Harney says acupuncture won’t be included in medical card scheme

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney has ruled out making acupuncture and other alternative therapies available on the medical card.

This is despite a growing number of Irish people who appear to be using alternative medicine.

Ms Harney, in a written response to a parliamentary question from Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe, said she did not intend making alternative therapies available through the General Medical Services (GMS) - or medical card - scheme.