Pearse Doherty
Ceist:758. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the reduction of prescription charges announced in Budget 2020 will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25043/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 September 2020
Ceisteanna (758)
Freagraí scríofa
Budget 2020 provided for a number of measures to reduce the cost of medicines for the general public including a €0.50c reduction in prescription charges for medical card holders.
This would have represented a reduction of €0.50c to €1 per item for persons aged over 70 years, and a reduction of €0.50c to €1.50 for persons under 70. The intention was that the maximum monthly charge would also be reduced to €10 for the over 70’s and to €15 for the under 70’s.
Although it was intended that these measures would be implemented from July, 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.