Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Yes, I know that. I understand the five pharmacists who said they intended to withdraw their services have now said they will not do so. A great deal of dialogue is needed. It is an industrial relations issue. I do not want to add to the difficulties being experienced by both sides. My view is that it would not be professionally or ethically acceptable for patients to suffer. Patient safety is at the heart of what pharmacists do when they dispense medication. I believe that pharmacists take that responsibility very seriously. I have a very high regard for pharmacists. As Senators are aware, I resolved the conflict between pharmacists and general practitioners in the legislation that was passed and welcomed by many pharmacists. We want pharmacists to have an enhanced role.