Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy English, for coming to the House today to discuss the all-important matter of the shortage of pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians. I have been contacted by a number of pharmacists who are very concerned about the skills shortage in the sector. I have communicated with the Minister of State's Department in regard to it. A pharmacist Limerick, who has a number of pharmacies, simply cannot get pharmacists. The person concerned is afraid that the pharmacy will have to close down because it cannot function without having a qualified pharmacist working in it. One or two members of staff came from Brazil, but their qualification is not recognised in this country. They are working with the Irish Pharmacy Union, IPU, to have their qualifications recognised. It is impossible to get staff. Pharmacists I have spoken to say it is taking between six and 12 months from the time they advertise a position until they get people into the role. The sector has reached crisis point.The IPU conference was held last weekend in Dublin. As part of his speech, the president, Mr. Dermot Twomey, highlighted the fact that he had been in communication with the Department in terms of getting pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians listed on the critical skills list. He highlighted what I outlined a minute ago, which is that the IPU fears there will not be enough pharmacists to actually open the pharmacies. That really is frightening.

We only have to look back at what we went through in terms of Covid-19 and the number of people who relied on pharmacists. While doctors, we will say, were predominantly online, some pharmacists were open 24-7, and most were open five or six days per week and provided in-person consultation. We are so reliant on pharmacies for anything from a little minor bite to something serious. Certainly, there is a shortage and it needs to be addressed.