Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 October 2005
143 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the change in regulations since 2001 regarding the rules for the establishment of a pharmacy; the regulations governing the establishment of pharmacies within health centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30793/05]
View answerThe 1996 regulations, which were revoked by my predecessor in January 2002 following advice from the Office of the Attorney General, set out the criteria and procedures for granting community pharmacy contracts with the Health Service Executive areas. 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 did not affect the operation of the community pharmacy scheme, and existing contracts at that time remained in place.
The opening or establishment of all new pharmacies continues to be governed by the Pharmacy Acts, subject to restrictions imposed by non-pharmacy legislation such as the Planning Act.
144 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to pay doctors to open pharmacies in health centres; the negotiations which she has been involved in; the way this will affect independent pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30794/05]
View answerMy Department has no plans to pay doctors to open pharmacies in health centres and has not been involved in any negotiations in the matter.
