Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will include products (details supplied) in the prescribed list of products available on the medical card which are used by cancer patients in view of the cost of these products and the hardship it is for people on low incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20487/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Pharmaceutical companies must apply to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for products to be reimbursed under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme and the community drugs schemes. In order for a medicinal product to be considered for reimbursement it must meet specified criteria. These include the following:

The product must be an 'allopathic' medicinal product authorised by the Irish Medicines Board or the European Commission.

The product must be such that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription.

The product should not be advertised or promoted to the public.

I am advised that the products referred to by the Deputy do not meet the above criteria as they are generally available over-the-counter and may be advertised directly to the public.