A Laois Senator has criticised the Government's decision to remove funding for the creation of blister packs in pharmacies, warning that this move will cause 'real harm' to vulnerable people across Laois.

From January, the Government will no longer fund blister packing for most medications, meaning patients who depend on it will face charges of up to €50 per month. Only a very limited list of medicines will remain covered, with essential treatments for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and epilepsy excluded.

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has called on the Government to urgently reverse its decision to withdraw funding for medication blister packs, arguing that the decision was “totally unfair and completely unacceptable”, particularly amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“Blister packs are not a luxury — they are a lifeline,” Senator McCormack said.

Pictured: Government removes funding allocated to pharmacies to cover the packaging of monthly medication blister packs. File photo.

“They allow older people, people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, people with disabilities and complex medical needs to take their medication safely and live independently.”

She said she has already been contacted by families, carers and constituents who are 'deeply worried' about the impact this decision will have.

“I am hearing from families who are shocked and frightened about what this means for their loved ones. These are people already stretched to breaking point, now being told they are ‘on their own’.”

Senator McCormack said the Government’s priorities were laid bare by this decision.

“The contrast could not be starker. This Government has found billions for developers, tax breaks for banks and reliefs for landlords, yet when it comes to older people, dementia patients and people on disability payments, the response suddenly becomes penny-pinching.

"This is a political choice, not a financial necessity," the Sinn Féin Senator slammed.

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Senator McCormack warned that removing support for blister packs will undermine medication adherence, place additional strain on carers and frontline services, and may ultimately lead to avoidable GP visits and hospital admissions.

“Pharmacists and carers are already warning that this is a false economy. Without blister packs, people are at greater risk of missed doses, double dosing and loss of independence. That is not just cruel — it is reckless.”

She echoed calls made in the Dáil by Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson David Cullinane and Deputy Matt Carthy, who raised concerns about the withdrawal of supports as far back as October.

“These warnings were ignored, and now vulnerable patients are paying the price,” she said.

“The Government must act immediately, reverse this decision, and protect vulnerable patients before real harm is done," the Senator finished.

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