asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who benefit under the drugs refund scheme.
Written Answers . - Drugs Refund Scheme .
756.
: The total number of persons in respect of whom refunds may be claimed is 2.16 million, that is, the population not covered by medical cards. It is expected that something under 30,000 claims will be made monthly in the current year. It is not possible to say how many persons this represents since: (a) some people will have only one claim while others have several, and (b) claims will include the requirements of dependants as well as the claimant.