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financial benefit. That is what this State and this House must have an interest in. There are people who have always paid for blister packs charged by their pharmacy for convenience and for lots of different reasons as set out by the GP. There are those who have … been getting blister packs for free from their pharmacy and have never been charged, and the pharmacist is simply doing this to support them in different ways. There are also people who were receiving blister packs free of charge but the pharmacist was incorrectly charging the State under

question. However, my question referred to clinically determined need. For me clinically determined would be the older person as well. Older people need blister packs to ensure safety and to ensure that they manage their medicines safely. It is a cruel move that the Government is not funding … blister packs. It is a necessity and it saves a lot of time and effort allowing older people to take their prescription medication in a safe manner. I ask the Minister to reverse this policy and to ensure that blister packs are paid for by the Government

these vital lifesaving supports. I have listened carefully to those who came to me. This decision does not just affect those who use blister packs; it affects carers, families and loved ones who depend on this lifeline to keep people safe. These supports help elderly people, people with … ring an ambulance, and you are asked a simple but critical question, "Have they taken their medication?" but you cannot answer because their blister pack is not there. You do not know if they have double dosed, triple dosed or taken none at all. Blister packs provide answers

Government does not get that. The way we know it does not get that is because there are vulnerable people who need blister packs to get by in their day-to-day lives and to have some semblance of independence. Currently they get those blister packs free … answer my question directly, so I will ask him again. Please will he give assurance to those people who rely on blister packs that the Government will not impose these charges in January? Will it finally hear the cries coming into all of our constituency offices

announcement by the Government to delay until later in 2026 its proposal to withdraw funding from January for medication blister packs issued by pharmacies clearly shows that the Government has bowed to the immense political and public backlash to this very unpopular proposal. However, kicking it down … will be most affected by such a charge? They will be the people who will benefit most from having their medication dispensed from blister packs, such as elderly patients and those with memory-related difficulties like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. It will also impact individuals

right or is she doing so because this Government is so cruel to vulnerable people? That is the question people are asking. Blister packs are important to vulnerable people. This measure will put more pressure on carers and families. It will put vulnerable people at risk. Why would … this, that and the other. It never told the people last year that it would charge them €30, €40 or €50 for blister packs. This is another one of its broken promises and hidden taxes. It is now the bones of four years until the next election

them with. That is the outcome we need to reach in the time ahead. At the core of this is the use of blister packs, a dosage monitoring system that helps patients manage medication safely and retain their independence, which is particularly important given our ageing population … those Ms stands for medication. According to the framework, an age-friendly health system should "prescribe medication thoughtfully and safely". Surely, blister packs are part of that. It is crucially important that we maintain people's independence and keep them at home for as long as possible. That

blister pack is fundamentally important for the most vulnerable. I have spoken to pharmacists across Mayo who say they will have to cap the number of patients who get blister packs. It is crucially important that the Minister, the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor

massively significant to people who have already been pushed into poverty by the decisions of this Government. As my colleagues have outlined, these blister packs are an essential organisational tool for people who are trying to manage their medication but who have difficulty doing so. Basic patient safety … means that they must have access to blister packs or else they must have access to somebody who will help them to take their medication, but the latter robs them of their independence. As they get older, people with disabilities will say that their world becomes very small

Minister well knows, blister packs are a medical necessity for many vulnerable people. They ensure that people can independently administer their own medications, reduce the risk of dose errors and avoid unnecessary hospitalisations. The cruel decision to withdraw the reimbursement of blister packs has caused deep anxiety, with

understand how this works or what issues are at play here. We have never said that every patient has had blister packs paid for. That was never the case. We also understand, and I acknowledged this at the time the community pharmacy agreement was being reached, that phased … dispensing was being used by some pharmacists to offset the cost of blister packs. Whatever about the rights and wrongs of that, which is what I said to the Minister in my opening remarks, what is undeniable is vulnerable patients are now being told they will have

elderly people and people who have severe disabilities who cannot fight back. They have seen energy costs increase and the blister pack cost coming on board. It is another hit. These people are suffering. They are mainly elderly people who need a little respect and do not need … picked on but that is what the Government has done. The blister pack thing is outrageous and we will debate it later on. Energy credits were given last year, prior to the budget and the general election. They gave people hope that the Government was giving them serious

