James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the changes to the threshold of the drugs payment scheme since 2000, including the date that announcement was made; the date that changes took effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1048/11]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Drugs Payment Scheme was introduced on an administrative basis in July 1999 to replace the Drug Cost Subsidisation Scheme and Drugs Refund Scheme. The monthly expenditure threshold was set at €53.33. Regulations fixing the threshold for the new scheme at €53.33 were put in place in March 2001. The table below outlines the changes made to the expenditure threshold since then. Changes to the monthly expenditure threshold are normally announced on Budget day. The 2002 increase was announced on the 12 July 2002.