I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The numbers of prescriptions issued and items dispensed under the GMS and community drug schemes in each of the past five years are set out in the table below:
|
2011
|
2010
|
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
Number of prescriptions issued
|
18,737,510
|
17,508,000
|
16,333,000
|
15,648,000
|
14,780,000
|
Number of items dispensed
|
70,890,230
|
68,186,000
|
66,950,000
|
64,762,000
|
59,953,000
|
Notes: (i) Number of prescriptions issued relates to GMS only. (ii) Data sources: Primary Care Reimbursement Service's Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments for years 2007 to 2010 and HSE's Performance Report (Supplementary) December 2011 for 2011.