Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Both Bills deal with the regulation of the pharmacy profession. The first Bill, which deals with some fitness to practice issues, will be brought forward early next year. The cost of pharmaceuticals, which accounts for 11% of the health budget, is not the subject of legislation but rather of negotiation. Such negotiation will take place shortly both with the industry and other elements of the pharmacy supply chain, including pharmacists and wholesalers.

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