Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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170. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide the details of the general medical services scheme, covering medications prescribed that are only supplied in 28-pill packages; if patients are to be out-of-pocket for the additional month at the end of the year; if he will consider ensuring that all patients have access to their medications throughout the year, and are not asked to contribute to an extra month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24091/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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There is no legislation or agreement that deals with the quantity of prescription tablets to be included in a monthly pack. This is at the discretion of the marketing authorisation holders. The standard industry practice across Europe is for prescription tablets to be packaged in sizes of 28, as this number has been found to be convenient for patients.

Where the quantity of a preparation prescribed does not correspond with an original pack size and it is not feasible to supply the exact amount prescribed, the pharmacist may, in the exercise of his or her professional judgement and bearing in mind the nature of the product and his or her statutory obligations, supply the nearest pack size to the quantity prescribed.