Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

This dispute strikes me as another fine mess we have gotten into. I was going to blame the HSE entirely but the Minister stated it was a Government and HSE decision. I agree with the Minister that the pharmacists are very ethical and responsible. I have no doubt those who require medicines will continue to have access to them. I agree with the setting up of an independent body, chaired by Seán Dorgan, to come to conclusions on changes to the community pharmacists' contract with the HSE. This is the approach that should have been taken rather than the unilateral action that has already taken place, which puts the cart before the horse.

Unilateral variation is a basic but major change to the contract. In essence, it is a breach of contract. I take issue with the manner and method of this whole operation. I agree with Senator Shane Ross that all Members, as does the Minister, accept that dialogue is essential to conflict resolution. Consultation with those involved is a sine qua non.

I am greatly concerned for the future of community pharmacy shops. We all like the idea of a pharmacy shop on the streets of our towns rather than the proliferation of bookie shops or fast-food outlets. I am also concerned with the emergence of out-of-town medical centres and super pharmacies. A number of rural pharmacies will be under severe threat with the proposed changes to the contracts. The only pharmacy in Castlegregory will be forced to shut down, leaving none on the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula.

The handling of this dispute is unusual and highly irregular. The motion proposed by Deputy Moloney, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, stated no change should be made to contracts between the HSE and community pharmacists in advance of the setting up and reporting of an independent body whose remit will be to make recommendations on the reimbursement to pharmacists for drugs supplied under the State's community drugs schemes. It recognised the vital role community pharmacists play in the delivery of health services. It further recognised proposed changes to the contracts between the HSE and the pharmacists should be designed to allow for financial sustainability. Every Member on both sides of the House agreed to this wording. I do not know why it was subsequently withdrawn.