Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I also raised this issue with the Minister, Deputy Harris. When pharmaceutical assistants were surveyed, it was discovered that they will be working for only eight to ten more years because it is 35 years since one could become qualified. The course has not been run since the 1980s. Therefore, the last pharmaceutical assistant will have retired in ten years. The youngest are in their mid-50s. It is not the case that the grade is relatively new. The pharmaceutical assistants have been working for over 35 years. There has never been a case against any of them.That is an important point which I would like the Minister of State to convey to the Minister for Health. Despite this, it appears the role of pharmaceutical assistants will become obsolete. Some of them have been given protective notice on the basis of the proposed new rules. There is an attitude that there is no reason to pay a pharmaceutical assistant when, in the temporary absence of the pharmacist, the pharmacy could bring in another pharmacist. Pharmaceutical assistants have done this work for many years and have acquired much experience. Most of them are almost as qualified as a pharmacist. Their experience means they are well able to advise customers.