Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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389. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the increased cost of prescription medication to medical card holders; if any provision has been made for those who cannot afford €19.50 per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51428/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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As announced in Budget 2014, it has become necessary to increase the prescription charge due to the very difficult and challenging economic environment which requires the Government to achieve additional savings in health expenditure with €666 million of savings targeted in 2014. The increase in prescription charges will account for €43 million of this target. The Government is committed to achieving these savings while protecting front line services to the most vulnerable to the greatest extent possible.

Medical card holders will be required to pay a €2.50 charge per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €25 per month for each person or family. These new rates are effective from 1 December 2013. 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. There are no plans to provide for further exemptions from prescription charges.