asked the Minister for Health when the cost of prescribed medical requisites under the Health Act, 1970, was increased from £8 to £12; and the subsequent savings for her Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prescribed Medicine Costs.
25.
The increase in the base figure of the scheme for assistance towards the cost of prescribed medical requisites came into effect from 1 August 1981. It is estimated that as a result of this change expenditure under the scheme in the current year will be reduced by about £500,000.
Would the Minister agree that, in addition to savings of this order being made by increasing the amount which the ordinary person pays for drugs and medicines — the figure the Minister gave was £500,000 — the time for the recoupment of the money has been extended? I have received a number of complaints that the time to recover moneys in excess of £12 has been extended. Will the Minister look at this with a view to restoring a reasonable repayment period? Secondly, will the Minister look at the situation that has developed for those suffering from bronchitis, arthritis, heart conditions and other chronic conditions because of the large amount of money they have to spend on medicine? Will she agree that the change that has taken place has worsened their position? Is she prepared to introduce a system of fast payment for certain people in these categories? Examination of this matter was well under way before the Minister took office. This matter is most important to the people concerned, particularly at this time. I am asking her to consider having a quick system of payment at least as a minimum measure. There are other things that could be done also——
The Minister did not do very much in the area of social welfare payments.
If the Deputy does not mind, I will stick to the subject under discussion. That matter was cleared up before I left office, as the Minister confirmed in the House.
Will the Deputy please put his question to the Minister?
It is a pity the Deputy was not here when we were talking about the Tallaght hospital. That project was put on the long finger for ten years.
Will the Deputy please put his supplementary question?
Fianna Fáil were very silent about Tallaght hospital during the past three years.
I ask the Minister to convey her reply on Tallaght hospital to Deputy McMahon.
I have asked the Deputy on a number of occasions to put his question.
I am sorry Deputy McMahon chose to become so vociferous on this question. It is a very important matter. It is extremely difficult for people who suffer from long-term illness. Will the Minister consider introducing a system of fast payment for the people I mentioned now that their position has been worsened by the change that has taken place in the overall scheme?
It would be my desire that the refund scheme would operate as quickly and as efficiently as possible. I accept the point made by the Deputy that hardship may be caused in the case of illnesses of long duration. I will look into the matter and see if something can be done about it.
Will the Minister reconsider the eligibility rate for medical cards in view of the massive increase imposed on people with lower incomes? It makes life extremely difficult for people with chronic illnesses, as Deputy Woods pointed out. I should like to include in the category asthma sufferers who of necessity must have sprays.
That is a separate question.
Will the Minister consider reviewing the eligibility rate for medical cards? A very serious situation has arisen. People are in a poverty trap and there is no way out for them.
The eligibility rate will be reviewed in any event.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.