asked the Minister for Health if negotiations with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union on the question of dispensing fees have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dispensing Fees.
24.
These negotiations have not yet been concluded. I received the report of the review body on pharmacists' services in the general medical service on 11th July. The Pharmaceutical Union on 22nd July wrote to me conveying their reaction to the report. I hope to arrange for an early discussion with the union and in the meantime would prefer not to comment further on the report.
Will the Minister state if it was he who set up the review body?
By agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union.
Would the Minister not agree in view of this that normally he would accept the recommendations of such a body?
It was made abundantly clear that the report of the review body need not necessarily be accepted by either of the two parties.
Would the Minister not accept that generally speaking the purpose of setting up the review body is to guide the Minister with regard to the correct position?
Generally speaking, yes.
Would the Minister accept that it would be unwise to depart from such a recommendation if it means the collapse of the general medical services?
There are many considerations that must be given to this problem before there is finality.
Would the Minister accept that the guidelines were to indicate what would be a reasonable fee for the pharmacists?
They are in the terms of reference.
Is it the case that the recommendations referred to what the review body considered a reasonable fee?
Yes.
Notwithstanding that, is the Minister indicating he is having some qualms of conscience as to whether he should accept what has been recommended as reasonable fees by an independent body?
The Minister has indicated to the union that he will be prepared to discuss the whole matter with them in the immediate future.