Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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626. To ask the Minister for Health if Omega3, including Lutein, has been recommended and prescribed by general practitioners and opthalmologists to help with age related macular degeneration; if it will be included on the list of drugs allowed for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17799/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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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 omega-3 triglyceride products.

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