Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to arrange an immediate debate on the dispute between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union in the matter of drug distribution, particularly to medical card holders. Approximately 1.5 million people have medical cards and they are concerned that from 1 December their medicines will not be dispensed by their local pharmacies. This is a serious issue. In fairness to the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, it supports the appointment of an independent arbitrator to assist in reaching an agreement on the decision by the HSE. I cannot understand why the HSE has decided now to take on this section of the health services, putting in jeopardy the drug distribution system. Savings could be achieved in most cases if GPs prescribed generic drugs.