Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I support amendment No. 10 which proposes to delete the word "may" and substitute the word "shall". I also support amendment No. 11. I urge the Minister to support amendment No. 11 and ask her to note the substantial difference between the thrust of amendment No. 11 and that of amendments Nos. 7 and 8 which were discussed earlier and which spoke of the council. They proposed the council should "consult with bodies which are representative of the pharmacy sector, and with any other person or body the Minister considers appropriate". However, in the case of amendment No. 11 it is the Minister rather than the council who is being urged to consult bodies which are representative of the pharmaceutical sector in determining new regulations. He or she should also consult any other person or body the Minister considers appropriate.

We must recognise there are a number of bodies which the Minister should consult on the introduction of new regulations. Whoever is the incumbent at the time will have to make that determination because the amendment leaves it to his or her judgment as to who is considered appropriate. In my view, those appropriate must include the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, PSI, the Medical Council, An Bord Altranais and the Dental Council.

I will go even further. As a Deputy from the Border counties, I suggest good and best practice into the future, in line with the Taoiseach's response to me on this issue last week, would mean we should look at these matters on an all-island basis and should have the maximum co-operation, consultation and cohesion in terms of the delivery of health care in all its dimensions. This must include the areas of regulations, codes of conduct etc. that will apply. We need to pool our collective resources and experiences in order to arrive at the best formula. In this instance, I believe there should be consultation with the appropriate counter bodies north of the Border.

I understand the PSI has also encouraged this position and that it would like to see the maximum consultation taking place with the appropriate other bodies. We need to recognise the importance of maximum consultation. Regulation is very important. We are aware the prescription and dispensing of drugs is a lucrative business. While the majority of practitioners — general practitioners, medical doctors and dispensing pharmacists — operate and maintain the highest standards at all times, there is always a risk that some may fall prey to temptation. The suggestion has been made here previously that some people in the sector see the public purse as a honey pot for over-prescription because of the lucrative return therefrom.

Regulation is of significant importance. We need to recognise that while there are competing aspects in the roles played by GPs and pharmacists, there are clearly more coinciding interests. Therefore, the careful consideration of the standard of regulation is essential. Amendment No. 11 is geared towards ensuring the best possible arrangement and formula for introducing new regulations into the future. The crossover consultation is essential in this regard. Any Minister in the position of this Minister would, in acting responsibly, wish to take this course. Therefore, the amendment merits inclusion in the legislation and I commend it to the Minister.

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