John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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457. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to allow coeliacs to obtain gluten-free products on the medical card; if coeliacs on medical cards and the elderly will be given special consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51884/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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In the current financial environment the Health Service Executive (HSE) faces a continuing 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, as a result it has become necessary for the HSE to suspend certain products from its list of items reimbursable under the GMS and other community drug schemes. This includes gluten-free products.

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: .

For persons who are not awarded a Diet Supplement, monies spent on gluten-free foods can be taken into account for tax purposes.