John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Niamh Smyth. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue. I must declare my interest in it as I am a community pharmacist, although I practise in a reduced capacity since my election in February.

The over-claiming of pharmacy fees of €12 million by a pharmacy chain is inexcusable and indefensible. Unfortunately, it has the effect of tarnishing the reputation of the 1,800 individually owned pharmacies across the State run by individual pharmacists, which provide a critical service as part of our primary care network. Phased dispensing plays a very important role in the care of our patients. Any patient who has a carer coming to them to give them their medication has been told by the HSE that they cannot handle medications. The role of the pharmacist here is critical. In addition, feeble and elderly patients, patients with Alzheimer's, diabetic patients, psychiatric patients and the methadone programme all avail of this critical service.

The vast majority of pharmacists provide this service having established the need with the patient, his or her carer and the general practitioner. The net results are good drug compliance and the improved health and condition of the patient, with reduced hospital visits. However, when a pharmacy chain or group sees the opportunity to maximise profits and provide the service based on profit rather than patient need, it is wrong and must not be tolerated.

I currently sit on the committee tasked with deciding on a ten-year strategy for the future of health care. I thank the Minister for his earlier comments recognising the fact that pharmacies have and will play a crucial role in the future of primary care. While dealing with this most serious issue of incorrect claims, I hope we do not throw out the baby with the bath water and that we recognise that the vast majority of pharmacists play a critical role and will continue to do so.

At this stage, it would be appropriate to examine the entire payment system across the pharmacy network. There is a need to review the payments made on the GMS, DPS, LTI and high-tech schemes, to ensure pharmacists get fair recompense for the hard work and critical service they provide, and to prevent any future recurrence of such abuse.

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