Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

At a time when we hear negative comments on the developments in the health service, I welcome the fact that over 1,200 pharmacists have completed training to enable them to deliver the seasonal 'flu vaccine this winter. Community pharmacists have stepped up to the mark in response to Government policy. We all realise there is more than enough work within the system for every health professional.

I want the Minister to follow through on the policy he initiated to involve health professionals in doing work from which they were heretofore excluded. I hope a contract will be put in place for pharmacists. We all want to ensure local pharmacies continue to thrive and prosper and have financial certainty.

In welcoming the development I applaud some of the innovative things the Minister is doing. We hear a lot of criticism of him in this House but he has made a great start. I ask my colleagues on the other side of the House to cut the Minister some slack. He has given us a date on which he will visit the House.