asked the Minister for Health if he will seek to change the system whereby chemists display notices giving the times when prescriptions may be dispensed to medical card holders; and if he considers that the practice is discriminatory and humilitating.
Written Answers . - Medical Card Holders .
125.
: The agreement between a health board and a pharmacist participating in the General Medical Service Scheme requires the pharmacist to keep his premises open for dispensing prescriptions during specified hours and to display a notice indicating (a) that the pharmacist is participating in the scheme and (b) the hours during which he has contracted to dispense prescriptions. Eligible persons are free to have their prescriptions dispensed by any participating pharmacy and are not limited to, or registered with, a particular pharmacist. The practice of displaying the notice facilitates eligible persons by indicating where and when prescriptions may be dispensed.