James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the changes to the threshold of the drugs payment scheme since 2005, including the date that announcement was made; the date that changes took affect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41226/09]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes recommendation to change the drug payment scheme to a quarterly rather than a monthly payment threshold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41227/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.

The increases to the Drugs Payment Scheme thresholds since 2005 are outlined in the table below. In each year the changes were notified to the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmacy Union. The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and its recommendations are being considered by all Government Departments in advance of the Budget. The Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), with the other demand led schemes, are under ongoing review in the context of the need to obtain best value for money.