Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I support the comments by Senators O'Toole and Callely on the dispute between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the HSE. I ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Health and Children to come in next Wednesday to explain the procedures relating to the purchase of drugs because it is such a complex area. Some 1.5 million medical card holders are now very concerned they will not be in a position to get drugs on 1 November under their medical card entitlement. If that happens, these people will be landed with very big costs if they want to fill prescriptions, which they will not be able to afford.

The matter is urgent. The Irish Pharmaceutical Union demonstrated its responsibility when it supported the preparation of the Pharmacy Bill which went through the House this year. We were briefed by its representatives in a very responsible manner. All of us in the House would recognise the contribution to society of pharmacists, who are hard-working, dedicated and diligent professionals.

The approach of the HSE in taking these people on without considering the overall scenario is very serious. I hope the Leader will use his position to try to bring sanity to the current insanity.