Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans, if any, to change the policy of charging 50 cent for each item on prescriptions in view of the hardship this is causing persons who have long-term illnesses - for example, diabetes - who might have ten different medications to take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16687/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As announced in the Budget last December, in order 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 is to be introduced, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family. The full details of the prescription charges are being worked out and will be set out in new legislation which is required to give effect to their introduction. This new legislation will be brought forward in the current Dáil session.