Abstract
Alan Maynard's statement that the Irish have moved to offer their population ‘free’ prescriptions 1 made me laugh. Alas, he couldn't be more wrong. Six months ago, the financial shambles, brought about by banksters and weak regulators, caused the Irish government to remove free medical attention, including free prescriptions, from those lucky enough to have qualified for a ‘medical card’, but unfortunate to have a weekly income over €700. However, no-one has to pay more than €100 for medications in any month.
It's impossible to say how long this situation will last. Probably for a long time, since we’re expecting even more swingeing cuts in social services in the coming months.
Footnotes