Dáil Éireann - Volume 378 - 23 February, 1988

Written Answers. - Drugs Costs Refunds.

Mr. Allen Mr. Allen

124. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if it is his intention to eliminate the need to pay the amounts for drugs of over £28 per month which are currently refunded having regard to a statement made by him in this connection when he was Opposition spokesperson for Health in January, 1987.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon) Rory O'Hanlon

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon): I would refer the Deputy to my speech during the course of the budget debate. I indicated that the operation of the drugs refund scheme and the long-term illness scheme are being reviewed by my Department in conjunction with the health boards. Following the review, I hope that it will be possible to make some improvements in the operation of the scheme.

614

[614] I would also refer the Deputy to the Press Statement I issued on 16 December 1987 where I stated:—

There is no proposal to change the existing schemes on 1st January 1988. A comprehensive review of the operation of these schemes is being carried out in conjunction with other aspects of community care services.

When this review is completed a statement of policy will be made in the new year.

In the meantime current arrangements remain in place. I deplore the unnecessary anxiety caused to patients by those who have misrepresented the current position.

Dáil Éireann 378 Written Answers. Drugs Costs Refunds.

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