Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Question:

125 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the medical card scheme is now in danger following notice of action by pharmacists; if his attention has further been drawn to the 30,000 who signed petitions supporting pharmacists which were received in his office recently; if a decision will be made prior to the election on this issue; if not, the action he will take to resolve this issue and to ensure stability in the sector pending the outcome of his own review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12455/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The effect of the revocation of the 1996 pharmacy regulations, for the awarding of new community pharmacy contracts, is that there are no restrictions on granting new contracts in terms of location, population or viability of existing pharmacies. However, the practice of pharmacy continues to be governed by the Pharmacy Acts. The revocation of the regulations does not affect the operation of the community pharmacy scheme, and existing contracts still stand.

The Pharmacy Review Group is now being asked to report as quickly as possible and the type of framework, whether statutory or otherwise, required for community pharmacy services will be considered when the group reports. My Department and I are continuing to work towards introducing community pharmacy regulations to cover, on an interim basis, the period from now until the publication of the Pharmacy Review Group's report.

Together with officials from my Department, I have been in close and ongoing consultation with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union in relation to the revocation of the 1996 regulations and resolution of the issues arising. The Deputy may be aware that the Competition Authority has indicated that, if the IPU and its members engage in industrial action, it may consider instituting legal action against the IPU for breaches of the Competition Acts.