Vol. 553 No. 2
533 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance which is provided towards medically recommended support clothing to women following breast removal operations; if such clothing can be provided free under the medical card or the drug refund scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13375/02]
In 2001, a total of €298,000 on going revenue was allocated to the health boards for the provision of prosthesis services to all breast cancer patients requiring such services, irrespective of their medical card status. Accordingly, all post-operative patients requiring prosthesis and bra fitting are provided with their initial prosthesis and two bras free of charge.
The provision of further prostheses and fitted bras to medical card holders is a matter for the chief executive officers of the health boards.
534 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no assistance towards cost or rent of appliances (details supplied) even when accompanied by a medical certificate; if he will allow the rent of this appliance against the monthly drug cost scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13377/02]
A common list of reimbursable medicines was introduced for the general medical services scheme and the drug payment scheme. This list ensures equity between the general medical services and drug payment schemes 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 on a monthly basis as new products become available and deletions are notified.
In order for any item to be included in the common medicines list it must comply with a published list of criteria. These range from their authorisation status where appropriate, their price and in certain cases the uses for which the products are intended. In addition, the products should ordinarily be supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. The product referred to by the Deputy is available in hearing aid centres without prescription.
535 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation in relation to charges raised by general practitioners; if general practitioner charges are approved by him; if there is a control procedure on them; and if all general practitioners can be instructed to issued receipts for all payments. [13381/02]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the consultation fees charged by private general practitioners to their private patients. My Department has no jurisdiction in relation to the setting or controlling of these charges. It is a matter of private contract for services between the two parties, the doctor as the service provider and the patient as the service user. The issues raised by the Deputy in relation to taxation are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
