Seanad debates

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

11:00 am

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a debate on the economy. I have raised the two issues of concern facing the country, namely, matters relating to the economy and to finance and banking. I asked the Leader to discuss this matter with the other leaders and agree a schedule in order that we could have a regular debate to ensure we at up to date on these issues.

Senator MacSharry put forward proposals on the repossession of houses and yesterday I raised the matter of money available to small and medium sized enterprises. These important issues, along with the economy, should be on our agenda on a regular basis. I also want to raise the proposed reduction of fees to pharmacists. This morning I received a communication from a pharmacist stating:

I presume you know about the savage cuts in our sector to be imposed from the 1st of July next. While I am prepared to accept a percentage of cuts like many others at this time, it seems grossly unfair that while other health care professionals, e.g. GPs, optometrists, dentists, etc, get an 8% reduction in their fees, community pharmacists get up to four to five times this percentage of cuts. I feel this is...vindictive in light of the recent court ruling against the HSE. The Minister for Health [and Children] formed her own review body that made recommendations which were then subsequently ignored. I believe that says it all...

I strongly urge you and all your colleagues...to reverse this penal decision before the whole community pharmacy service is forced to collapse.

I have a problem with the HSE and have said so on many occasions. It has made many errors. I believe the one administrative authority that should manage our health and social services-----

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