Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Looking for revenue from those on the GMS is hitting the worst off. That is the point. Some people will pay the €10, and it might well be the elderly who will be hit most frequently. The elderly often have a very complex range of medication. I do not know if the Minister has the figures but it is not unusual for elderly people to be on a great deal of complex medication into older age and towards the end of their lives. In that context a charge of 5% of their income is not to be spoken of as if it would have no impact, particularly at a time when there are such financial pressures on people. I am not inventing this information. Eamon Timmins of Age Action, who has much experience working directly with elderly people, has said it will create hardship for sick people. He said patients do not decide what medication they take and the change would punish them for the decision of doctors.

The Minister made a very important point about the education of the patient. There is much educating to be done with regard to the demands of people for medication and the pressure experienced by doctors to prescribe. Obviously, however, the behaviour change must come from doctors as well, not just from the patients. This legislation, however, targets the patient and the medical card holder for the behaviour of doctors who prescribe.

The Minister said she will review this and that the data will come in quite quickly, as the system is set up to collate that type of data. I ask her to bring a review of what happens with this to the House. She comes here regularly to discuss the health service so perhaps she might give an indication of when she might be able to do that. We should be given that information. Also, what plans does the Minister have to inform the House if she decides to exclude other groups, as she has the authority to do under this Bill?