Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Section 4 deals with the establishment of the list of interchangeable products. Section 5 deals with its maintenance, upkeep and amendment. We are dealing with it at the outset and timeframes are very important. The Minister of State is giving us an indication on establishment. It is very difficult to talk about section 4 without referring to section 5, as the Minister of State has acknowledged, and I hope the Chairman does not mind. Whatever timeframe may be involved in the establishment of the list, the changes that will present as the list is updated on an ongoing basis will create further concerns. There is a need for clarity on timeframes for new product introduction. I ask the Minister of State to address that. I acknowledge that discussion will come under section 5, but we are starting to kick the ball on section 4.

A range of concerns present regarding the pharmacies sector and the position on GPs and the do-not-substitute requirement within the legislation, particularly in the event of a failure to indicate "do not substitute" but where the knowledge of the pharmacist involved may be more extensive.

They are looking for certainty and clarity on their position. Are they to adhere rigidly to the direction "Do not substitute" and, if it is not there, do they have the freedom to substitute as they deem appropriate, given their exceptional knowledge? In correspondence with us, the IPU has also raised the issue of GPs prescribing ingredients rather than products by name.