their independence. For over 20 years I worked as a carer for adults with additional needs. I saw first-hand what these blister packs meant. They were not a luxury; they were a lifeline. They gave people the freedom to manage their own medication safely without constant supervision … They preserved dignity and enabled independence. The Minister can try to push the narrative that blister packs are unnecessary and that people can manage just fine without them, but the ordinary people, like the people across Carlow-Kilkenny whom I represent, can see through this spin. Most

people who have dementia, brain injuries or mental health issues, or those who simply have to take a large amount of medication, blister packs ensure they do not overdose or miss their doses. The outcome of either of these things can be very serious for a person … health. It can also put extra strain on the health service. For carers and families, blister packs provide reassurance that their loved ones are on top of their medication while allowing them to maintain their sense of independence and manage their healthcare in their own home

When the story first broke about the blister packs, my office was inundated with calls. People contacted me not only asking why but expressing their disgust and anger and a deep sense that once again the most vulnerable in our society are being left behind, forgotten and treated … afterthought by this Government. Whatever way they get their blister packs, it is not their fault that they were getting them for free and now they may have to pay for them

would like to ask about the rationale behind the decision on blister packs that were available through local pharmacies and whether the Taoiseach is aware of the significant impact this is having on patients in counties Cavan and Monaghan and around the country. They are used selectively … patients with dementia or cognitive impairment, intellectual disabilities, significant physical or dexterity impairment, multiple chronic conditions and polypharmacy. Blister packs are not a convenience; they are a vital safety measure that supports medication adherence, independence and reduces the risk of hospitalisations. Evidence consistently shows that the unintentional

meals on wheels. The Government is on about a cost-of-living crisis, and it brings in this extortionate disgusting charge on blister packs for people. It was brought in originally in 1996 as a health and safety issue. Now, everything is after getting fixed … Santy was there, believe it or not. Santy pulled me aside and asked me what the bloody hell is happening with the blister packs. This is a fact. We had a good conversation. He told me that he and his wife, Mrs. Claus - they are pushing

learned about this, it was very hard for them to understand why a government would come to such a decision because these blister packs are essential to people who have conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia and other vulnerable categories of patient. A lot of these people … medication to people is quite complex, so it is vital for their health that they have the ability to avail of these blister packs. People have gone into a chemist and learned about this during a cost-of-living crisis. Many of the people who were retrieving these

time. It seems that this was funded through the phased dispensing scheme and that pharmacists were essentially offsetting the cost of blister packs through phased dispensing. Whatever about the rights and wrongs of that at this point in time, many of these people who were previously getting … done. She could allow GPs, for example, to determine whether, through the same funding pot as phased dispensing, we provide for blister packs as well. Obviously, funding into the pot could be increased. There are a lot of options open to the Minister. However, the option of saying

Vulnerable people and families are now being charged up to €15 for blister packs. Medical cardholders, people on fixed incomes, sick people and people with disabilities must now pay this additional charge. As the Minister knows, there is a cost-of-living crisis and these groups are already … must be State-funded. It is a small ask in the bigger scheme of things. I ask the Minister to make sure the blister pack service will be State-funded

that on her last visit to the chemist to pick up her 80-year-old mother's prescriptions, she was informed that the blister pack charge would be increasing to €7.50 per week from 1 January 2026. She was shocked at the extra €5 per week, an increase … embarrassed as to how much they are paying. It is not a good use of taxpayers' money. It is a fact that these blister pack monitored dosing systems have been widely used. Whether it is part of the scheme or not, the Minister accepts that there is confusion

withdrawal of funding for medication blister packs was an ill-thought-out and cruel choice. It is disappointing that the Minister has allowed this issue to fester into the debacle we now have before us. I raised this with the Minister over a month ago, and her response … issue, and so too is this. While the Government attempts to muddy the water, the fact of the matter is that reimbursement for blister packs was known and has been understood by the Government. The Minister sought to withdraw this crucial support, she got called

systems that enable the individual medicine doses to be organised according to the prescribed dose schedule. These are sometimes referred to as blister packs. The State has never agreed to fund monitored dosing systems. However, a practice has built up whereby the use of monitored dosing systems … valued added services. The salient point here is that appropriate phased dispensing is not being removed in this agreement. The current funding of blister packs when claimed as phased dispensing, which the State has never supported, will be suspended. This is being done in a way which puts

from constituents in Dublin South-Central who are absolutely flabbergasted by this mean-spirted decision to charge vulnerable and elderly people for a pack that is life-saving to them. This is the antithesis of how this country should be supporting vulnerable people. The story of Scrooge will … they want to be is in a hospital in unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, to be at home really is of utmost importance and these blister packs are what allow people to be cared for in their homes for as long as that might be needed. If they cannot afford

might save money and how we might better allocate resources for the future. I recall a debate in November last year on blister packs where members of the Deputy’s party accused me of cruelty for making changes. Let me assure the Deputy that we held the ground

