Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will reverse the decision to exclude glucosamine, Omega 3 triglycerides, gluten free products and Orlistat also known as Xenical from medical card cover and drugs payment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41465/12]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the reason Omacor medication for cholesterol is not covered by the medical card; the assistance that is available to those who require this medication and who cannot afford same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41903/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 571 together.

In the current financial environment the Health Service Executive (HSE) is facing a challenge to deliver services in a way that will minimise any adverse impact on patients and continue to protect, as far as possible, the most vulnerable citizens. Unfortunately, it has become necessary for the HSE to suspend certain products from its list of reimbursable items. These include glucosamine, omega-3 triglyceride products, orlistat, and gluten-free products.

Glucosamine is indicated for the management of symptoms of osteoarthritis. The National Centre for Pharmoeconomics (NCPE) have assessed the cost-effectiveness of glucosamine on two occasions and concluded that it did not offer value for money to the HSE. However, glucosamine products are available over the counter without prescriptions.

Omega-3 triglyceride products (e.g. Omacor) have been identified both nationally and internationally as not being cost effective or being of lesser benefit to patients. However, these products are also available over the counter without prescriptions, as is Orlistat.

Gluten-free products have become more widely available in supermarkets in recent years and tend to be significantly cheaper than products sold through community pharmacies. A Supplementary Welfare Allowance Adult Diet Supplement may be awarded by the Department of Social Protection to eligible persons. Persons wishing to apply for this allowance can do so by completing an application form which can be downloaded at the following link: . Separate application forms are available for children. For persons who are not awarded a Diet Supplement, monies spent on gluten-free foods can be taken into account for tax purposes.