asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the position under the regulations in relation to the payment by health boards of assistance towards the cost of drugs and medicines whereby a person who purchases medicines at the beginning of a month and more at the end of the month is refused a refund as the latter purchase is transferred into the next month; if so, if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Birr, County Offaly; and if he will explain the position and if necessary rectify the situation.
Written Answers. - Health Board Assistance.
315.
The position is that refunds are payable in respect of expenditure in excess of £12 on drugs prescribed for use in a calendar month. Drugs purchased within a month may not be intended for use within that month. In cases such as that described by the Deputy, where it is clear that the drugs will be used in a later calendar month, health boards apportion the cost to each month and calculate the refund accordingly. I understand from the Midland Health Board that this was done in the case mentioned by the Deputy. I am satisfied that the board's action was correct.