The announcement by Minister for Health Mary Harney that a prescription charge for medical card holders is 'on the table' has provoked opposition from a number of groups, including Age Action. Spokesman Éamon Timmins said it would hit those on low income or those with long-term illnesses, while the Irish Medical Organisation described the proposal as a 'blunt instrument'. It has presented the Department with a plan which, it claims, could save €300m.

Opposition politicians also presented alternative ways of reducing the cost of the national drug bill. They didn't seem to understand that it isn't a case of either/or and that all opportunities to reduce the bill should be adopted.

On Monday Taoiseach Brian Cowen said that the 50 cent per item charge would raise €30m per year. The primary aim is, of course, to prompt people to stop and think if medication is always the correct answer.

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