Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I support this amendment, perhaps the most important we have reached. It seeks to eliminate what in the worst cases would be corrupt relationships between pharmacists and general practitioners. I have met the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland which has outlined some of its findings in pharmacy inspections. Clearly, we should all be concerned at the evidence presented, especially relating to general practitioner direction of patients to specific pharmacies. Such a relationship is inappropriate and can create enormous problems in communities. Other worrying indicators of worst practice include the discovery of General Medical Service prescription pads in a pharmacy's controlled drugs safe. More seriously, they found evidence of flagrant breaches in the management of controlled drugs. For the second time this evening, the spectre of Harold Shipman enters our deliberations. The PSI is 100% behind ensuring the highest standard of regulation is introduced in order that such practices are outlawed and the regulations are fully enforceable and enforced, which is hugely important.

The major new factor in this issue is the primary care centres run privately with pharmacies in situ. These are covered in later amendments relating to sections 63 and 64. Those sections are absolutely necessary and the PSI points to the inappropriate relationship between pharmacists and the proprietors of such centres. In some places, existing pharmacies have even been approached for "hello" money so that they would have a special place in the consideration for access to these prime locations. It must be ensured that sight is not lost of the historic and important contribution the traditional family pharmacy has made to communities throughout the State. The Minister has made it clear she does not intend to outlaw the proposition of co-location, which is correct, but nevertheless there is a responsibility on every one of us to ensure, where abuses can arise, that special doctor-chemist arrangements do not apply or the super rents referred to earlier and other such practices. They cannot be tolerated.

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