Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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162. To ask the Minister for Health if he will reinstate concessions for coeliac patients in terms of dietary requirements being available on the medical card and-or long-term illness scheme; if coeliac sufferers are being financially challenged due to the high cost incurred in adhering to their dietary requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42130/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

The 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. In 2012, it became 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. Coeliac patients can also claim medical expenses tax relief on expenditure incurred on gluten-free products manufactured specifically for coeliacs. There are no plans to reinstate these products on the list of reimbursable items under the GMS and other community drug schemes.