Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
2936. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health to respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding the application of charges for blister packs, noting that phased dispensing is essential for patient safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24861/26]
View answerFirstly, as I have previously outlined, it is important to re-iterate that phased dispensing is different providing medicines in blister packs.
The recent successful negotiations between the Department of Health, the Irish Pharmacy Union, and the HSE, reached an agreement on a significant reform of phased dispensing arrangements alongside the introduction of a new medicines optimisation support framework for clinically indicated medical card patients.
Details can be found in the Department’s Press Release on 31 March 2026 - Reforms announced to phased dispensing and enhanced medicine supports under the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/reforms-announced-to-phased-dispensing-and-enhanced-medicine-supports-under-the-community-pharmacy-agreement-cpa/
From 1 June 2026, vulnerable medical card patient groups, including those with diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia, intellectual disability, physical impairment or those patients at risk of medication misuse, will be supported, where appropriate, with a range of tailored supports including:
• adjustments to facilitate use of original packaging.
• medication reminder systems.
• administration charts.
• instalment dispensing/ phased dispensing; and
• blister packs, where clinically necessary.
The reform ensures that resources are targeted towards those who genuinely need them. Under this Agreement, if a medical card holder is recommended to use a blister pack by their pharmacist, it will be provided free-of-charge.
Additionally, all medical card holders who were receiving phased dispensing or blister packs free-of-charge prior to the Community Pharmacy Agreement (in August 2025) will continue to do so.
This reform recognises community pharmacists as vital partners in patient safety and medicines optimisation. Empowering the pharmacist to engage with these patients, on such an individualised manner, will ensure that those patients are supported to manage their medicines in an individualised way.
The new fee arrangement will support them in this role, giving them greater flexibility to decide what optimisation supports are most appropriate for clinically indicated medical card patients. This may include adjustments to facilitate use of original packaging such as medication reminder systems and administration charts.
Instalment dispensing and blister packs may be provided by pharmacists where clinically necessary.
However importantly, blister packs will remain a last resort in line with the international evidence, due to associated risks including reduced patient autonomy and potential safety concerns.
Patients are encouraged to talk to their pharmacist about any difficulties they may have in managing their medicines. Supports to help patients take their medicines are varied. Pharmacists will be able to advise patients of the different options that are available to help with medicines management, and about the risks and benefits of different supports, in order to determine the most appropriate one for each individual patient. As has been the case heretofore, patients who do not require medicines optimisation support for clinical or patient safety reasons, but who wish to avail of optimisation supports (for example, as a convenience), may choose to engage with their pharmacist on whether the service can be paid for privately.
