Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has criticised the government’s failure to fund blister packs under the Community Pharmacy Agreement, warning that from 1st January next year vulnerable patients will be hit with additional charges of up to €50 per month for blister packs to help manage their medicines.

Teachta Crowe said the cruel decision will hit vulnerable and older people, those with disabilities and patients on complex medication regimes hardest as they are already suffering the greatest from the cost of living crisis and risks avoidable medication errors, illness and hospital admissions

Teachta Crowe said:

“It is simply wrong that vulnerable patients will no longer receive tablet blister packs free of charge, as they have for decades. This cruel move by the government is unfair and must be stopped.

“Blister packs are not a luxury or an optional extra. They are a basic safety measure that helps people manage multiple medications correctly. For many older people and those living with long-term conditions, blister packs are the difference between taking medicines safely and risking missed doses, double dosing, or dangerous confusion.

“The government had an opportunity to include blister packs in the Community Pharmacy Agreement and fund them properly. Instead, the government has decided to leave this vital service outside the agreement, meaning people who need it most are now facing new charges.

“I am calling on the Minister for Health to urgently re-engage with pharmacists and ensure blister packs are funded and provided free of charge for older people and at-risk groups.

“No one should be priced out of safe medication management. The government must step in and do the right thing.”