Vol. 524 No. 4
98 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the current regulations under which pharmacies and pharmacists operate; his plans to introduce new legislation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22755/00]
Pharmacists operate under various forms of legislation, principally the Pharmacy Acts, 1875 to 1977, the Poisons Acts, 1961 and 1977, Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984, and Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations, 1996. In addition, the contracts to provide community pharmacy services under section 59 of the Health Act, 1970, set out certain procedures to be followed in the dispensing of prescriptions by pharmacists. The Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement) Regulations, 1996, set out the criteria and procedures for the grant ing of these contracts by the chief executive officers of the health boards.
While the regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Acts and those relative to prescription control have been updated on a regular basis, I am conscious of the need to update and consolidate the existing Pharmacy Acts and my Department will work with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and other interested parties over the coming months, to agree the nature and scope of a new Bill which I hope to introduce at the earliest possible date. The Deputy will also be aware of the amendment to section 59 of the Health Act, 1970, as part of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2000, designed to improve the regulation of the supply of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances under the general medical services and community drugs schemes.
