Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of Deputy Brassil's commitment and knowledge on this as a professional, as is Deputy O'Connell also. I said, but want to repeat, that the IPU, particularly in relation to Brexit, has been an extraordinary organisation to engage with. I made the comment at the last external stakeholders meeting, "If only we could all be as collaborative on other issues." It has been brilliant in stepping up to the plate. I want to formally thank it and others - all the various stakeholders and manufacturers. The second point about the IPU is it approaches dialogue with me and my Department in a solutions-oriented way. Deputy Brassil's commentary is fair. The IPU is so constructive that we need to make sure we move on some of its suggestions.

I will have to come back to Deputy Brassil on their minor ailment roll-out. As I stated to Senator Colm Burke, where I left it with the IPU is that the union and the Health Research Board were to interact and look at what such a roll-out would look like. I will write to Deputy Brassil on where that is at.

The Deputy's second and last questions kind of roll into one. In any negotiation about fees and fee reversals, we must look at it also in terms of contract reform and service levels. The commitment that I gave at the IPU conference still stands. We will sit down with the pharmacists at the start of 2020 on both matters.