Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

This Bill expands the number of people that can write prescriptions. This has the potential to lead to increased business for pharmacists. We see major commercialisation of pharmacies, with health centres built around the country, complete with in-house pharmacies. There are more and more commercial features. I will withdraw my comment and I did not intend to be personally unfair to the Minister of State.

To ensure we debate this Bill correctly, I ask the Minister of State to withdraw this amendment and table it on Report Stage. By that time we will have had the opportunity to digest and debate it.