Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. The Department of Health recognises the key role of pharmacy services in the community and the ongoing significant contribution made by the sector to patients and the public, particularly during the pandemic. The potential role pharmacy services can play in the development and implementation of future healthcare reform, especially in regard to the aims and vision of Sláintecare, is under consideration.

Medicines are the most common healthcare intervention within the health system and the use and complexity of medicines are increasing. Pharmacists are the healthcare professionals optimally placed, by virtue of their training, to deliver a critical role within the health system to ensure the rational use of medicines by maximising the benefits and minimising the potential for patient harm. The focus of Sláintecare is to develop primary and community care and make it possible for people to stay healthy in their homes and communities for as long as possible. The underpinning objective of, and rationale for, enhanced services delivered in community pharmacy practice is to realise enhanced patient care and access. The Department is open to exploring any evidence-based and appropriately governed services, delivered by appropriately trained professionals, that supports this aim. In this regard, a number of proposals and ways to progress the potential extension of the scope of practice of community pharmacists in the short, medium and longer term are currently being considered.

The Senator asked specifically about the appointment of a chief pharmaceutical officer. At this time, there are no active proposals to develop such a role in the Department of Health. There are professionally qualified pharmacists among the Department's staff. Furthermore, a number of units within the Department have responsibility for advancing policy in key areas of our health system. They are cognisant of potential deliverables that can be realised by and through pharmacists and pharmacy services to deliver patient-centred care in line with the vision of Sláintecare. I note the points raised by the Senator but I have outlined the up-to-date position on the matter.