Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

The HSE has been in consultation with the Department of Finance regarding the budget. The other important player is the IPU. If we are to have a full, open and fair debate on the pharmacy issue, we should have a round table meeting with the Minister for Health and Children, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Finance, the HSE and the IPU.

I ask the Leader to obtain clarification on the contract that applies to the GMS and community drug schemes. Is the HSE proposing that new contracts will apply from 1 March? What mechanism is proposed to apply the planned reduction in wholesale margins to community pharmacists? What is proposed does not add up and will not work.