Question from Deputy David Cullinane - PQ 66620-25

To ask the Minister for Health if she will urgently review the decision to remove State reimbursement for blister pack medication services; if she is aware that this change will allow pharmacies to introduce private fees of up to €50 per person per month; if she will outline the measures the Department is taking to prevent adverse impacts on patients who rely on blister packs for medication safety, adherence, and accuracy, particularly people with disabilities, older people and those with complex medication regimes; if she has considered the fact that the proposed change could result in increased risk of medication errors due to loss of structured packaging supports, reduced medication adherence arising from unaffordable private fees, additional financial burden on service users already facing high healthcare costs, and increased pressure on community care, residential, and clinical support teams to ensure safe medication administration; if she will address the steps she is taking to address each of these consequences; if she will confirm whether this policy was subject to a risk assessment, and if not, whether she will suspend implementation of this particular policy change pending a full impact review; and if she will make a statement on the matter.