Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter. The Minister is keen to expand the role of community pharmacists in managing patient health, but he is of the view that for any new public health services in community pharmacy to be funded by the taxpayer, as elsewhere, they must improve health outcomes and provide value for money and benefits for patients. Any new or transferred services should also be based on sound evidence, which I think is the case in regard to this scheme, with matching improvements in governance and administration.

While the introduction of a comprehensive and resourced minor ailment scheme would require further trialling and consultation, it is the Minister's intention to have a broader discussion with the Irish Pharmacy Union on contractual and service arrangements carried out in due course. The Irish Pharmacy Union has a strong voice, one I always welcome. The delivery of the influenza vaccine by pharmacists has been very effective. There may be some issues arising relating to contracts, but these will be dealt with by the Minister, officials from the Department of Health, the HSE and the IPU.