Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

As Deputy O'Mahony said, we are not here to score political points. We are facing a crisis. Almost 800 pharmacists have submitted letters tendering their resignation. In addition, there is fear among the people on the drugs payment scheme and the medical card scheme.

We must provide a solution to this impending disaster. Why did a senior official from the HSE pull out of the Oireachtas joint committee meeting tonight? The answer to that question will not be in the Minister's script but an answer is required as to the reason the official did not turn up to that meeting today.

The pharmacists are in a corner because the HSE will not negotiate with their union representatives. They will not allow union representation in any negotiations. There has not been a level playing field in that regard from day one. The IPU has always indicated it is in favour of cost cutting and has put forward its own proposals.

We need a quick intervention. There is fear among the public. Pharmacists are in a corner and the intimidatory mechanisms used by the HSE in issuing High Court injunctions will not solve the issue. We are facing a crisis and something must be done about it soon.

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