James Reilly
Ceist:109 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the annual savings to be achieved from the prescription charge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46004/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 December 2010
Ceisteanna (110, 111)
James Reilly
Ceist:110 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings to be achieved from the prescription charge during 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46005/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.
Since 1 October 2010, medical card holders are required to pay a 50 cent charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists. The charges are subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family. Based on trends in previous years, it is expected that the prescription charges will yield approximately €24 million in a full year, or about €2 million per month.