Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Under C1, there is an increased allocation of €104 million in respect of the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, to the year end, yet, the signalled intent in the Budget Statement in October regarding the service plan for 2014 is that there is to be a significant reduction in funding to the PCRS. How is it expected that the PCRS will function in 2014 in ever more straitened economic circumstances than has been the case in 2013, yet an additional €104 million is to be provided to get it across the board? I am aware it is not only in regard to the medical card area but it also covers the cost of drugs etc.