Brendan Howlin
Question:368 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health when the new drugs refund scheme will become operative; and the projected cost of the new scheme in the current year.
Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.
Negotiations with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union on the terms of their involvement in the proposed new drug cost subsidisation scheme have been more protracted than had initially been anticipated. The discussions are now at a delicate stage but I would hope that the scheme can be introduced as soon as possible and administrative and other arrangements are being put in place to facilitate its introduction.
As the new scheme will apply to some patients currently availing of the present drugs refund scheme it would not be possible at this time to give a meaningful figure on the likely cost of the scheme.