Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said, the HPRA has been notified by Xenon Pharmaceuticals of an expected return on 7 March. In relation to new HRT measures, the Minister for Health met the Irish Pharmacy Union on 11 February to discuss her objectives for expanding and reforming community pharmacy and to progress the HRT initiative in budget 2025. That is crucial. This was a constructive engagement and the Minister listened to issues raised by the IPU which committed to come back to her regarding the introduction of HRT measures. The IPU has now responded with further information which is being considered by the Department. The goal remains to introduce the measures as soon as possible; reimbursement supports will be available to participating pharmacies from that date and these measures commence. I agree with and thank the Senator for bringing this to my attention.