Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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733. To ask the Minister for Health the reason persons who had mastectomies are now being charged for prosthetics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26012/14]

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, and variations can apply across regions. A national group has been established in the HSE to review practices in the area of aids and appliances. As part of this work, the Group will 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.