Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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2134. To ask the Minister for Health if she is aware that pharmacies are charging up to €15 for issuing medications blister packed; if she is aware that blister packing multiple medications is often the safer option for many vulnerable people who have large volumes of medication to take daily; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many pharmacies in Dublin do not apply a charge; if she has plans to help offset this expense for persons on low income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44807/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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There are currently no reimbursement arrangements under the General Medical Service (GMS) Scheme or the Community Drugs Schemes for the filling of blister packs (monitored dosage system). Community pharmacies may offer, as a quality initiative, to provide a patient’s medicines in such systems and may charge for this. However, such is a pharmacy arrangement with the patient and is not a State funded service.

There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.

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. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.

Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.