Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies again for the points they have so well made. As I have said, the role of the Minister for Health in this process, as set out in the Pharmacy Act 2007, is limited to the consideration of any rules that are submitted for his consent. The Minister must consider any rules that are presented to him from a fair and impartial perspective and without prejudice or prejudgment. Although the draft rules that have been approved by the council of the PSI are publicly available, under the 2007 Act the Minister must await the receipt of those rules from the PSI for his consideration.

Unfortunately, I will not be in a position to discuss the matter any further until the Minister has the rules. The concerns of the Deputies are noted, however.

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