1004. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health to outline the process for applying for the hardship scheme for medication not covered under the drugs payment scheme; if he is aware in some cases, patients have been informed by a chemist to get both a GP signature and needing a consultant’s referral to get a consultant’s signature; if the application process to the scheme will be simplified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43962/24]

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