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

I support Deputy Naughten's proposal and believe the amendment is eminently sensible. I would like to offer one additional observation and, by doing so, suggest it does not discount the case. In the instance Deputy Naughten has cited of people on up to 15 or more tablets per day, invariably, and particularly in the case of older people, they are not looking at 15 separate vessels of whatever description because the tablets are usually provided through what are known as blister packs that are designated for "morning", "lunchtime", "teatime", "bedtime" and so on, and they work through the blister pack groupings, as prescribed by the GP. Despite the fact one is looking at a cohort of tablets with varying roles, the cover of the blister pack that describes the content can accommodate exactly what Deputy Naughten is arguing for.

I know from personal experience, in particular for older people and those who are coping with early Alzheimer's disease, where there is difficulty remembering what any given tablet or group of tablets are for, that it would be hugely beneficial and helpful in reminding them why they are taking any particular number of tablets at any given time.

It is eminently sensible and there should be no resistance to it. It should be done in the entire context of transparency and the provision of information for patients. This is something we need to work towards. The amendment would undoubtedly provide for that change and the consequences would be beneficial on a range of levels.

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