John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I raise a serious issue to which a solution is needed immediately. For the past six months there has been a stand off between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the Health Service Executive. Disputes are usually settled by negotiation but that has not even been attempted in this case. The Minister and the HSE refuse to negotiate. Instead, we now have threats of injunctions and as 1 May approaches real concern is being generated. That is what I want to raise tonight because people want to know where they will get their medicines and what will happen if they cannot pay for them, which is the case for many people. I have been advised that out of 48 pharmacies in Mayo, 46 are pulling out of the scheme on 1 May. It is not acceptable that those people should be put through that trauma and stress in addition to coping with their medical conditions.

I met with approximately 100 people in an active retirement group in Ballina on Tuesday morning and there was genuine anxiety among the group because with 1 May looming there is no contingency plan to allay their concerns about where they will get their medicines. Real confusion and fear is being experienced. I have received hundreds of calls from people and patients in the past few days. A 92 year old woman telephoned me today wanting to know who would tell her what tablets to take.

The pharmacy service in Mayo and other counties involves more than just a drug store dispensing medication. People come to seek advice and clarification on how to take their medication. It is a vital community service. Mayo's pharmacies depend on medical card holders for 80% of their business. If they are forced to close, it will be another strike at the heart of rural Ireland.

As a matter of urgency, will the Minister indicate what will be the contingency plans on 1 May? I tabled a question on the matter today but was told it was a matter for the HSE to answer. I am not here to score political points, nor are the other Deputies. I want to allay the fears of the people who need answers. Only the Minister can instruct the HSE to remove the cause of the panic among the sick and the less well-off about where they will get their medicines in a few weeks from now.

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