Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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268. To ask the Minister for Health if a drug (details supplied) is on the approved list of drugs; if funding is available for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37069/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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269. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the €1.50 prescription charge is payable where a family avails of the drug payment scheme and has already paid the maximum €80; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37070/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) administer two schemes, on behalf of the state, which assist people with their medical costs. These are the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, and the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS). Reimbursable claims under both these schemes are based on prescriptions which are transmitted to the pharmacist.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the GMS Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.

In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.

Prescription charges in respect of the GMS Scheme were introduced in the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2010. On 1 November 2020, prescription charges were reduced as follows:

• For those aged over 70, €1.00 per item with a maximum charge of €10 per month.
• For those aged under 70, €1.50 per item with a maximum charge of €15 per month.