Pharmacists will soon have the power to extend prescriptions, saving people a trip to their GP and a repeat prescription fee.
It will also help GPs as they will have less appointments taken up by repeat prescriptions and more appointments available for those who need them.
The increased prescribing powers will come into effect in the new year.
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The decision follows the first recommendation of an expert taskforce set up to examine the issue, RTE reports.
From 1 March, pharmacists will have the power to extend prescriptions up to a maximum of 12 months for patients, if they feel it is appropriate.
They may also decide, following assessment, to refuse a patient's request for a prescription extension.
Certain medications will not be eligible for prescription extension.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the enhanced role will improve patient care and access.
The move comes as GP visit cards were extended in September to an additional 215,000 people.
Under the change now in force, the weekly base eligibility threshold for a single person living alone increases to €361 from €304.
The threshold for a single person living with family rises to €322 from €271 and the threshold for a couple with or without dependents rises to €524 from €441.
For couples with dependents a weekly allowance per dependent is added to the threshold. Similarly, the threshold for a one-parent family rises to €524 from €441 and a weekly allowance per dependent is added to the threshold.
The allowance for the first and second child under 16 is €57 and the same allowance for third and further children under 16 is €61.50.
The allowance for the first and second child aged above 16 and financially dependent is €58.50 and the same allowance for third and further children above 16 is €64. There is a €117 allowance for all children aged 16 above who are financially dependent, in third-level education and not grant-aided.
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