Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
577. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the last time his Department engaged with an organisation (details supplied); to whom the organisation reports, as an agency of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51962/23]
View answerThe PSI is accountable to the Minister for Health and the Oireachtas in carrying out their role as the Pharmacy Regulator of Ireland.
The PSI have a Corporate Governance Framework, Codes of Conduct for their Council, Committees and staff, and related governance policies and procedures to support their compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. The PSI meet their statutory governance obligations as set out in the Pharmacy Act 2007, the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001.
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies aims to ensure commercial and non-commercial State bodies meet the highest standards of corporate governance. It provides a framework for the application of best practice and is intended to take account of developments in respect of oversight, reporting requirements and the appointment of Board members. The Code is based on the underlying principles of good governance: accountability, transparency, probity and a focus on the sustainable success of the organisation over the longer term.
For public accountability and reporting purposes, the PSI is an aegis body of the Department of Health. In keeping with this obligation, three governance meetings were/will be held with Department of Health officials in 2023. The Department met with PSI in March and September of this year and are due to meet again in December.
Within the Department of Health, Medicines, Controlled Drugs and Pharmacy Legislation Unit (MCDPLU) is the main point of contact for the PSI, though other units may engage with the PSI as required, dependent on business needs. MCDPLU also liaises with the PSI on a variety of issues relating to the Pharmacy sector; the PSI Registrar is a member of the Expert Taskforce to support the expansion of the role of pharmacists in Ireland, as established in July 2023.
