Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
841. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the charging by pharmacists for blister packs, for those who can neither afford the new charges or take the risk of incorrect dosage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44944/26]
View answerThe Press Release of 31 March 2026, which can be found here [Reforms announced to phased dispensing and enhanced medicine supports under the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA)], details the significant reform of phased dispensing arrangements alongside the introduction of a new patient-centred medicines optimisation support framework for medical card holders. This came into effect on 1 June 2026.
As outlined on gov.ie (available here www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/services/medicine-optimisation-support-service/) and also on the associated HSE webpage (www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/about-the-medical-card/ ), this new medicines optimisation support service has now been introduced for medical card holders in specified circumstances.
Medicines optimisation tools are personalised supports which help people to safely and effectively use their medicines. This helps to ensure the best possible health outcomes for patients. Patients who are experiencing difficulties in managing their medicines are encouraged to speak with their pharmacist, who can advise them about the risks and benefits of different medicines optimisation supports, in order to determine the most appropriate one for them.
Medical card holders in vulnerable patient groups may be entitled to a range of medicines optimisation supports free-of-charge, if their pharmacist has deemed the support(s) to be clinically appropriate. Blister-packing is just one of many different supports available.
The types of Medicines Optimisation Supports which may be available under the new service, for medical card holders, include:
- Adjustments to facilitate use of original packaging. These include, for example:
• Reminder charts,
• Administration charts,
• Winged bottle caps / easy open lids,
• Labelling adjustments,
• Alarms (such as notifications on mobile phones),
• Tablet splitters,
• Dosette boxes.
• Instalment dispensing; and
• Blister packs where clinically necessary.
• Blister packs should remain a last resort in line with the international evidence due to associated risks including reduced patient autonomy and potential safety concerns.
-It is important to note that not all medicines are suitable for blister packs. Pharmacists will consider relevant medicine-specific factors to assess if all the patient’s individual medicines are suitable for supply in a blister pack.
For example, the following are NOT suitable to be provided in a blister pack:
- Some medicines are greatly affected by light or moisture and therefore must be kept in their original packaging.
- Certain medicines which are prescribed to be taken on an “as required” basis (e.g. medicines for severe pain, constipation, sleeping tablets).
- Medicines which frequently change dose (e.g. warfarin).
Where clinically required, and deemed appropriate, blister packs will be provided free-of-charge to eligible medical card patients, in identified cohorts.
In addition, all medical card patients who were receiving blister packs free-of-charge prior to the Community Pharmacy Agreement (in August 2025) can continue to do so.
