164. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the extent of the charge for items of medication for persons with medical cards. [27825/15]

165. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if there is a maximum to the charges for multiple items of medication for persons on medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27826/15]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

Medical card holders are required to pay a prescription charge of €2.50 per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €25 per month for each person or family.