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 under severe financial pressure, being hammered by increases across the board. Food costs over the past five years have spiralled out of control. Butter is up 42%, milk 43%, cheese 28%, chicken 33% and diced beef 48%, not to mention huge increases in gas and electricity prices as well as petrol, diesel and home heating oil. For low- and middle-income families, this charge is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. This service should and 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.

Sentiment score: -0.19