asked the Minister for Health if he has received proposals from the Asthma Society of Ireland in support of their claim to have the needs of all asthma sufferers met free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

141.

asked the Minister for Health if, having regard to the free inhaled drugs scheme advocated by the Asthma Society of Ireland, he will make regulations as a matter of urgency to provide all asthmatics with inhaled drugs or their oral equivalents free of charge.

142.

asked the Minister for Health further to a deputation from the Asthma Society of Ireland which was received by his predecessor in February 1979, following which preparatory work on a scheme for free inhaled drugs was carried out within his Department, whether this study has been completed; when it is intended to enact this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 140, 141 and 142 together.

Persons suffering from asthma who are covered by medical cards obtain their drugs and medicines free of charge under the General Medical Service. Representations have been made to me to provide a scheme whereby prescribed inhalants would be made available free of charge to persons suffering from asthma who are not covered by medical cards. However, in the light of present constraints on public expenditure, it is not possible to consider its introduction now.