Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position on a single person who has to pay €85 monthly for medication on the drug refund scheme while a married couple have to pay the same amount; if there are allowances for single persons to assist with this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26950/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The statutory basis for the drug payment scheme, DPS, is section 59 (2) of the Health Act 1970. It states the Health Service Executive shall make arrangements to meet the balance of the cost, or a portion thereof for expenditure on drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of a person or his-her dependants. 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 the age of 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 and who does not hold a current medical card may be included in the family expenditure under this scheme. There are no plans to amend the conditions of the scheme.