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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 6 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 495-518

Medical Card Administration

Ceisteanna (495)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

495. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a medical card previously awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal may be backdated to enable them to be considered for community childcare subvention plus, CCSP, band A; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44620/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospitals Car Park Charges

Ceisteanna (496, 497, 498)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

496. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he has been updated on the HSE’s review of hospital car parking charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44626/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

497. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the HSE review of car parking charges at all hospitals; when the report will be finalised and made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44629/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

498. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health when national guidelines on hospital car parking charges will be released; the steps he will take to ensure guidelines are adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44630/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 498, inclusive, together.

Early this year I requested the HSE to undertake a review of car parking charges in public hospitals. I understand that this report is currently being finalised by the HSE and will be submitted for my consideration shortly.

Health Services Funding

Ceisteanna (499)

Michael Harty

Ceist:

499. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health further to the announcement in budget 2019 that €206 million has been allocated to the implementation of Sláintecare, the areas to which the funding has been allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44632/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am delighted that I have secured over €200m in budget 2019 which will directly support a range of initiatives proposed in the Sláintecare Report and committed to in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy including:

- Ringfenced funding for the Sláintecare Programme Office;

- €20m for the establishment of a new ring-fenced Sláintecare Integration Fund to drive improvements in the way we deliver care across the system;

- Multi-annual funding for a new GP contract which is critical to the Sláintecare vision of delivering more care in the community;

- Expansion of free GP care, by increasing the weekly income threshold for GP Visit card by €25 which could benefit up to 100,000 people. This supports the Sláintecare recommendation to move towards universal GP care over 5 years;

- Additional funding for 100 new therapy posts to address assessment of need waiting lists for children with disabilities and funding to ensure that the needs of all those leaving school in 2019 will be addressed;

- €55m in new development funding aimed at further enhancing community mental health teams for adults and children;

- Reducing user charges and out of pocket payments by further reductions in prescription charges - 50 cent reduction in prescription charges from €2.00 to €1.50 for all medical card holders over the age of 70. This is in line with a Sláintecare recommendation to reduce prescription charges;

- A €10 reduction in the monthly Drugs Payment Scheme threshold from €134 to €124 which is also in line with a key Sláintecare recommendation;

- Increased investment of €20m in the National Treatment Purchase Fund. €75m will be available to the NDPF IN 2019 which will be used to treat 70,000 patients on waiting lists in 2019; and

- Additional funding for care redesign and the National Children's Hospital.

I am not in a position at this stage to provide full details of the funding being made available for all areas above. As I have pointed out previously, negotiations are ongoing in relation to the new GP contract and to provide an amount for this, which providing full costing for all the other actions would do, could weaken the Departments negotiation position.

Funding has also been provided to expand existing health services, in line with Sláintecare recommendations and full details of this will be contained in the National Service Plan to be published in December.

Orthodontic Services Provision

Ceisteanna (500)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

500. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) has been advised that they will now have a longer period to wait for orthodontic treatment than previously advised; and if he will assist in having them called in view of the time they have already waited for treatment. [44634/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (501)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

501. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to fund an increase of staff required at a centre (details supplied); if a counselling service and dementia adviser service will be provided at the centre; if more adequate accommodation will be approved with an improved transport service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44643/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services Reports

Ceisteanna (502, 661, 662, 663, 664)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

502. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the Chief Medical Officer's report on the issues raised on the use of vaginal mesh is now completed; and the timeframe for completion of the report and a decision on his Department's response. [44646/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

661. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the status of the report commissioned into the use of transvaginal mesh; and the date for its publication. [45388/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

662. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if a redress or other scheme for women affected by complications caused by transvaginal mesh is under consideration; and if not, the reason therefore. [45389/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

663. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the two priority recommendations in regard to aftercare which were identified for immediate advancement pending the delivery of the Chief Medical Officer’s report into transvaginal mesh (details supplied). [45390/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

664. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some consultants are refusing to sign the relevant documentation for patients that wish to travel to the UK for treatment for mesh-related complications with the consequence that such women cannot have their treatment paid for by their health insurers; and the steps he will take to address this in view of the fact that these refusals are resulting in women being put through unnecessary and ongoing pain due to lack of access to treatment. [45391/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 661 to 664, inclusive, together.

