James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I state categorically that I and the Fine Gael Party will not and cannot condone any action by pharmacists or the HSE which endangers the well-being of patients. The dispute is dragging on because there is no clear path to resolution. There is no mechanism by which resolution may be achieved. It is clear that the HSE ignored the advice of its consultants, Indecon, who recommended that it should engage in consultation before bringing in this measure and that any change should be introduced gradually. A reduction from 17% to 8% is not gradual.

It is clear that the HSE will not engage with the IPU in a meaningful way and that patient services, once again, are under threat. We in Fine Gael recognise the need, and the right of the taxpayer, for the Minister and the HSE to seek savings. However, it is important this does not come about at the cost of service to patients. Will the Minister appoint an independent arbitrator to get this dispute sorted out so that the most vulnerable people in our society are guaranteed continuity of supply of their medications, particularly coming up to Christmas and the winter period in which the incidence of illness is always greater? Will she postpone the proposed changes until an independent impact study is carried out? This is important because to talk about an independent and fair process is all right, but it will neither be fair nor construed as such unless it is independent, as the HSE initiative in this regard was not so.

Will the Minister outline again what provisions are in place should the pharmacists withdraw services as they have threatened on 1 December? It is not good enough of the Minister to tell the House that she has not received formal notification of withdrawal. If people go out en masse contractual rights will go out the window, the three months' notice will not be given and we are faced with 1.5 million people being unable to get their medication.

See this speech in context