Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1593. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to sanction the immediate recruitment of a chief pharmaceutical officer within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37646/23]
View answerThe Department of Health recognises the value and importance of pharmacists and pharmacies in conserving, protecting and enhancing the health of our citizens.
The practice of pharmacy and the provision of pharmaceutical care has the potential to be further evolved to deliver optimal patient outcomes - this potentially will provide a vehicle to alleviate the pressure on, and support, primary care practitioners.
On the 24th July 2023 the Minister for Heath established an Expert Taskforce to support the expansion of the role of pharmacists in Ireland and look at the vision for pharmacy in Ireland. The Taskforce has formally commenced and will work intensively in the coming months. The Minister has requested that the first of their recommendations be sent to him by the end of October this year, which the Taskforce has committed to.
At this time currently there are no active proposals to develop a Chief Pharmaceutical Officer role in the Department of Health. A number of units within the Department have responsibility for advancing policy in key areas of our health service. They are cognisant of potential deliverables that can be realised by and through pharmacists and pharmacy services, to deliver patient centred care in line with the vision of Sláintecare.
The Department has professionally qualified pharmacists among its staff and is currently engaged on the recruitment of additional pharmacist roles.
