Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I noted with interest the contribution of the Minister for State, Deputy Michael Ahern, to this debate last night. Not once did he mention the word "pharmacist" or even acknowledge the problem that exists for the IPU. He stated: "the Bill before us today is, in effect, championing price fixing, which is a serious crime carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years". This gives rise to the question of whether the Minister of State has decided by implication that the general medical scheme as it stands is administered by pharmacists in a manner that is not in keeping with the law. He must clarify his opinion.

The current impasse between the IPU and the HSE is characterised by the latter seeking to enforce its will on the former without even the courtesy or corporate social responsibility of allowing negotiations. The very nature of this unilateral decision to slash the payments made by the HSE to pharmacists for the purchase of medicines will undermine the viability of pharmacies everywhere.

I do not speak for the large multiples which will soak up the reductions in margins without pain but for community based and family run pharmacies which have a wealth of knowledge of their clients and are acutely aware of the intergenerational health issues that run within families. The vast majority of these pharmacies are located in rural and marginal areas. In my constituency of Cork East, towns such as Mallow, Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Youghal, Carrigtwohill, Cobh and Midleton are characterised by the presence of independently owned pharmacists who rely heavily on the general medical scheme. I speak for those who may have taken over a pharmacy from a parent and are carrying on a proud tradition. They deserve the opportunity to at least negotiate their position.

This move by the HSE is dolled up as reform but we can see it for the bullying tactic it is.

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