Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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363. To ask the Minister for Health his views on subsidising the cost of implanted contraceptives, such as the IUD, which at present can cost up to €300 for insertion a price which is out of the reach of many women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2931/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Contraceptive devices such as IUDs are reimbursable under the community drug schemes, according to a patient's eligibility. The insertion and removal of long acting reversible contraceptive devices is covered under the General Medical Services Scheme for medical card holders.

A person may also qualify for relief under the Drugs Payment Scheme, in the event that their expenditure on approved prescribed drugs, medicines and certain appliances exceeds €134 in any given month.

General practitioners are private contractors and issues relating to the payment of fees outside the terms of the GMS contract are a matter of private contract between clinicians and their patients.

The recently published report by the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution recommends the introduction of a scheme for the provision of the most effective method of contraception, free of charge and having regard to personal circumstances, to all people who wish to avail of them within the State.

My Department has established a group to address and formulate an effective and comprehensive response to this and other issues raised by the Committee in their ancillary recommendations.