Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take the Deputy's points. I reiterate the Minister's appreciation for community pharmacists in delivering care to patients and I restate his desire for contractual discussions to commence early in the new year so as to enable their role to be further developed in the context of health service reform and modernisation. However, the Minister is also cognisant of the fact that regulations made under the FEMPI Act 2009 expire at the end of 2019 and that a new set of fee regulations will need to come into effect in order to maintain a statutory basis for pharmacy payments from 1 January 2020. Prior to finalising these regulations, a consultation process is under way with the IPU and further discussions will take place this Thursday in Leinster House. The Minister will keep the Dáil informed as that process develops.

I take the Deputy's points regarding pharmacists, fee restoration and investment. She mentioned the 29 pharmacies in her county. I will bring her concerns to the Minister over the next couple of days.

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