Mr. Daragh Connolly:

Given how hard it is to have a business and the lack of security of tenure, so that somebody who is getting cheaper money could open a competing business at any stage, we are starting to see that where a pharmacist in a rural or semi-rural area retires, there is less chance of that pharmacy changing hands. We know that where pharmacies are likely to open is not where the healthcare need is highest. It is where the footfall is highest. Pharmacists make a living and get a return on investment on products that are not bought by people who do not have the consumer spend seen in more affluent areas. We will see what is termed "honeypotting".