Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a double charging of the prescription charge on medical card holders where the prescription item, as prescribed by the general practitioner, is not available in the milligram dosage prescribed, for example, 15mg of a given tablet available only in 10mg and 5mg, 7.5mg of a given tablet available only in 5mg and 2.5mg, that is each of the examples shown the patient concerned was charged €3 rather than the €1.50 per prescription item; if he will clarify the situation and instruct the pharmacy sector to charge only per item as prescribed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7454/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Due to the very difficult and challenging economic environment, the Government approved an increase in the prescription charge from 50 cent per item to €1.50 per item with effect from 1 January 2013, subject to a cap of €19.50 per month for each person or family, for prescribed drugs, medicines and appliances reimbursed under the general medical services, GMS, scheme.

Further details would be required before a definitive answer could be given as to whether the charge has been applied correctly in this case. In particular, the name and strength of the medicinal product concerned would be essential. If Deputy Ellis, or Deputy Ó Caoláin on his behalf, wishes to provide this information, I will arrange to have the matter investigated further.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I have already received a written response that did not ask for that detail. It is my question that was nominated by Deputy Ellis. I have seen the evidence that there is a double charging of the prescription charge on medical card holders where the prescription item, as prescribed by the general practitioner, is not available in the milligram dosage prescribed, for example, 15 mg of a given tablet available only in 10 mg and 5 mg, 7.5 mg of a given tablet available only in 5 mg and 2.5 mg. This was because the pharmacy was not in a position to provide the tablets as single items but as two. Instead of being charged €1.50, the card holder was charged €3 for the single item.

My question is straightforward. I do not believe that was what the Minister intended. I would have preferred if he did not do what he did in terms of increasing it. It should not have been introduced in the first place but it is in place now and we must deal with that reality. I am seeking clarification. If that was not what was intended, could we please indicate to the general pharmacy sector that this was not the charge that was expected to apply and there should only have been a charge of €1.50 rather than the double charge of €3. It is an important point. I call on the Minister of State, if he is in a position to do so, to indicate the intention and whether the Ministers will act on the instance I have given.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Let there be no misunderstanding. I have no difficulty understanding the point. The Deputy said it was simple. I understand entirely the issue being raised. However, I have said I need some more detail to get to the bottom of it and that is what I am asking the Deputy for. It may appear and sound straightforward in the way it is described but I need further information.

I understand the concern of the Deputy. However, nothing is ever completely straightforward in this world. For example, it can arise that a single prescribed item is required to be dispensed in different strengths or containers and it is therefore claimed as more than one item. A prescription charge will apply to each claimed strength of a product in such a circumstance. That may or may not be the type of circumstance that occurred in the case raised by the Deputy. Whereas on the face of it the question may sound straightforward such that we should give an immediate response, in fact we cannot simply give an immediate response. However, I am giving a clear undertaking to the Deputy that if the further information that I have reasonably sought can be produced, then I will certainly look at this issue.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I will take up the opportunity offered by the Minister of State. From a clear recall of the information provided to me that instanced the parliamentary question in the first instance, I can state that it was a single item of same strength and that it was anticipated to be available as a single item by the pharmacist filling the general practitioner's prescription. That it is not available as a single tablet in the milligrams prescribed is not the problem of either the doctor or the patient, but the patient presenting is being penalised on the double. That is my view but I will not labour it. I will provide the Minister of State with the specific information in the instance that has been brought to my attention. I urge that on accepting that it is simple and straightforward, there is a need for the position to be clarified and the pharmacy sector should be advised that the double charge in these particular cases is not permissible.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I thought the Minister was getting rid of those charges.