Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I thank all of the delegates for their presentations. Mr. O'Sullivan said Healthwave had been set up in 2013. The advantage in setting up then was he knew the market he was going after and he probably set it up cost effectively. I understand there are 1,700 pharmacies in the State, whereas there are only 350 in Denmark. Does he think pharmacies are facing a major challenge, given that a large number of them expanded between 2002 and 2008 and spent significantly in extending and modernising premises? Does he think each pharmacy that invested in trying to improve what it offered to its customers has been caught in the downturn, given the fact that medications are reducing in price and that cost competitiveness is the order of the day? How will this pan out in the next five years?

Mr. Gallagher made a comprehensive presentation. One of his key messages is that there must be an agreed entry level for reference pricing and that 60% is too low. What would be a more acceptable approach? He referred to greater transparency in reference pricing. Will he elaborate on this? Where does he think there is a lack of transparency and where can it be improved? He also referred to the high tech scheme. Does it require comprehensive legislation or could a minor amendment to existing legislation address the issue? His strong view is that this is necessary. Will he outline where the restrictions are under current legislation?