Minister for Health Simon Harris has announced a reduction in the maximum prescription charge for those aged over 70 years with medical cards, and their dependents.
In a statement, he said that from tomorrow, "prescription charges will be reduced from €2.50 to €2.00 per item and in addition the maximum monthly limit will be reduced from €25 to €20 per person or family per month".
He said the changes would benefit 390,000 people.
Separately, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar was due to bring a memo to Cabinet on reforms to employment activation programmes including the Community Employment and Gateway schemes.
Under his proposals the eligibility criteria for the schemes would be broadened and a greater emphasis would be placed on social inclusion and community projects, as well as helping people back into the workforce.
