Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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To return to the example the Minister provided, we all know that in pharmacies, a pharmacist must be on the premises before medicines can be dispensed. Do concerns arise on foot of the fact that optician services in large multiples do not always have a qualified person on site? For example, such an individual might only visit certain outlets on two or three occasions each week. Could the legislation lead to a change in that suitably qualified people will be required to be on site every day of the week in order to provide customers with the relevant assistance, or will there be a negative impact in this regard? Some outlets in rural areas do not have full-time opticians on their staff and a suitably qualified individual may only visit from time to time. Will the Minister outline what will be the position?