Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
829. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to ensure continuity of medication management supports for adults and children with disabilities and cognitive impairment, particularly in respect of the safe use of monitored dosage systems where these are clinically indicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33043/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra830. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has carried out, or commissioned, any assessment of the impact on persons with disabilities of the requirement to privately fund pharmacist-prepared blister packs and monitored dosage systems where such supports are recommended on safety grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33044/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1133. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has examined the practice of pharmacies charging additional fees for dispensing medications in blister packs where this is clinically required, particularly for older persons with complex medication regimes; whether any guidance or regulation exists governing such charges under the community drug schemes; if consideration is being given to prohibiting or subsidising these charges where clinically necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32791/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 829, 830 and 1133 together.
Provision of medication in "blister packs" (also known as monitored dosage systems), has never been a State-funded service under any of the community drug schemes.
My Department, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) announced a significant reform of phased dispensing arrangements on 31 March 2026, alongside the introduction of a new patient-centred medicines optimisation support framework. I welcome the engagement with the IPU during the negotiation process. The associated Press Release can be found here www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/reforms-announced-to-phased-dispensing-and-enhanced-medicine-supports-under-the-community-pharmacy-agreement-cpa/ .
The reforms are designed to strengthen supports for vulnerable GMS (medical card) patients and will ensure a more robust system in the future.
Under the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA), the State has worked with the IPU to implement a reformed approach and since the agreement was reached:
• €20 million has already been invested into increased standard dispensing fees, backdated to September 2025.
• A further €20-24 million will fund a new medicines optimisation fee for GMS (medical card) patients; and
• €2.5 million will be invested to support targeted enhanced medicines optimisation support fees to support patients who have their medication dispensed more than once per week.
These changes will come into effect from 1 June 2026.
Importantly, all GMS patients who were receiving blister packs free-of-charge prior to the Community Pharmacy Agreement (in August 2025) will continue to do so. These cohorts should not be charged for this service.
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. Where clinically required, and deemed appropriate, blister packs will be provided free-of-charge to eligible medical card patients, in identified cohorts.
