategy Group and the Advisory Forum established to support the task force in the implementation of strategy.
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. In order for a product to be included in the list of reimbursable items it must satisfy a number of criteria, including that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription and that the product should not be advertised or promoted to the public. It is recognised that in order for the common list of reimbursable items to be considered comprehensive, certain products which are available over the counter in pharmacies must by their nature be included in the list.
Nicotine replacement therapies belong to a category of products that would not normally satisfy these criteria because they are generally available over the counter and may be advertised directly to the public.
In light of the recommendations that have been made to me I have decided, as an exceptional measure, to make the full range of nicotine replacement therapies available on prescription to medical card holders only. Evidence shows that the lower socio-economic groups have a higher incidence of smoking and spend a higher proportion of disposable income on tobacco. Accordingly, it is considered that this group are in greatest need of assistance in helping them to quit the habit. I have no plans to make nicotine replacement therapies available under the other community drug schemes. Zyban, which is only available on prescription, is included in the common list and is reimbursable on both the general medical services and community drugs schemes.
