Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 3

Written Answers - Pharmacy Contract.

John McGuinness

Question:

216 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in processing an appeal under article 10 of the health regulations, 1996, in relation to a refusal by the South Eastern Health Board to grant a community pharmacy contract for a new pharmacy in Borris, County Carlow, in view of the fact that the appeal was lodged on 26 January 1998; if he will expedite the application and issue the contract as soon as possible in view of the public demand for this service; his views on the inefficiency of the system in dealing with this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18993/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

The appeal under the Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement) Regulations, 1996, referred to by the Deputy involved the careful consideration of a number of issues. Care was also taken to ensure the appellant was afforded every opportunity to present his case. I am satisfied that the time taken to consider the appeal was not longer than necessitated by these factors and that the time taken is consistent with a full and proper examination of the issues involved. I hope to be in a position to make a decision in the appeal in the near future.