Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
815. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the reason he has not accepted the recommendation made by an organisation (details supplied) on rules to regulate the operation of pharmacies in respect of the temporary absence of pharmacists and as this relates to the functions and role of pharmaceutical assistants; the next steps he plans to take to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16584/22]
View answerUnder Section 11 of the Pharmacy Act 2007 the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2019 pursuant to Section 30 of the Act were subject to the consent of the Minister for Health. The Minister for Health did not consent to the Rules.
Since the Rules were approved by PSI Council amendments have been made to Section 7 of the Pharmacy Act 2007 by the provisions of Section 53 of the Regulated Professional Health and Social Care Amendment Act 2020, specifically an amendment to Section 7(1)(d) whereby it is now a function of the Society “to ensure that pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants undertake appropriate continuing professional development, including the acquisition of specialisation”.
Rules under Section 30 of the Pharmacy Act 2007 should take this legislative amendment into consideration.
The Department has requested the PSI to develop an updated set of Rules for the Minister’s consideration.
