Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It would not be helpful to set out the State’s negotiating position. What I have said to the IPU and my officials is that everything is on the table. The Government has put €50 million on the table this week, which is a sizeable amount. Of course, the IPU will say it is not enough and will want more. It is a sizeable amount, however. Everything can be discussed in the round negotiations. The IPU can discuss the fees that are currently paid and anything else.

Irrespective of the negotiation on fees, which will happen as there is a process for that now, we have provided new opportunities for new revenue streams for pharmacists. It will be a market-based discussion as to how much pharmacists want to charge for a prescription extension for a private patient, for common conditions or to prescribe oral contraception. They exist in the private market. GPs charge different amounts and I am sure pharmacists will do likewise. There will be a discussion on the €50 million allocation. We have opened up new services which will create new revenue streams for pharmacists, at least for the private patients attached to them.

I have also committed to undertake a root-and-branch review of the bureaucracy and the red tape in order to cut the red tape to make it easier for pharmacists. This will reduce the operating costs and the hassle for the pharmacists as well

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