A minute or two ago, I could see the Minister become exasperated at my colleague describing this as cruel as "heartless", but it is important that she understands how this is being felt by people. When people went to their chemist or 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 are on not just one or two tablets a day but multiple tablets. Sometimes the administration of the 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 medications from the chemist are themselves on carer's allowance or something like that, are responsible for the care of their parent, their adult child or another loved one, and are being hit by perhaps €20, €40 or €50 a month in additional charges if we are talking about two people whom they are caring for. It is therefore quite understandable why people are responding to this and believing that it is cruel and heartless in relation-----

Sentiment score: -0.08

It is reasonable for people to draw that conclusion. There is an obligation on the Minister to demonstrate that she will find a solution to this. That is why we have brought this motion to the Dáil. The Government is not opposing it, which I welcome, but we need a solution. A lot of our community pharmacists are being stretched very thin as things are. The agreement the Minister needs to reach with the pharmacies needs to ensure that vulnerable patients who have been relying on blister packs for a very long time continue to be provided with them. They are not a luxury but a lifeline for them. That is the obligation on her. This needs to be resolved.

Sentiment score: 0.19