Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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379. To ask the Minister for Health the savings that will accrue to the State by reducing the number of post-mastectomy bras to be given to each person following breast cancer surgery, from two bras every year to only one bra every two years; if he will confirm that this saving applies only to medical card holders; if this policy applies nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20098/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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All women who have had breast cancer surgery are entitled to their first prosthesis and two bras free of charge. A set policy is not in place in regard to the longer-term provision of bras to post-mastectomy patients who hold medical cards. Mastectomy bras in such cases are normally provided through Local Health Offices on foot of prescriptions issued by a Consultant or a GP. A national group has recently been established in the HSE to review practices in this area and to develop a national policy on the provision of prosthesis bras, as well as hairpieces, for cancer patients. It is anticipated that the Group will complete its work in the first half of 2015.