John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 262: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the directive she has issued to the Health Service Executive to include coverage for alternative medicine under the medical card scheme; if negotiations have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25051/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In consideration of inclusion of medicinal products in the General Medical Services Scheme, the product must be an allopathic medicinal product which is the subject of a current product authorisation granted by the Irish Medicines Board or an authorisation granted or renewed by the European Commission. Among other criteria, the product must be such that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription. I am not aware of any negotiations with my Department. There are currently no plans to include coverage for alternative medicine under the medical card scheme.