Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Legislation might come to the House before the debate on pharmacies and pharmacists sought by Senator Ryan. Last Thursday at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, the Tánaiste stated that legislation was imminent and would be presented to the House before the summer. Senator Ryan is correct in that for the first time legislation on the industry will cover fitness to practise.

I am aware a loophole exists. One does not need to be a qualified pharmacist to open a pharmacy but the law states that one must employ a qualified person to manage and run the unit. It must be borne in mind that not all pharmacists can afford to open a pharmacy. We must ensure the baby is not thrown out with the bath water and qualified people are left unemployed.