Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider changes in the criteria for the drugs payment scheme for old age pensioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20556/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the drugs payment scheme, DPS, no individual or family pays more than €85 per month for approved, prescribed medicines with the balance paid by the State. Family expenditure covers the nominated adult, his-her spouse, including a person with whom he-she is living with as husband or wife, and children under 18 years. Dependants over 18 years and under the age of 23 years who are in full-time education may also be included. A dependant with a physical disability or a mental handicap or illness who cannot maintain himself-herself fully, who is ordinarily resident in the family home and who does not hold a current medical card, may be included in the family expenditure under this scheme, regardless of age. All persons aged 70 years and over, are automatically entitled to a medical card. I have no plans to amend the age criteria of the DPS.