John Browne
Question:70 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a representative of consumer interests was not appointed to the pharmacy review group. [30919/01]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Appointments.
The recent OECD report on regulatory reform in Ireland was critical of certain restrictions in Irish professions, including the retail pharmaceutical sector. A high level group has been established to examine the recommendations made in the report.
One area addressed by the report was the statutory system for granting community pharmacy contracts. In order to assess and respond to the issues raised by the OECD I have set up the pharmacy review group which will report to the high level group. The group has begun its work under the chairmanship of Dr. Michael Mortell, former President of University College Cork, and it is expected that it will make recommendations to the high level group within six to 12 months.
Last week the Consumers' Association of Ireland made representations to be included on the review group. There are a large number of consumer groups with an interest in the review. It would be difficult to include the consumers' association in the group and not include those groups which specifically represent pharmacy users such as the elderly, asthmatics and diabetics. Inclusion of so many groups would make the review unwieldy and greatly reduce its effectiveness.
The terms of reference take account of consumer concerns by requiring the group to consult widely with consumer interests. As well as a general invitation for public submissions, a wide range of consumer organisations, including the consumers' association and groups representing pharmacy users, have been specifically invited to make submissions.