Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late coming in. Sometimes other committees are scheduled at the same time. I was in another committee room next door.

I have read the submission. I am shocked to hear of stabbings and knives being held to people's necks. I cannot believe it is that bad. I come from a rural constituency in County Mayo and have not heard such reports. That type of crime may be more prevalent in some of the cities. However, I have certainly heard of the theft of goods from many local pharmacies. It is a daily or weekly occurrence that cosmetics, fake tan and other things that are quite expensive are stolen. Unlike in clothing shops, in a pharmacy it is not practical to put a security tag on everything. Are State supports available to help pharmacists prevent against these things and protect themselves? Does the IPU offer any supports? I know it has made submissions about more visible policing and tougher sentencing, with which I agree. Can the pharmacy community do anything for itself, on which it might need help, to try to protect premises from these occurrences?

Do the witnesses believe the increase in crime against pharmacies will discourage people from entering the profession? Would they advise their sons and daughters to follow in their footsteps and take over if they have had a very difficult time in running their business? Will it impact on future service?