Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 211: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the high costs of inhalers for asthmatics; if inhalers will be made available on the medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20705/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There are schemes in operation that provide assistance towards the cost of approved drugs and medicines for people with significant ongoing medical expenses. People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for determination by the Health Service Executive. In determining eligibility, consideration is given to the applicant's financial circumstances. Income guidelines are used to assist in determining eligibility. Non-medical card holders can use the drugs payment scheme. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines.

There are a range of products for the treatment of asthma, such as inhalers, on the common list of reimbursable products for the drug schemes.