259 Mr. Stafford asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the long term benefit to the health service he will investigate the possibility of making nicotine patches available on the medical card scheme.

The general medical services (Medical Card) scheme provides prescribed drugs and medicines for persons who would be unable to provide these items for themselves without suffering undue hardship.

It is not considered that nicotine patches come within the criteria of products which are required to fulfil this role. Therefore, it is not intended to make these patches available on the GMS scheme.