Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 111: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if consideration has been given to embarking on a campaign where free nicotine gum will be offered to help people give up smoking; and her views with regard to actions needed to combat smoking particularly among young people. [12646/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Nicotine replacement therapies are available to medical card holders on foot of recommendations made by the cardiovascular health strategy group and the advisory forum established to support the task force in the implementation of strategy. Evidence shows that lower socio-economic groups have a higher incidence of smoking and spend a higher proportion of disposable income on tobacco. Accordingly, it was considered that this group is in greatest need of assistance in helping them to quit the habit.

A common list of reimbursable medicines is in place for the general medical services and drug payment schemes to ensure equity in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. In order for a product to be reimbursable under the two schemes, it must satisfy a number of criteria, including that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only by medical prescription and that it should not be advertised or promoted to the public. Nicotine replacement therapies belong to a category of products that would not normally satisfy these criteria, in that they are generally available over-the-counter, and may be advertised directly to the public. However, in light of the recommendations that were made, it was decided, as an exceptional measure, to make the full range of nicotine replacement therapies, including nicotine gum, available on prescription to medical card holders.

It is important that smoking prevalence and particularly smoking by young persons is tackled in a comprehensive manner. This includes legislation, regulation, health promotion and education.

Following on from the results of the first national health and lifestyles survey, 1999, my Department launched an awareness-raising campaign that specifically targeted young women. Through television, radio and outdoor advertising, the campaign NICO delivered a simple message that smokers are less attractive. The advertisement was evaluated and achieved unprecedented recognition and awareness scores among the target audience. The campaign was extended in 2004 with the development of a second advertisement, NICO's Crib, targeting young people in general. Future awareness-raising campaigns on the dangers of smoking are being considered by the Health Service Executive in line with its wider awareness-raising commitments.

Education and health promotion in relevant settings is another key objective in reducing the numbers of young people who smoke. The cardiovascular strategy, Building Healthier Hearts, recommended that an annual module on smoking should be included in the social, personal and health education curriculum now being delivered in all schools. Smoking is examined in the context of all substance uses and is part of a programme designed to educate and empower young people to make good health and lifestyle choices.

Recent research commissioned by the health promotion unit and the Office of Tobacco Control show downward trends in the number of young people smoking. Despite this, my Department and the wider health services are committed to further reducing these figures by continuing to discourage young people from starting smoking and ensuring that adequate information and support are available for those wishing to quit.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position concerning the delivery of an orthodontic treatment programme to primary schools in County Galway; if there are vacancies on the dental staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12669/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12670/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 114: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the provision of neurological services in Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12671/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.