Medical Cards

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Questions (790)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

790. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that survivors of industrial schools who hold enhanced medical cards are being charged for the preparation of blister packs for their prescribed medication; if she considers it appropriate that these vulnerable patients should incur such charges despite their enhanced entitlement to healthcare; if she will ensure that blister pack dispensing is provided free of charge to enhanced medical card holders who require it on clinical grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53060/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

In March 2026 I announced the introduction of a new patient-centred medicines optimisation support framework which commenced on 1 June 2026.

Under this new framework, medical card holders in vulnerable patient groups (including those with diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia, intellectual disability, physical impairment or those patients at risk of medication misuse) can be supported with optimisation aids where indicated. The reform ensures that resources are targeted towards those who genuinely need them

If, after an assessment, a pharmacist determines, using their professional and clinical judgement, that a medical card patient requires a blister pack for clinical or patient safety reasons, it will be provided without charge.

It has also been agreed that all medical card patients who were getting a blister pack free-of-charge in August 2025 (i.e. immediately prior to the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA)) can continue to receive those supports free of charge.