Vol. 541 No. 2
471 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance which is available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 regarding alternative medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21496/01]
In order for any item of medicine to be included in the common list of items reimbursable under the community drug schemes it must comply with a list of criteria. These range from the uses for and licensing of medicines to the pricing of products. In addition the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. Mineral and vitamin supplements, such as those referred to by the Deputy, are therefore not eligible for inclusion in the list.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that the medicines being prescribed for the children are included in the list of reimbursable items.
