Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of abolishing prescription charges. [44037/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The estimated cost of abolishing prescription charges for all medical card holders in 2019 is €82m.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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191. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated revenue from prescription charges in 2020. [44038/19]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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192. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated revenue from prescription charges in 2021 allowing for the full-year effects of the changes to be made by budget 2020. [44039/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.

As part of Budget 2020 I made a number of announcements in relation to reducing the cost of medicines for individuals and families. These measures are in line with previous commitments given in the Programme for Partnership Government and under Sláintecare. 

From 01 July 2020 prescription charges will be reduced for all medical card holders. 

Prescription charges for the over 70s will be reduced to €1.00 with a monthly cap of €10. This measure is expected to cost €7m in 2020.

Prescription charges for the under 70s will be reduced to €1.50 with a monthly cap of €15. This measure is expected to cost €7m in 2020.

The estimated revenue from prescription charges in 2020 prior to any reduction is estimated at €82m. 

It is not possible to estimate at this point the revenue arising from prescription charge income in 2021 due to further budgetary changes which are due under the medical card thresholds.