Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her contribution. I totally accept the points she raised about the life experience of pharmaceutical assistants, the four years they spend in college and the upskilling and education in which they engage. Some of them have 35 years' service without breaching any rules. My experience in the disabilities sector is that pharmaceutical assistants have made a massive contribution to society. I accept the Senator's points in that regard.

Throughout the course of this process, the Department of Health has received correspondence from and on behalf of registered pharmaceutical assistants outlining their concerns regarding the drafting of these rules. Under the Pharmacy Act 2007, the Minister for Health's role in this process is limited to the consideration of any such rules once submitted for his consent. In doing so, the Minister will give careful consideration to the rules submitted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, PSI, and the concerns raised by or on behalf of registered pharmaceutical assistants.

I will bring the points the Senator raised back to the Minister to help broaden the discussion on this issue.