Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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503. To ask the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive changed its policy with regards the provision of bras, prosthesis and swim suits for women who are recovering from cancer and mastectomies; if all patients are expected to cover the costs of these items irrespective of their income; if there is any financial support for women with low incomes; the expenditure in the past 5 years by the HSE on these items; and his plans to make these items free to women in need. [39166/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There has been no policy change in the provision of prosthesis and specialised clothing for women recovering from cancer and mastectomies. The HSE continues to provide post operative support post mastectomy in the form of prosthesis and has historically provided assistance with specialised clothing and wigs to Medical Card holders when required. The Community Welfare Services also offer assistance to these women in exception need cases. Detailed expenditure for this area for the past five years is not readily available and I have asked the HSE to forward the information to the Deputy directly.