Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the 50 cent prescription charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40976/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Medical card holders are required to pay a 50c charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family. Charges are not payable in respect of items supplied under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Prescription charges do not apply to children in the care of the HSE or to methadone supplied to patients participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme. Prescription charges result in savings to the Health Service Executive of approximately €27 million annually. Due to budgetary constraints I am not in a position to remove the 50c prescription charge.