Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to extend the range of alternative therapies such as acupuncture being made available to medical card holders when recommended as part of ongoing treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24330/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The general medical services scheme, under which medical cards are distributed, gives persons with full eligibility an entitlement to general practitioner services from GPs who hold general medical service contracts. They are also entitled to a range of approved prescribed medicines free of charge. Acupuncture is not covered under the general medical services scheme. I have no plans for it or other alternative therapies to be provided free of charge to general medical services patients.