Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
257. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the reduction in prescription charges in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27958/20]
View answerAs part of Budget 2020, the previous Government announced two measures intended to reduce the cost of medicines:
- GMS prescription charges would be reduced by €0.50c for all medical card holders. The charge would be reduced by €0.50c to €1 per item for the over 70s and by €0.50c to €1.50 for persons under 70. The maximum monthly charge would also be reduced to €10 and €15 respectively.
- The monthly threshold of €124 for the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) would be reduced by €10 to €114 per household.
Although it was intended that these measures would be implemented, funding of this Budget 2020 commitment was contingent on the achievement of certain savings within the health budget.
However, these savings have not been achieved as the Pandemic has placed a significant demand on public finances, a substantial proportion of which has been allocated to the health system. In that context, decisions on the associated funding and a potential implementation date are being actively considered.
