I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 316 together.
The nature of the business being conducted in pharmacies, in dealing with a wide range of controlled drugs, makes it essential that all pharmacies would make provision for security, regardless of the specific drugs concerned. All pharmacies, therefore, should already have good security systems in place. The grant, referred to by the Deputy, is intended to help pharmacists in the provision of additional security facilities where these are required.
During 1999 a capital grant of up to £2,000 was made available to pharmacies involved in the methadone protocol to allow them to cater for supervised dispensing of methadone in their premises. The grant covered such items as minor structural alterations but could also cover additional security equipment or a larger drug safe. Each grant application was assessed by a liaison pharmacist employed by the health board in consultation with health board officials. The availability of the grant was publicised throughout the health boards. It was also publicised by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union in its general memorandum to members in January 1999 and again in May 2000. Earlier this year the grant was increased to £5,000 and pharmacies in the greater Dublin area have been informed of this through the liaison pharmacists.
I am satisfied that the current grant of £5,000 is reasonable in the circumstances.