Vol. 495 No. 4
252 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will intervene to ensure that a chemist visits a village (details supplied) in County Wicklow in view of the fact that many pensioners and mothers with young children have nowhere to fill their prescriptions when the doctor visits once a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20511/98]
The provision of community pharmacy services in County Wicklow is primarily a matter for the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board. The Deputy will wish to know, however, that the Pharmacy Acts, 1875 to 1977, and the regulations made under the Poisons Act, 1961, provide for the provision of pharmaceutical services from fixed business premises.
An application for a community pharmacy contractor agreement was made to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board in respect of the village. This application is the subject of an appeal under the Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor) Regulations, 1996. Pending the outcome of the appeal, the board is not in a position to make a decision on a visiting pharmacist.
