Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
591. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number and cost of court actions which have been taken by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland during the invigilation of regulations pertaining to the pharmacy sector here; his view on the cost effectiveness of the regulation system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2428/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is an independent statutory body, established by the Pharmacy Act 2007. It is charged with, and is accountable for, the effective regulation of pharmacists and pharmacies in Ireland, including responsibility for supervising compliance with the Act.
Part 6 of the Act deals with the complaints, inquiries and discipline (fitness to practise) functions of the PSI and was commenced on the 1st August 2009. Part 7 of the Act deals with the PSI inspection and enforcement functions and was commenced on the 28th November 2008.
Section 45 of the Act provides that the Council of the PSI may apply to the High Court for an order to suspend the registration of a registered pharmacist or registered retail pharmacy business against whom a complaint has been made. Section 48 of the Act sets out the disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed by the Council, and in accordance with section 50, the Council must apply to the High Court to confirm disciplinary sanctions, other than admonishment and censure.
The Council of the PSI has made three separate applications to the High Court pursuant to section 45 at an average cost of approx. €22,000 and has made two applications to the High Court in order to have conditions attached to the registration of two respective registrants at an average cost of €7,700.
The Council of the PSI is entitled to institute summary criminal proceedings under the Pharmacy Act 2007 and the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995 (as amended) for breaches of this legislation.The Council has taken 19 prosecutions in the District Court pursuant to the Pharmacy Act 2007 and/or the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995 (as amended), at a total cost of €99,330.50. The PSI was awarded costs in the sum of €55,393 by the courts in respect of these prosecutions and fines payable to the Exchequer totalled €38,850.
The Pharmacy Act 2007 aims to ensure that pharmacists are fit to be registered and that retail pharmacy businesses are suitable establishments to provide care and treatment to patients and are safe environments for the storage of medicines.
