Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Health if prescription charges are to be abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16645/11]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce legislation to abolish prescription charges for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 171 together.

Prescription charges are provided for under Section 59 of the Health Act 1970 as amended by the Health (Amendment ) (No 2) Act 2010. Revoking these provisions requires primary legislation.

It is the intention of my colleague, the Minister for Health, subject to Government approval, to introduce legislation to abolish prescription charges for medical card holders.