Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 260: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the level of patient payment provided for in the pre-budget 2008 outlook figures in the drug refund scheme; and if no change has been made, when she will announce intended changes for 2008. [31198/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Drug 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 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.

The Pre Budget Outlook 2008 provides for the same level of patient payments under the Drug Payment Scheme as are in force in 2007. Any change for 2008 related to the scheme will be announced as part of Budget 2008.