Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if medicine required by persons who contracted TB as a result of an outbreak in a school in County Cork will be subject to the new prescription charge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37227/10]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the cost of TB medicine required by persons who contracted TB as a result of an outbreak in a school in County Cork will have to be paid by the families themselves or if the State will cover this cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37228/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to takes Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.

Under the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981 (S.I. No 390 of 1981), patients receiving treatment by the HSE for infectious diseases are not liable for charges.

The Health (Amendment)(No 2) Act 2010 provides for the payment of a charge of 50 cent by persons with full eligibility (GMS patients) per item on prescriptions filled by Community Pharmacies. These charges came into effect on 1st October, 2010.

To adhere to the Infectious Diseases Regulations which ensure the continued free treatment of TB patients and those with other infectious diseases, the HSE has been asked to put appropriate arrangements in place in regard to the provision of such treatment and dispensing of medicine to ensure that the prescription charge is not applicable.