Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2008
117 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the negotiations between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; when the report from the independent body is expected to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28474/08]
View answer118 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the Sean Dorgan report into pharmacy service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29131/08]
View answer124 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to submit to Government the report of the independent pricing body on a dispensing fee to be paid to pharmacists in relation to the medical card scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27834/08]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 118 and 124 together.
The Health Service Executive, assisted by my Department, has engaged with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union on discussions surrounding a number of outstanding issues. These discussions commenced in the week beginning 5 May 2008. Progress has been made on these issues. I established an Independent Pricing Body, chaired by Mr. Seán Dorgan, who is the former head of IDA Ireland, to assess an interim fair community pharmacy dispensing fee to be paid for the medical card scheme, the DPS and other community drug schemes. The Independent Pricing Body has submitted its report to me. I am considering its findings prior to submitting it to Government.
