Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:18 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he is in a position to indicate when the subsidy scheme proposed for asthma sufferers, announced over a year ago, will be introduced.
Written Answers. - Drug Subsidy Scheme.
Ivan Yates
Ceist:29 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if he has received notice from the Irish Pharmaceutical Union arising out of their ballot concerning the proposed new drug subsidy scheme, as to whether they intend to operate the scheme or not; if he now intends to go ahead with this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I intend to take Questions Nos. 18 and 29 together.
I presume that the Deputies are referring to the introduction of the proposed new drug cost subsidisation scheme. The Irish Pharmaceutical Union recently balloted their members on proposals for an agreement in relation to the involvement of pharmacists in the operation of the scheme. The results of the ballot have now come to hand and I am very disappointed to have to say that my proposals for the new scheme were not accepted by the union. Discussions with the union are taking place with a view to breaking the impasse. Every effort is being made to bring about an early resolution of the matter.