Michael Creed
Ceist:162 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the affect of his recent announcement regarding pharmacy regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4934/02]
Written Answers. - Pharmacy Regulations.
Following legal advice from the Attorney General, I revoked the Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement) Regulations, 1996 (S.I. No. 152 of 1996), which set out criteria and procedures for granting community pharmacy contracts. The effect of the revocation, for the awarding of new community pharmacy contracts, is that there are no restrictions on granting new contracts in terms of location, population or viability of existing pharmacies. The revocation does not affect the operation of the community pharmacy scheme, and existing contracts still stand. All existing contract applications and appeals lapse with the regulations. Those concerned should contact the health board directly concerning re-applying.
The opening of new pharmacies continues to be governed by the pharmacy Acts, subject to restrictions imposed by non-pharmacy legislation such as the Planning Act. The pharmacy review group, established by my Department to examine the pharmacy issues raised in the OECD report on regulatory reform in Ireland, is now being asked to report as quickly as possible, given the new circumstances. The type of framework, whether statutory or otherwise, required for community pharmacy services will be considered when the group reports.