Vol. 536 No. 2
143 Ms Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she proposes to take to ensure the full deregulation on the opening of new pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13633/01]
Responsibility for the regulation of the pharmacy sector is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children, who has announced that he will review the health (community pharmacy contractor agreement) regulations.
The Deputy will be aware of the recently published OECD report on regulatory reform, which comments on the many positive aspects of Ireland's regulatory regime. The report also highlights areas where progress must be made in eliminating entry restrictions to sectors of economic activity, including the pharmacy sector. Consequently, the Government has promised that a review of the health (community pharmacy contractor agreement) regulations will be accelerated.
