Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1039. To ask the Minister for Health if there is provision for financial assistance for a person (details supplied) [24472/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for health services in Ireland is based primarily on residency and means. The Act provides that persons who are unable, without undue hardship, to arrange GP services for themselves and family can qualify for a medical card. The HSE can only award medical cards in accordance with the Health Act and, therefore, assesses applicants on the overall financial situation of the applicant and his or her spouse or partner. The HSE gives effect to this legislation through its Medical Card National Assessment Guidelines.

Patients who are not eligible for the GMS or Long Term Illness schemes can avail of the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), which provides protection from excessive ongoing expenditure on medicines. Under this scheme, an individual or family pays up to the first €144 each month for approved prescription items, with any cost above that threshold paid by the State. There is no prescription charge under the DPS.

Anybody who lives in Ireland and has a personal public service number is entitled to join the DPS. You can register at or at any community pharmacy.