Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Deputy Leader to arrange a debate on the future of the pharmacy sector. Next week the Irish Pharmacy Union, IPU, will hold its annual general meeting, AGM. I want to take the opportunity on the floor of Seanad Éireann to pay tribute to the outgoing general secretary, Mr. Darragh O'Loughlin, for his professionalism, commitment, advocacy and drive, along with so many others in the IPU. We heard a clarion call from the co-chairman of the IPU, Ms Kathy Maher, last weekend. She said the pharmacy sector was at crisis point regarding the availability of hormone replacement therapy, HRT, medication, for women. There is a gargantuan shortage, particularly of hormone patches. The Minister for Health should come to the House to have a debate on the future of our pharmacy sector. This would be opportune, given that we will have a new general secretary of the IPU next week.

I also want to support Senator Dooley's call for a debate on the hospitality sector and in particular on the rising price of hotel beds, not just in our capital city but across the country. To be fair, when the hospitality sector was in crisis, the Government stepped into the breach with various measures. It is now incredible to see the rising prices for hotel accommodation across the country, including in counties Kerry, Mayo and Cork. This is not just a Dublin issue but is countrywide. I hope we can have that debate in advance of the summer recess.