As Minister for Health I am committed to putting in place the measures necessary to ensure that both the current use of Transvaginal mesh implants (TVMIs) in surgical procedures in Ireland, and the ongoing clinical management of women who have had these procedures in the past are in line with international best practice and emerging evidence. At my request, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is preparing a report which will make recommendations in relation to the clinical and technical issues involved in ensuring an appropriate response to this issue. I am informed that the CMO’s Report is close to finalisation with an anticipated publication date in the early weeks of November.

Pending finalisation of the CMO's report, a number of significant system actions in relation to mesh implants have already been advanced on foot of priority recommendations which were identified in the course of preparation of that report.

The CMO wrote to the Acting Director General of the Health Service Executive on 20 July 2018 to request that the Executive put immediate measures in place to:

1. Pause the use of all procedures involving uro-gynaecological/transvaginal mesh implants for the management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) or Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in HSE funded hospitals, in cases where it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so;

2. Ensure that in situations where expert clinical judgment is that there is an urgency to carry out the procedure and no suitable alternative exists, surgery should proceed only if a delay would risk harm to the patient and should be based on multidisciplinary team decision and fully informed consent.

This pause is to remain in place pending confirmation of implementation by the Health Service Executive, working in conjunction with the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (IOG) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), of three urgent recommendations relating to:

- Surgical Training;

- Informed Consent; and

- the Development of an agreed Dataset of Mesh Procedures.

The Department also wrote to the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Continence Foundation of Ireland requesting that they assist the HSE in progressing these recommendations on an urgent basis.

It is anticipated that the Executive will be in a position to indicate to the Department that these recommendations have been implemented within a number of months. The HSE has published information concerning the pause on its website for patients affected.

The provision of appropriate aftercare for women suffering from mesh complications, including appropriate diagnostic facilities, was also identified as a priority recommendation for immediate advancement by the Executive in the course of preparation of the CMO’s report. The CMO wrote to the Acting Director General of the HSE, and to the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (IOG), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and the Continence Foundation of Ireland (CFI) on May 28 2018, requesting that the Executive commence work on (i) the development of appropriate patient information resources and consent materials and (ii) clarification and development of treatment pathways and appropriate referral services for women suffering from mesh-related complications, in conjunction with the IOG, the RCSI and the CFI.

The HSE has informed the Department of Health that a Synthetic Mesh Devices Advisory Group has been convened by the NWIHP which includes three patient representatives, as well as representatives of the HPRA, the IOG, the RCSI, the CFI and all Hospital Groups to advise on and action all of the recommendations above.

This work is ongoing and in relation to the provision of aftercare, will include identifying the appropriate specialist clinical expertise and facilities required at hospital group level and nationally to provide comprehensive aftercare services. It will also include an examination of the role of and requirement for specialist diagnostic services such as translabial scanning. The outcome of this work will clarify if there is a need to look at sourcing services from abroad to address any shortfalls identified at national level, either through utilisation of the treatment abroad scheme or by commissioning services from abroad.

A Learning Notice concerning mesh devices in uro-gynaecological procedures was circulated by the NWIHP on 26 June 2018 to all maternity hospitals and acute hospitals with gynaecological services to highlight the importance of appropriate patient selection, adequate information and consent and also to inform the service providers that a Response Group has been convened to propose remedies for and address the provision of aftercare for complications. This learning notice has been posted on the NWIHP website.

Under the terms and conditions of the health insurance contracts they provide, private health insurers will generally only accept insurance claims where the patient's medical practitioner has deemed the procedure is medically necessary or appropriate. As Minister for Health I do not have a role in directing any health insurer to pay for a procedure without the recommendation of a patient's medical practitioner.

The HSE advice is that all patients who have experienced complications due to mesh devices are advised to contact their consultant’s clinic in the first instance. Each Hospital Group has nominated an individual to coordinate a response to this group of patients. If patients are having trouble accessing information they can contact the National Women & Infants Health Programme at: smi.nwhip@hse.ie for help.

Nursing Home Subventions

Ceisteanna (503)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

503. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the level of funding needed by a care home (details supplied) to enable it to meet the costs of improving the home to meet new standards associated with the care and security of residents and the standard and level of pay that should be paid to those employed there; if the funding received under the section 39 grant will be increased to meet the rising costs and demand of operating such a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44647/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Assisted Human Reproduction Legislation

Ceisteanna (504)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

504. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of the assisted human reproduction Bill 2017; the progress of the Bill to date; when he expects the Bill to be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44659/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As you will be aware, the Government approved the drafting of a Bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research in October last year. The General Scheme is published on my Department’s website. This comprehensive piece of legislation encompasses the regulation of a range of practices, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The General Scheme also provides for an independent regulatory authority for AHR.

