A constituent has contacted me about an unlicensed drug called Cariban, which is used to treat hyperemesis. Deputy Richmond raised this matter with the Minister of State yesterday. The situation with this drug is slightly unclear. This condition, as the Tánaiste will be aware, causes extreme vomiting in pregnancy and is dangerous for both the baby and the mother. In this year's budget, the Minister announced that the drug would be reimbursed and that is welcome. However, it is only reimbursed when prescribed by a consultant and not a GP. The condition generally begins in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Most women will only see a consultant after 12 weeks of pregnancy. The women who have contacted me, and probably other Deputies, say they want GPs to be allowed to prescribe the drug so that it becomes accessible and will be reimbursed more quickly than it is at present.

I am aware of the medicine. It is a treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a serious and debilitating illness in pregnancy if someone has the misfortune to experience it. I do not know the rationale for not allowing GPs to prescribe it. GPs routinely deal with pregnancies of all kinds, especially in early pregnancy. I am not sure whether there is a good reason for it and being unaware, I will not comment any further. I will certainly ask my office to take it up with the Minister for Health's office and revert to Deputy Kenny with a further reply.