Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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135. To ask the Minister for Health if he will make provision in the upcoming budget for a reduction in the cost of medication for those persons with asthma, as the cost of medication is prohibitively high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33560/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Minister for Health has no power to control the price of specific medications or groups of medications for asthma or any other condition.

Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, no individual or family is required to pay more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. This scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.