570. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the number of applications that were made under the hardship scheme for pharmacies in each county, by month, over the past three years; the number of applications that were successful in each county, by month, over the corresponding period; the total amount paid out under this scheme in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39922/24]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.