Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

I thank the Deputy for promoting me, but it is a different Mary who has the job of Tánaiste.

I have discussed prescription charges with the IPU - not at the meeting I mentioned but at a different meeting - and the union expressed its views. The legislation has been approved by the Government and will be going to the Seanad next week. The intention is to have it operational as soon as possible after the legislation has been passed and signed by the President.

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