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health when her Department first became aware that monitored dosage systems, including blister packs, were being provided to patients in practice while pharmacies claimed phased dispensing fees; the policy, governance, or compliance actions that were taken by her Department

mechanism that exist, or are being considered, whereby a clinician, pharmacist, or multidisciplinary care team may formally certify that monitored dosage systems, including blister packs, are clinically necessary for an individual patient; and whether such certification would permit continued provision without cost to the patient under existing schemes

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the way in which the non-funding of pharmacist-prepared blister packs aligns with national home-care policy objectives that support independent living for people with disabilities and older persons; and whether her Department accepts that medication compliance supports

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health when her Department’s examination of the use of monitored dosage systems, including blister packs, will conclude; whether formal policy proposals will be published; and if she will commit to ensuring that any future framework explicitly addresses the needs

Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if she will clarify the rules governing pharmacy charges for blister-pack dispensing, including whether such fees must be explicitly itemised and displayed under PSI transparency guidance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9791/26

Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that pharmacies have begun imposing a €20 monthly charge for the provision of blister-packed medications; the basis on which this fee is being permitted, given previous indications that the matter was under discussion with his Department

long-term illness (LTI) card that covers their medications and prescription charges, is entitled to have their medication provided in essential blister packs under the LTI card. [8908/26

Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health for an update on discussions with the IPU in relation to blister packs. [8981/26

Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on efforts made by the Government to find a solution regarding the blister pack charges facing vulnerable persons across County Louth and beyond to access packs which they previously were not charged for; and if she will

plans which are in place to ensure that vulnerable persons in County Louth will not face additional financial burdens in order to access blister packs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7363/26

Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health to confirm the number of persons in County Louth which had been receiving blister packs without charge from their pharmacy in 2025; the engagement which has taken place with these persons to explain the reason they are now facing charges

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if she will remove charges for blister packs for those with a clinician-determined need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5083/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if consideration can be given to providing a funded scheme for blister packs for vulnerable and/or incapacitated patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5051/26

Rice asked the Minister for Health the steps she is taking to address the concerns raised with respect to monitored dosage systems, or blister packs, as a result of changes agreed under the Community Pharmacy Agreement; if she intends to amend previously agreed changes in phased dispensing control

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the rationale for removing funding for monitored dosage systems (blister packs); the assessment carried out on the impact this will have on vulnerable patients, including those with dementia and complex medication regimes; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will consider introducing a sustainable funding model for blister packs, given that the service costs approximately €70 per patient, per cycle, and is essential for medication safety and independent living; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if her Department has engaged with the Irish Pharmacy Union regarding the removal of blister pack supports and the financial impact on community pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73862/25

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the guidance which has been issued to GPs and pharmacists regarding applications for blister packs following the policy change; the alternative supports which will be available for vulnerable patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73863/25

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently receiving blister packs and the projected impact of introducing charges of €20–€50 per month on these households; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73864/25

asked the Minister for Health if her Department has considered the risk of medication errors and hospital admissions resulting from the removal of blister pack supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73865/25

plans to review the phased dispensing scheme, which currently covers only nine core drug families;and whether this will be expanded to include blister packs for vulnerable patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73866/25

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients currently receiving monitored dosage systems (blister packs) through community pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73867/25

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a breakdown of blister pack users by category, including the number of patients with dementia; the number with severe or complex illnesses; the number requiring multiple medications; and if she will make a statement

clinical or risk assessments which have been carried out by her Department or the HSE on the impact of removing funding for blister packs, particularly in relation to medication adherence and hospital admissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73869/25

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if any cost-benefit analysis has been undertaken comparing the cost of funding blister packs versus the potential cost of increased hospital admissions and adverse medication events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73870/25