New 'blister pack' rules delayed until later in 2026

A decision by the Government to withdraw funding from January for so-called medication blister packs issued by pharmacies has been delayed following political backlash.

Yesterday, the Dáil heard that people, particularly the elderly and those with dementia, were worried that they would have to pay between €20 to €50 a month for the blister pack, which had up until now been issued free of charge.

The packs keep daily dosage of tablets in separate plastic pockets which allows patients avoid confusion around what to take and when.

However, in a statement this afternoon, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said after "extensively engaging with the Department of Health and HSE", it was agreed to pause the introduction of charges until a later date in the first quarter of 2026.

The IPU said it was important to clarify that the supply of blister packs was not reimbursed by the State and has been a private service with proportionate fees set by individual pharmacies.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she welcomed the outcome of the engagement, and said the IPU will have more time to engage with patients in a "structured and individualised way over the next three months".