We need to be frank: this is a cold and ruthless move by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. To announce this charge just before Christmas, at the most expensive time of the year for many families, is nothing short of cruel. While the Government has stalled it for a few months, leaving a weight of uncertainty over many families, this policy decision goes far beyond a simple financial blow to some of the most vulnerable in our society; this is an attack on 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 of us have had a loved one at some stage who has relied on this simple, effective system. We have seen the independence it has given our loved ones. How the Government can justify tax breaks for the likes of McDonald's and Starbucks while imposing this charge on older people managing multiple medications - people living with dementia, disabilities or brain injuries - is beyond me. This move will reduce people's independence. It will heap pressure on family carers. It risks poorer medication adherence, leading to avoidable harm and higher long-term costs for our health service. Let us be crystal clear: this decision will damage lives. This is not just poor policy; this is heartless. I urge the Minister to reverse this decision.

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