The position is that following his reconsideration of the matter as directed by my predecessor, the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board again decided that a definite public health need for a community pharmacy contractor agreement at Borris, County Carlow was not established under the Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement) Regulations, 1996. The applicant was made aware of his right to appeal this second decision of the chief executive officer in the matter and a copy of the assessment's board's report in the matter has been forwarded. The appeals procedures are now under way with regard to the fresh appeal. The determination of an application for a community pharmacy contractor agreement is a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board under the Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement) Regulations, 1996. I am satisfied that the procedures in place under the regulations are reasonable and practicable.
The South Eastern Health Board has indicated that no new applications for a community pharmacy contractor agreement are being invited. Unfortunately, due to an error in communications, the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board did not receive the request to reply directly to the Deputy in respect of the parliamentary question of 23 February 2000. The up to date position is as outlined in this present reply.
