Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reasons quinine tablets are not listed as one of the drugs free to medical card holders; the frequency with which this list is reviewed; the last time this drug was considered for inclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8708/07]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way the retail pricing of drugs is regulated; if her attention has been drawn to the very wide range in the costs for some medication among different pharmacy outlets (details supplied); and the action she has taken to curb the price of drugs. [8709/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.

There is a common list of reimbursable medicines for the General Medical Services and Drug Payment schemes. This list is reviewed and amended monthly, as new products become available and deletions are notified. For an item to be reimbursed, it must comply with published criteria, including authorisation status as appropriate, price and, in certain cases, the intended use of the product. In addition, the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only by medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. Products are considered for reimbursement on application by a supplier.

Quinine is not currently reimbursable through the state schemes. Any application by a supplier to have Quinine included on the common list will be considered in the usual way.

The retail price of products approved for reimbursement under the community drugs schemes comprises the ingredient cost of the medicine, the retail mark-up on the ingredient cost (normally 50%), a standard dispensing fee and VAT where applicable. My Department has no function in relation to pricing in private dispensing, which is a matter for the pharmacy concerned.

People who experience undue financial hardship in obtaining any particular product should contact the local area office of the Health Service Executive.