Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking this Topical Issue debate. Despite the fact that there is no register for coeliac disease in Ireland, the condition is estimated to affect up to 75,000 people in this country. I thank the Coeliac Society of Ireland, which is based in my constituency of Dublin Mid-West, in the heart of Clondalkin. It makes a huge contribution to the data we do have on coeliac disease in Ireland. It provides information and support and even the opportunity to purchase gluten-free food locally in Clondalkin. We have made great advances in the availability of gluten-free foods in Ireland. That can be seen in cafés and restaurants, where there are so many options and choices now. However, the fact stands that some gluten-free foods can cost up to 75% more than foods containing gluten. The cost of following a gluten-free diet is €444 more expensive for adults and €903 more expensive for parents of children with coeliac disease. That is not even counting the additional costs of healthcare. Following a gluten-free diet is more expensive. That is a fact. It is particularly so for low-income families and individuals.

We currently offer one tax refund of up to 20% of the cost of gluten-free products purchased but there are some difficulties around that. One issue is that many products that are gluten-free are not specifically marketed as coeliac-friendly foods. They may not even say that on the package. This causes problems for people because the products do not fall within the scope of the tax refund. The system needs to be simplified. Another issue is that the tax refund does not benefit those outside the PAYE system.

A survey by the Spanish Federation of Coeliac Associations in March revealed that Ireland was an EU outlier in terms of providing support for coeliac patients who fell outside the PAYE system. Will the Minister of State examine this matter?

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