Minister for Health James Reilly has confirmed he intends to scrap the 50c prescription charge for people with medical cards.
In his first televised interview since taking over the health portfolio, Dr Reilly told RTÉ the prescription charge was "not a wise policy decision" as it would likely prevent people from getting their medicines.
Dr Reilly said he would discuss scrapping the charge with officials in his department.
"I would hope it would happen this year but I don't want to make a commitment I can't absolutely underscore as I haven't discussed it internally here yet," he said.
Charges were introduced last October resulting in most medical card holders paying 50 cent per item prescribed, subject to a cap of €10 per month for each family. Some categories of patient are exempt from the charge, such as hepatitis C patients, children in the care of the HSE, and those on the long-term illness scheme and high-tech drugs.
The decision to introduce the prescription levy was taken even after an expert group found it was unlikely to raise enough revenue to justify the costs of administering the change.
Today's announcement has been widely welcomed, with the Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament saying it agreed the charge was a deterrent that would stop medical holders from getting their medication.
The Irish Pharmacy Union also welcomed the decision.
Sinn Féin's health and children spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin urged the Minister to dispense with the charges as soon as possible.
"There are major savings to be made on the State's drugs bill and it is these that should be pursued now that the unjust imposition on medical card patients is to go," he said.
