Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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872. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of abolishing prescription charges; the estimated cost of lowering the drug payment scheme threshold in €20 intervals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13432/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the HSE that the estimated full year cost of abolishing prescription charges is €120m. The estimated full year cost of reducing the charge for the over 70s is €12m. Therefore, taking account of the reduction in the charge for over 70s which has been introduced on an administrative basis from 1 March, the additional cost of abolishing the charge is approximately €108m in a full year.

In regards to the estimated cost of lowering the drug payment scheme threshold, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.