Public anger at the Government decision to withdraw funding from January for medication blister packs issued by pharmacies has sparked extraordinary public anger, the Dáil has heard.
The pack keeps the daily dosage of tablets in separate plastic pockets, allowing elderly people and those with dementia to live independently, because it takes away the risk of taking excess medication, Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy said.
But many of these people are now worried because they cannot afford to pay between €20 to €50 a month for the blister pack, which had up until now been issued free of charge.
Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan responded by saying that medical card holders only have to pay a maximum of €80 a month for medication.
He accepted though that the taking of tablets on daily basis often requires people to have assistance.
The minister said that he believes there is still an opportunity for discussions between the HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union on this issue.
But he said the reality is that Government spending on health is at its highest level ever.
Taxi drivers' livelihoods
Meanwhile, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger raised the issue of the taxi driver protests.
This model, if it succeeds, could cut the earnings of 22,000 licensed taxi drivers by 30-50%.
She said it would also impact the working hours of taxi drivers.
Deputy Coppinger said the Irish taxi system is regulated to protect taxi drivers' livelihoods...and passengers.
She said public fare reviews, which occur every two years, are threatened by "massive corporations that aren't even based here".
Minister O'Donovan paid tribute to the hard work that taxi and hackney drivers did, particularly at this time of year.
He said the Transport Minister was on official business abroad.
Minister O'Donovan said that discussions were taking place in relation to taxi fares between the NTA and the advisory body on small public service vehicles, and they should be given space to do so.
"I would hope that after today, we might have a greater degree of clarity," he said.
'Dáil Éireann, not Kilmallock cattle mart'
Labour TD Conor Sheehan thanked the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for addressing what John McGuinness called a "shouting match" during Leaders' Questions.
He said : "This is Dáil Éireann, not Kilmallock cattle mart."
"Every Thursday, we are treated to the same thing," said Mr Sheehan.
Addressing a shout of "muppet" from the chamber Ged Nash said: "Deputy Ward referred to my colleague in unparliamentary terms. That needs to be withdrawn immediately."
He said some TDs are "only interested in getting clips from social media".
