Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not know whether the Deputy knows it or not but the Minister responded to a Topical Issue on this matter raised by Deputy Brassil yesterday. I would suggest that Deputy Calleary have a look at the detailed response given by the Minister. I know only too well how hard pharmacies work. My office on the main street in Carrigaline is within 20 yd. of two large pharmacies that I know well. As Deputy Calleary knows only too well, what is happening here is a process of negotiation to put a new contract in place, as has happened with other elements of the healthcare system, that must be led by the Minister for Health. He has to get value for money for the State and ensure that patient care is the first priority and that people are being reimbursed fairly for the work they do in terms of fee structure. That process is under way and as I have already said, the Minister will meet with the Irish Pharmacy Union in the coming weeks to try to progress that.

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