Fianna Fáil Senator and Party Leader in the Seanad, Lisa Chambers, has welcomed actions by party colleague, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD, which will see wide-ranging affordable health measures introduced from November 1.
Senator Chambers explained: "Fianna Fáil in Government are committed to ensuring healthcare is accessible for all. This is why this week Minister Donnelly has received Cabinet sign-off on a number of measures which will make access to medical care and medicine more affordable.
"From November 1, over 56,000 people over the age of 70 will be eligible for a medical card. Income limits will be changed, allowing more people in this age group to apply. This is the first change to the limits since they were introduced six years ago.
"Prescription charges will be reduced by 50c for all medical card holders. This means people under 70 will pay a maximum of €15 per month for their prescribed medicines, while those over 70 will pay €10 per month.
"The drug payment scheme will also be altered to the benefit of all participants. Ultimately, this is about fairness. Fianna Fáil have been committed to these changes and their implementation in Government. I want to commend Minister Donnelly and Minister Mary Butler TD for their work to date on these matters."
