Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I know. Sometimes it is important to look at what people are watching on television. The episode in question was interesting. The doctor was talking to a patient for whom he did not have much time and with whose views he did not agree. He went to the canteen to get sweets from a sweet dispensing machine which he gave to the patient in a bag. The patient went away extremely happy. The use of placebos is well known throughout history. They have an effect and work for many. There is a tendency for patients to feel cheated when they leave a doctor's surgery if they have not been prescribed something. If I am correct, that could to some extent be behind the Minister's thinking on the Bill. I would be interested to hearing her views on the matter.

I have talked to various people and heard differing views on the 50 cent levy. I accept the Bill is not purely about the levy. However, we should consider whether it will stop people from buying medications? We must examine whether the introduction of the legislation will act as a deterrent to people who would previously have bought medications. I do not know if that is the intention behind the Bill, but I suspect there is an element of such thinking behind it. It is certainly a revenue-raising provision. Some believe it will stop people from seeking unnecessary prescriptions, but the issue is whether it will stop those who need medications from getting them.

There is an overuse of antibiotics, especially to treat viruses or illnesses. We need to change our culture in this regard. We must consider measures not only in terms of the financial considerations but also in terms of working with those involved in primary care to ensure doctors consider it acceptable not to prescribe. People should be educated at school to the effect that it is not always necessary to take medicine to cure an illness. The response to some illnesses should simply be going home, resting and taking care of oneself and perhaps having a nice cup of tea or TLC. There is nothing wrong with a person being told by his or her doctor to go home, have a hot drink and go to bed for a few days and for the doctor to write a certificate of illness. However, I would be concerned if the imposition of a 50 cent levy meant people who genuinely needed medication were prevented from getting it, but I do not believe that will happen. Perhaps a review mechanism could be built into the legislation. Being a responsible Minister, I am sure the Minister will do this. The levy should be examined over time to see what effect it is having on patient care and whether people are struggling in not taking medication because the levy is acting as a deterrent.

It was pointed out to me that a number of categories were exempt from the charge. It might be more useful if that was a matter for the Minister to decide. Other groups may emerge in the future which we have not thought of who could be exempt. I favour expanding the categories of persons exempt rather than limiting them to the two groups referred to in the Bill and giving the Minister discretion in that regard.

I was intrigued by the comment made by Senator Prendergast on crutches. I am not aware that it is especially relevant to the Bill.