Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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2182. To ask the Minister for Health if she will examine the cost of the anti-sickness medication cariban for pregnant women (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19605/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Cariban is on the formal reimbursement list and is therefore available for medical card holders under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme.

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card under the GMS Scheme is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE). In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.

Cariban is also available on the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS). Under the DPS no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.

Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.