Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

On Second Stage I gave broad support to the Bill. It was obvious much work had gone into it even though the time to debate it was limited. I share Deputy Gormley's concern about the crystal ball. The amendment tabled in the Seanad seemed to satisfy the pharmacists but it produced another set of problems for general practitioners and the delivery of primary health care. I met a few of them who said it was likely it would be delivered almost exclusively by the private sector if the current circumstances continue. What they have said is that the private sector is likely to withdraw from it. What is the vision for primary health care in ten years' time if there is a disconnect between pharmacists and GPs?

In my constituency a planning application for a medical centre, a pharmacy and a child care facility was lodged. It was perceived there were objections from pharmacists in the area and in the end it was turned down. The point made by Deputy McManus about the commercialisation of medicine is a valid one because we are beginning to see things we would not have seen before, essentially turf wars. I wonder whether we are going the full circle. In the past our health centres used to be called dispensaries. When there was no commercialisation a range of different services was provided from them, albeit, at a much lower level.

I cannot make a value judgment on who is right and who is wrong on this matter. However, I am concerned about some of what has been said to me. If there is no State investment in primary health care and the private sector withdraws how can the strategy be delivered? That is the nub of the problem.

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