Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
543. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the financial assistance given to students in higher education who are over 23 years, have no income and are financially dependent on their parents, who suffer from serious illnesses, resulting in high-cost, regular prescription payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53092/13]
View answerUnder the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), an individual or family only has to pay €144 each month for approved prescribed drugs, medicines and certain appliances for use by that person or his or her family in that month. The definition of a family for this Scheme is an adult, their spouse, and any children under 18 years. Dependants over 18 years and under 23 years who are in full time education may also be included.
Under the Medical Card Scheme, a person between the ages of 16 and 25 years, who is a dependant of a person who does not have a medical card, will only be provided with a medical card if the HSE assesses that it should be provided to avoid undue hardship to that person. This is set out in the Health Services (No 3) Regulations 1983 (S.I. No. 381 of 1983).
