asked the Minister for Health if he will undertake a publicity campaign to inform chemists and the public generally of the benefits which may be claimed against expenditure on medical prescriptions.

Persons with limited eligibility, including all insured persons, are entitled to a refund of part of the cost of prescribed drugs and medicines when the cost incurred in respect of a calendar month exceeds £5.

The arrangements under which the scheme operates were agreed with representatives of the pharmacists before it was introduced and all retail pharmacists are aware of the scheme.

Expenditure on the scheme to date this year indicates that there is already a widespread awareness of this scheme and a particular campaign does not appear to be necessary. The scheme will be extended early next year to cover the remainder of the population. It will be further publicised at that time.