Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the workings of the new prescription charge scheme; when it will be introduced; if it needs legislation; or will it be done by ministerial order. [2353/10]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons eligible for the drug payment scheme in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48514/09]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons eligible for the general medical services and long-term illness schemes in 2009; the legislative changes required to introduce a new prescription charge; if she will include in this legislation a commitment not to increase the prescription charge of 50 cent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48515/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 347 and 348 together.

Figures from the Health Service Executive indicate that as of 31 December last, 1,478,560 persons were covered by medical cards and 98,325 were covered by GP Visit Cards. A total of 1,587,448 persons held Drugs Payment Scheme cards. In addition, 64,267 persons availed of the Long Term Illness Scheme during 2009.

To address rising costs in both the GMS and Long Term Illness schemes, and to influence to some degree demand and prescribing patterns, a 50 cent charge per prescription item shall be introduced, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family. The details will be set out in new legislation which is required to give effect to the introduction of prescription charges and the expected implementation date is 1st April 2010.