Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on doctors writing prescriptions for patients on medical cards month after month, without seeing the patient; her plans to forbid doctors issuing prescriptions without physically seeing the patient; her further views on whether doctors continue to write prescriptions for patients who may be on medication which should be limited to a certain period of time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21736/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Section 18 of the Form of Agreement with registered medical practitioners for the provision of services under section 58 of the Health Act 1970 (General Medical Services Scheme - GMS patients) states "The medical practitioner shall prescribe such drugs and medicines as he considers necessary for any person for whom he is obliged to provide services."

Following discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, a repeat prescription facility, whereby prescriptions for certain drugs and medicines require renewal on a three monthly, rather than a monthly, basis, was introduced on 1 March 1991. Under this scheme, patients who are stabilized on their medication no longer need to visit their general practitioner every month in order to have their prescriptions renewed. Changes in GMS prescriptions from monthly to quarterly for suitable patients have created efficiencies for general practitioners and patients, by reducing unnecessary consultations and journeys to the GP and pharmacy.

Under the Medical Practitioners Acts, 1978 and 2007, the Medical Council is responsible for protecting the public by promoting and better ensuring high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence among doctors. Doctors must always be guided by their primary responsibility to act in the best interests of their patients.