Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015
407. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his view on the budget 2016 submission by the Irish Pharmacy Union to introduce a minor ailment scheme, an extended vaccination service and a new medicines service; if such initiatives will result in savings or new costs for the health service; in either case the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45694/15]
View answerIt is important that proposals to expand the role of the community pharmacist bring benefits for patients and also generate real savings on existing public expenditure, since the health service continues to operate within very tight budgetary constraints. The Department of Health is examining the Irish Pharmacy Union's proposal for a Minor Ailments Scheme, having regard to the evidence base for such a service, the application of such schemes in other countries and any contractual or funding implications. The Department has engaged the services of the Health Research Board (HRB) to undertake an analysis of Minor Ailments Schemes in other jurisdictions. Work on this is progressing to schedule and a report by the HRB is expected in January 2016. The HRB's report will assist the Department in its consideration of this matter.
In October 2015, the Minister for Health signed new regulations to expand the range of vaccines which can be administered by pharmacists. These new regulations will allow pharmacists to supply and administer the shingles and pneumococcal vaccines, which are currently only available from a GP or hospital. It is expected that the new vaccines will be available from early in 2016. Proposals to further expand the range of vaccines available through community pharmacies will be considered by the Department. The Irish Pharmacy Union proposal to introduce a new medicines scheme will also be examined by the Department.
