Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response and all the Senators who took time to contribute. I would like to acknowledge the work of the Asthma Society of Ireland. As we have all admitted, we have friends with asthma and I was aware of this at the start of my journey on this issue but I did not know that almost 500,000 citizens are affected by the disease. Every Member should have been present for the debate, which has been positive. I loved the word "promise". The Department will have discussions with the IPHA regarding the cost of medication. It is the equivalent of a small mortgage. The Minister of State said individuals or families who do not have a medical card, which amounts to a significant number, will only have to pay a maximum of €144 monthly but-----