asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation whereby qualified assistants to chemists are concerned at the possible downgrading of their qualification and the resultant difficulties such a move would entail, and if he will make a statement regarding his Department's position on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chemists' Qualified Assistants.
405.
I am aware that the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland intend to discontinue recruiting school leavers on to the present Pharmaceutical Assistants Preliminary Register and ultimately to cease holding examinations for that qualification. I have indicated to the society that it would be necessary to ensure that the conditions of existing qualified pharmaceutical assistants were not worsened by their decision.