The Joint Committee on Health is currently conducting a review of the General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017 as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process, which began in January of this year. The review is on-going and the Committee intends to publish its report early in 2019. The introduction of legislation in relation to AHR and associated research is a priority for me and officials in my Department are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the process of drafting this Bill. However, it is not possible at this time to give a definitive timeline for the completion of the draft Bill and its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Suicide Prevention

Ceisteanna (505)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

505. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the reason for allocating just one place on a training course for a group (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44665/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (506)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

506. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of full-time residential care for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44666/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Suicide Prevention

Ceisteanna (507)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

507. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who received classes with a group (details supplied), respectively each year for the past three years; and the estimated number of trainers that will be trained in 2019. [44667/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Public Service Stability Agreement

Ceisteanna (508)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

508. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person employed by the HSE has been issued with an advisory note regarding working hours, pay and conditions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44679/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Section 2.12.2 of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018 to 2020 provides that in recognition of work life balance issues that may arise, an opportunity shall be offered to public servants to permanently revert their working hours to pre-Haddington Road Agreement hours. Any individual exercising this option will have their pay reduced commensurately, in line with previous agreements. The PSSA states that the application of this arrangement at sectoral level will depend on service delivery requirements and business needs.

As required, the HSE is implementing the provisions of the PSSA 2018 to 2020.

Dental Services Provision

Ceisteanna (509)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

509. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if changes to the criteria on the medical card system will be made which would allow for more advanced dentures to be fitted under the scheme in specific cases (details supplied); his views on whether in specific cases in which dentures keep breaking the provision of the more advanced dentures would be more cost-effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44694/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disease Management

Ceisteanna (510, 674)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

510. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the knowledge, treatment and supports available to general practitioners in particular in relation to managing Lyme disease; the status of the recognition for Lyme disease here; the supports in place in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44695/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

674. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve treatment for Lyme disease here to mitigate the need for persons to travel abroad. [45442/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 674 together.

Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borelliosis) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is the commonest cause of tick-borne infection in Europe. Lyme neuroborreliosis was made statutorily notifiable in Ireland by the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. no 452 of 2011).

Testing and treatment for Lyme borreliosis is widely available in Ireland in all major hospitals. Lyme borelliosis is diagnosed by medical history and a physical examination which may be carried out by a General Practitioner. Lyme disease may be treated by infectious disease specialists (of which there are 12 nationally) or by general internal medicine available in all acute hospitals. Medical training programmes at undergraduate or postgraduate level in Ireland provides specialist training in infectious diseases, including Lyme disease.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE is responsible for the surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases such as Lyme disease. The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the HPSC established a Lyme Borreliosis Subcommittee, the aim of which is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention with a view to minimising the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland.

The Subcommittee will shortly be meeting to consider its final report to the SAC. During the report’s preparation, the HPSC learned that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK was undertaking a systematic review of Lyme disease which resulted in the NICE Lyme disease guidelines. These guidelines are based on the most exhaustive systematic review yet undertaken of the evidence around Lyme disease and focused on producing recommendations based on best available evidence relating to diagnosis, management and public awareness of Lyme disease.

The HPSC delayed the final production of the Subcommittee report to ensure that the findings of these guidelines could be considered for inclusion into the final report. The report is in the final stages of preparation and it is planned to circulate the report to members of the Lyme Subcommittee with a view to having a final sign-off meeting of the Subcommittee in November, at which point it will be sent for consideration to the SAC. At this juncture, it would be inappropriate to consider making changes to the testing, treatment and/or management of the condition until this deliberative process has been completed. It is envisaged that, once published, these guidelines will provide further assistance to General Practitioners.

The HPSC also provides extensive information on Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment and how to avoid tick bites on its website (www.hpsc.ie).

Health Service Capacity Review

Ceisteanna (511)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

511. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if a multi-annual plan will be brought forward which will commit to the timeframe for when the 2,600 additional acute hospital beds recommended under the capacity review will be located. [44696/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Capacity Review was a key commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government, and was commissioned in response to the growing demand for health services. The Review, which reported earlier this year, examined capacity requirements in key elements of acute care, primary care and services for older people.

