Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1124. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the current cost of the drugs payment scheme; if costings can be made available for the effect of reducing the current maximum payment threshold from €144 per month to €72 per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24865/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the HSE that the gross cost of the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) was approximately €68 million in the twelve months to end May 2016. The estimated cost of reducing the monthly threshold to €72 per month is €40 million.
The Deputy should note that estimates surrounding the DPS are approximate at best, as pharmacies do not routinely submit DPS claim data below the current monthly threshold of €144.
