Gerry Reynolds
Question:41 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children the drugs removed from the current drugs refund scheme which were covered in the previous scheme; and the reason for each such removal. [18298/99]
Vol. 508 No. 2
41 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children the drugs removed from the current drugs refund scheme which were covered in the previous scheme; and the reason for each such removal. [18298/99]
46 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the Irish Kidney Association and other similar organisations regarding the hardship being caused by the recent changes introduced in the drugs refund scheme arising from the increase in the monthly threshold for refunds and the withdrawal of a number of key drugs and treatments; if he will review the changes and ensure that all essential items are re-listed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18231/99]
104 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will extend the current drug subsidy scheme to apply to medicines included in the scheme prior to the commencement of the present scheme; and his views on whether the exclusions effected in the present scheme are causing hardship. [18406/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 46 and 104 together.
The drug cost subsidisation and drug refund schemes were merged into one new drug payment scheme with a threshold of £42 per month per family unit on 1 July. This scheme represents the best elements of the previous schemes. For example, the drug payment scheme is more user friendly than the drug refund scheme and is designed to improve the cash flow situation for families. Unlike the drug cost subsidisation scheme, there are no qualifying criteria for the new scheme. Payment thresholds for the drug refund scheme and the drug cost subsidisation scheme were £90 per quarter and £32 per month respectively. With regard to the increase in the threshold for the new scheme, I would point out that there had been no increases in the previous thresholds since 1991.