Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medication (details supplied) is not available on the medical card on a named patient basis for patients who are prescribed this medication by a hospital consultant. [15961/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Sildenafil citrate, Viagra, is licensed in Ireland and reimbursable under the community drugs and GMS schemes for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. To ensure availability for genuine need, but to reduce the possibility of inappropriate usage, the maximum reimbursable level under all schemes is four tablets per month. This is in accordance with the findings of the expert group set up by my Department to consider arrangements for the supply of sildenafil citrate.

However, my Department subsequently became aware that this drug, when appropriately prescribed, could benefit patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, PAH. Following consultation, and on the basis of significant clinical evidence, my Department authorised the primary care reimbursement service to make sildenafil citrate reimbursable above the monthly threshold for the treatment of PAH, on a named patient basis and in specified circumstances set out in an agreed protocol.

My Department is having inquiries made with regard to the use of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of Raynaud's disease. When these inquiries are complete, I will write to the Deputy.