Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

To be frank, the answer is yes. Many EU countries use qualifications as a barrier to entry. That is why we have not achieved to create the single market. There is a derogation. It is a matter for member states to decide but that others do not do it is not a reason we should not. What motivates me mostly is the position of Irish people who graduated abroad. Under Irish law, one cannot distinguish between EU citizens. This is to help them. There was a time when the number of places in pharmacy was very restricted. Thankfully, we have moved from a figure of 70 to 160. Despite this, many more wish to become pharmacists. We will, however, have an adequate supply from the indigenous population. Other EU countries have not followed suit. As in the case of the smoking ban, it is no harm to be the trailblazer occasionally in matters which are good and worthwhile. The three year post-qualification requirement, before one can open a pharmacy, is reasonable. Many believed it was unreasonable but it is reasonable that one cannot open a pharmacy on the day one completes one's education. The requirement that one should have three years' experience is a good one.