Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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313. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the State of providing free access to all prescribed medicines for all citizens; the cost for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19427/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As I outlined in my reply to you of the 4th of March, it is not possible to provide data on the full cost to the State of providing free access to all prescribed medicines for all citizens as neither the Department or the HSE collects data on the level of private spending that is incurred by individuals purchasing medications.

Data is however available on the cost to the State of providing medicines for the GMS and community drugs schemes. In 2014 the cost of medicines for these scheme was €1.702 billion which includes the ingredient cost and appropriate fees but is net of manufacturers rebate income. Additionally the revenue associated with the prescription charge would be foregone if free access to all prescribed medicines was provided for all citizens. In 2014 the prescription charge income is projected to be €120 million.