Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for Health if exemptions will be made for persons (details supplied) relating to the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28276/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Under the former Eastern Health Board, it was the practice to provide psychiatric medicines free to all patients who attended an outpatient clinic for services regardless of their eligibility status. Such arrangements were unique to the greater Dublin area. In all other former Health Board Areas, patients used either their medical card or Drug Payment Scheme card to access psychiatric medicines.

In 2009, the HSE decided to bring the arrangements for the supply of medicines to patients attending mental health outpatient clinics in the greater Dublin area into line with those operating in the rest of the country. These changes were introduced on a phased basis, starting on 1 October 2010 when medical card holders in the HSE Dublin North East area requiring psychiatric medicines were referred to their own GP for a GMS prescription. This arrangement is being extended to the Dublin Mid Leinster area from 1 November 2011. At the same time, Drug Payment Scheme cardholders will be required to pay for their prescription up to the co-payment threshold of €120 per month. Medical card holders will continue to receive their medication free of charge, subject to any applicable prescription charge. These arrangements will be kept under review.

The extra drugs cost mentioned and the affordability of such costs will be factored into any future medical card applications made by the persons affected by these changes and I would encourage people in the circumstances outlined to make an application for a medical card.