Friday, 20th November 2009
HARNEY PRESCRIPTION CHARGE WOULD SINGLE OUT THOSE LEAST ABLE TO PAY

The indication by Health Minister Mary Harney that the Government is thinking of slapping a charge on patients for every item they receive under the GMS scheme is a clear indication that they are determined to ensure that those who can least afford it, will bear the greatest burden when it comes to resolving the crisis in our public finances.

Labour accepts that there is a massive problem that needs to be addressed and that a budgetary gap of €4bn will have to be closed this year, but we do not accept that those who are least well off, such as people who are on the GMS scheme, should be forced to shoulder the burden.

The best way to make savings is the greater use of generic, non branded drugs which are far cheaper and will avoid targeting the least well off.

A charge such as the one suggested by the Minister today, will simply mean that those on the lowest incomes will be singled out and forced to pay what amounts to yet another stealth tax.

Labour believes that any additional revenue raising measure to be included in the forthcoming budget should be focused on those who can most afford to pay. For starters, we believe that there should be a third rate of tax for those on earnings of over €100,000, a proposal that the Government appears to have dismissed out of hand.

For more information, contact Cllr. Donie Daly (086) 8103886