Ruth Coppinger
Question:711. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to consider bringing forward legislation to provide free universal access to blister packs for patients from pharmacies. [68183/26]
View answerTuesday, 29 September 2026
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Written answers
In March 2026 agreement was reached between my Department, the Irish Pharmacy Union, and the HSE, regarding a significant reform of phased dispensing arrangements alongside the introduction of a new medicine optimisation support service (MOSS). This MOSS is available free of charge for specified vulnerable patient groups who are also medical card holders, where the pharmacist deems it clinically appropriate.
Under this service, blister packs are available for relevant patients, but they are just one of the supports which are available under the MOSS. Blister packs are not the optimal support for every patient. In addition, certain medicines (e.g. oro-dispersible tablets, medicines which are only taken on an “as required” basis) are not suitable to be supplied in blister packs.
Details of the changes 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/ Further information and frequently asked questions can also be found here: Medicine Optimisation Support Service
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/services/medicine-optimisation-support-service/
From 1 June 2026, medical card holders in the following vulnerable patient groups may be supported to receive a range of tailored supports, free-of-charge, where the pharmacist deems it clinically appropriate:
• Patients with physical impairment affecting the ability to use conventional packaging (who do not have carers that could support them to use original packs)
• Patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment or dementia who have carers to support them (including home care) by prompting them to take their medications at the appropriate intervals
• Patients with an intellectual disability.
• Patients who, for social inclusion reasons, including homeless or marginalised people, are unable to appropriately manage their medication.
• Patients who are on high-risk medicines and are at risk of misuse and/or abuse of those medicines.
Importantly, all patients who were receiving blister packs free-of-charge prior to the Community Pharmacy Agreement (in August 2025) can continue to do so.
These vulnerable patient groups will be supported, where appropriate, with a range of tailored MOSS supports including:
• 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.
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.
The reforms ensure that resources are targeted towards those who genuinely need them and recognise community pharmacists as vital partners in patient safety and medicines optimisation. Empowering the pharmacist to engage with these patients, in such an individualised manner, will ensure that these patients are supported to manage their medicines in an individualised way. Utilising the skillset of pharmacists in making this decision is considered the most appropriate mechanism by which to oversee access to blister packs for patients.
The new MOSS fee arrangement will support pharmacists in this role, giving them greater flexibility to decide what optimisation supports are most appropriate for clinically indicated medical card patients.
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.