Ms Sharon Foley:

I am new to the IPU, but I have worked for more than 30 years in the health system. It is obvious that the role and potential of community pharmacy is not recognised in many policy and strategic documents. I have seen strategies for cancer, drugs and patient advocacy, yet there is none for pharmaceutical care. Being new to the sector, that is apparent.

Medicines are the most significant healthcare intervention. We spend approximately €2.3 billion per year on medications, a drugs bill that is constantly increasing. Medication harm accounts for 50% of the overall preventable harm in medical care. Recently, medicine shortages have emerged as a key risk to safe and effective healthcare, a matter that the committee has raised concerns about. It seems inconceivable that there is no strategic vision and direction for the pharmacy sector.