I propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 347 and 348 together.
Figures from the Health Service Executive indicate that as of 31 December last, 1,478,560 persons were covered by medical cards and 98,325 were covered by GP Visit Cards. A total of 1,587,448 persons held Drugs Payment Scheme cards. In addition, 64,267 persons availed of the Long Term Illness Scheme during 2009.
To address rising costs in both the GMS and Long Term Illness schemes, and to influence to some degree demand and prescribing patterns, a 50 cent charge per prescription item shall be introduced, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family. The details will be set out in new legislation which is required to give effect to the introduction of prescription charges and the expected implementation date is 1st April 2010.