The monthly threshold for the drugs payment scheme was increased from 1 August 2002. Although the threshold had not been increased since the scheme's introduction in July 1999, the cost of the scheme had risen by 73%, up from €51.34 million for the last six months of 1999 to €177.6 million for 2001. Approximately 1.15 million persons are now using the scheme as opposed to 699,867 in 1999. The Department of Health and Children considers it reasonable that the contribution by those benefiting from the scheme should reflect that high increase in spending. It has been estimated that the increase in the drugs payment scheme threshold will provide a saving of €7 million from August to December 2002.