Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I accept that the legislation governing the regulation of pharmacy is unsatisfactory. It dates back to 1962 and much has changed in the intervening period. At a recent event I was told by the incoming president of the pharmaceutical society that when his father was its president many years ago, he expected the new law during that year. That was 30 years ago. I do not know why we have not been able to frame legislation in the intervening period, but the matter is urgent. There are many urgent matters on my desk, including the Medical Practitioners Bill, the regulation of the nursing profession, illegal charges in nursing homes etc.

There are two issues here. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland only has a role with regard to recommending removal from the register where there is a breach of criminal law. It has no right to strike off others. The tool used traditionally by the State to penalise malpractice is the GMS contract. While it was the case in the past that there was hardly a pharmacy that did not have a GMS contract, there are a growing number that do not. Therefore, that route is not available to the State. The matter is a priority.

Recently, I had a good meeting with the pharmaceutical union and it raised with me the issue of the operation of the premises as well as the individual. I have asked my officials to examine that in the context of the first Bill. A second Bill will deal with the service aspect, the physical conditions and such matters which, while important, are less urgent. To deal with the legislation quickly, we want to deal with the regulatory aspects, particularly with regard to fitness to practise. I hope to bring the scheme to the Government within a matter of weeks.

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