Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to relieve pensioners over the age of 65, who do not have a medical card, from the cost of prescription medication in view of the financial burden many older people are faced with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19725/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Drugs Payments Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs, is available to non-medical card holders. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month, or approximately €20 per week, towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is available to all age groups, is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

There are no plans to make further provision towards the costs of drugs and medicines for persons over 65, additional to the Drugs Payment Scheme.