Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I agree with some of the comments on the commercialisation of pharmacies and share some of Senator Browne's reservations on the globalisation of my profession. I do not always get my way.

Much legislation is being brought together to allow nurses to prescribe and for the use of drugs by ambulance technicians. Much existing legislation is being amalgamated and we should proceed with the legislation before us. As Senator Ryan stated, this Bill must be passed by the Dáil, at which point amendments can be made.

An Bord Altranais has completed a major review of prescribing and has set up an implementation project. There will be no significant funding issues and work has already been done on the educational requirements and standards for nurses to prescribe. Ambulance technicians are employees of the service providers involved and are not covered by this legislation. This legislation provides that they can use the drugs but they cannot prescribe them.