Fáiltím roimh an deis labhartha anseo anocht ar an motion seo. Since this issue arose, I have been contacted by numerous constituents of mine, many of whom are elderly, vulnerable and on limited incomes, who fear there will be a cost of €50. I bow to Deputy Toole's superior knowledge in this particular area. They are worried about the impact such charges will have on their monthly outgoings and their ability to provide for themselves with fixed incomes, such as old-age pensions. Without access to monitored dosage systems or blister packs, there is a real risk of medication errors, missed or excessive doses, loss of independence and avoidable deterioration in health. In fact, it would not take a lot of imagination to envisage somebody ending up in a nursing home, and the State having to fund the nursing home fair deal scheme for that individual, on foot of a mistake that had a catastrophic effect on such a person. I welcome the Minister for Health's decision to pause the charges until quarter 1 of 2026, as the IPU and its members now have time to engage over the next three months. I encourage the Minister, the HSE and the pharmacies to prioritise a targeted patient-centred solution that ensures those with the greatest clinical need continue to receive support, no vulnerable patient is left worse off, and safeguards are in place to ensure appropriate use of such medication. This is about supporting safe medication use, dignity and independent living for those who need it most, and there is scope for a balanced solution that protects vulnerable patients while remaining consistent with the objectives of the community pharmacy agreement. At the heart of any outcome should be safety, dignity and fairness for vulnerable patients.

Sentiment score: 0.11