I am sure the Minister understands perfectly what I am saying. Did the Minister say that foods can be included in the refund scheme?

Yes, they can.

All gluten-free foods?

Not all gluten-free foods, but the more important ones.

That is what I thought—and also the ingredients for making those foods—because I am sure the Minister understands that there is a limited amount of gluten-free foods available. Most parents have the problem of buying the ingredients and making them up themselves.

They have to be bought on a prescription.

Most parents do not buy them through prescripton but through ordinary retail outlets.

I accept that.

Will they be allowed to claim under the scheme?

No, only if they are regarded as medicine or drugs on prescription.

Question No. 18. The Deputy cannot stand up and put a series of questions.

I am trying to get the tail end of the Minister's reply.

May I ask the Minister a final supplementary?

The Minister is replying to Deputy Barry.

Certain foods are provided, limited to flour, bread mix, bread and baby biscuits made from wheat from which gluten has been removed. These foods can be brought into the ambit of the drugs refund scheme.

Whether they are purchased under prescription or not?

No, they must be purchased under prescription.

Is there any facility there for people who do not purchase under prescription?

I am not aware that that causes difficulty.

I can give examples. I know it causes difficulty.

However, that is something that can be looked at.

The last supplementary.

Deputy Barry is quite correct in what he is saying. These people need this food. Because coeliac disease is more common in Ireland than in any other country, would the Minister consider that, if a situation arose where the food could be bought in grocery shops, it could be purchased on the recommendations of the doctor without the patient having to pay for a prescription every time?

We are in touch fairly continuously with the organisation involved and I am not aware that that aspect is causing any great difficulty. However, if it is, we will look at it.

Question No. 18.