Increasing capacity alone will not address the challenges faced, but on the basis of significant reform over the next 10-15 years, the report recommends an additional 2,600 acute beds by 2031. The National Development Plan (NDP) provides for a major increase in capacity across the health system including the full complement of additional acute beds by 2028 - 3 years ahead of schedule.

Arising from the recommendations in the Health Service Capacity Review, my Department engaged with the HSE this year to identify the location and mix of beds which could be opened to alleviate overcrowding in our hospital Emergency Departments for Winter 2018/19. This process culminated in the development by the HSE of a Capacity Plan, which identified over 600 acute beds and 290 residential care beds, to be phased in between 2018 and 2020.

As a first step towards the implementation of the Capacity Plan, €10 million in funding is being made available in 2019 to enable additional acute beds to be opened for winter 2019/2020. My Department is currently engaging with the HSE to finalise the details of this investment.

Under the NDP three new dedicated elective-only hospitals will be introduced which will increase capacity in the hospital system and provide a better separation of scheduled and unscheduled care.

Medical Conditions

Ceisteanna (512)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

512. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome; the number of persons diagnosed with it here; the recommended treatments and supports available to those with the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44697/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (513)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

513. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Roscommon who are on an outpatient hospital waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44702/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Reducing waiting times for access to hospital appointments and procedures is a key priority of Government.

In relation to the outpatient waiting list for Roscommon Hospital, waiting list data complied by the NTPF shows that at the end of September 2018 there were 2,906 patients waiting for a first appointment, with 52.9% waiting less than 9 months. More broadly within the hospital Group, Saolta are engaging in a number of initiatives to improve waiting times for outpatients, including the use of virtual clinics, new patient pathway systems such as the National Urology Pathway Pilot in Letterkenny, and regular waiting list validation.

In Budget 2019 the Government further increased investment in tackling waiting lists, with funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to increase from €55m in 2018 to €75m in 2019. The NTPF has committed to arrange deliver 40,000 Outpatient appointments, nationally, as part of its 2019 activity.

Ambulance Service Data

Ceisteanna (514)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

514. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the status of the ambulance base located at Loughglynn, County Roscommon; the number of ambulance personnel assigned there; the hours in which it operates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44703/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Patient Data

Ceisteanna (515)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

515. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons presenting at the urgent care centre at Roscommon County Hospital in 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44704/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Respite Care Services Data

Ceisteanna (516)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

516. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours and overnights allocated and delivered in 2017 and to date in 2018, in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44705/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Home Help Service Data

Ceisteanna (517)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

517. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of home help hours allocated and delivered in 2017 and to date in 2018, in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44706/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Pharmacy Regulations

Ceisteanna (518)

James Lawless

Ceist:

518. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed changes under section 30 of the Pharmacy Act 2007 that will change and limit the work practices of pharmaceutical assistants; if he will consider the future of those employed in these roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44722/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Pharmacy Act 2007 established the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the functions of the Society are set out in the Act. The functions of the PSI are carried out on its behalf by the Council of the Society.

Section 30 of the Pharmacy Act 2007 provides for an exception to the general provision in the Act which requires the sale and supply of medicines at a pharmacy to be conducted under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist, and specifies that no offence is committed where a registered pharmaceutical assistant “acts on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist”.

Section 30 also permits the Council to make rules as to:

1. What may or may not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist; and

2. What constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist.

On June 21 2018, the Council of the PSI approved for issuance for public consultation the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018. This public consultation commenced on 17 July and ran until 14 August and afforded any interested party the opportunity to make representations on the matter directly to the PSI.

Following completion of the public consultation phase, the Council of the PSI considered the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 at its meeting on the 20 September 2018 where the Council approved the draft rules without amendment.

I understand that since that date the PSI has undertaken to redraft the Rules in relation to what may or not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist. The redrafted Rules will require approval of the Council of the PSI before a public consultation phase. Subsequent to any public consultation phase the draft Rules must again be approved by the Council before submission for my consent. This Council approval is not anticipated until early in the New Year.

My role in relation to this process is limited to the consideration of any such Rules once submitted for my approval. I must consider any Rules presented to me from a fair and impartial perspective, without prejudice or prejudgement.

I await the receipt of the Rules for my consideration from the PSI and, until that time, I am unfortunately not in a position to comment any further on the matter raised.

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