Billy Timmins
Question:334 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children when the pharmacy deregulation guidelines will be published; when they will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11413/02]
Written Answers. - Pharmacy Deregulation.
Michael Ring
Question:350 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has met with pharmacy representative groups regarding deregulation; the meetings which have taken place; the groups he has met; and if anything has been agreed by the Government regarding deregulation of the pharmacies. [11550/02]
Austin Deasy
Question:393 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason he has proceeded with the deregulation of pharmacies when all the necessary procedures are not finalised; and if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who has been unable to obtain a GMS licence. [11881/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 334, 350 and 393 together.
The retail pharmacy sector has not been deregulated. It is subject to a wide range of legislative controls. The opening of new pharmacies continues to be governed by the Pharmacy Acts, subject to restrictions imposed by non-pharmacy legislation such as the Planning Act. The 1996 regulations, which I revoked in January this year following advice from the Office of the Attorney General, set out the criteria and procedures for granting community pharmacy contracts with the health boards.
The effect of the revocation, for the awarding of new community pharmacy contracts, is that there are no restrictions on granting new community pharmacy contracts in terms of location, population or viability of existing pharmacies. The revocation does not affect the operation of the community pharmacy scheme, and existing contracts still stand. All existing contract applications and appeals lapsed with the regulations. Those affected should contact the relevant health board directly concerning re-applying.
I have already met with representatives of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union to discuss their concerns following the revocation of S.I. No. 152 of 1996. Ongoing discussions are taking place between officials from my Department and representatives of the IPU.
The pharmacy review group was established to examine the pharmacy issues raised in the OECD report on regulatory reform in Ireland. It is now being asked to report as quickly as possible, given the new situation. The type of framework, whether statutory or otherwise, required for community pharmacy services will be considered when the group reports. I am considering a number of options pending the completion of the work of the group and I hope to be in a position to make a decision on the matter shortly.