Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, is very welcome to the House. This is a straightforward, simple Commencement matter. I am looking to learn when the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, will appoint a chief pharmaceutical officer in the Department of Health. This is commonplace throughout the world and in practically every other European country. Yet, in this country we do not have one. We have a Chief Medical Officer and we saw the great work her predecessor did during the pandemic, and indeed the great work she is doing now. We have a chief nursing officer, who brings together all strategies to do with nursing and nursing care in this country. We have a chief veterinary officer in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who brings together all those various issues.In the Department of Health, there is a chief dental officer, who brings together all policies on dental care. A chief pharmaceutical officer would push forward the role pharmacists play in this country. Pharmacists are totally underutilised in relieving the pressures on the front line, particularly in general practice. Of all the flu vaccines administered last year, 30% were given in pharmacies. That percentage could be much higher and, in addition, there are many other vaccines and tests pharmacists could administer. A report launched last week on cardiovascular care in Ireland referred to a simple, straightforward screening programme. Such a programme could easily be carried out by the network of pharmacists throughout the country. It should be done.

There is no strategic plan for pharmacy services. We need such a plan, driven by a chief pharmaceutical officer in the Department of Health. Representatives of the Irish Pharmacy Union, IPU, attended a meeting of the Oireachtas health committee yesterday. They have been calling for years for the appointment of a chief pharmaceutical officer. They have also been long calling for the establishment of a strategic plan for the delivery of pharmacy services. They want to do more to help the front line. They want to undertake the screening programmes and play a much greater role in the administration of vaccines. They are willing and ready to do it. They have a network of shops in every town and village in the country. They know their customers and, in many cases, they know those customers' medical needs. They are well placed to do much more of the work being done by general practitioners, particularly screening and vaccinations. There are many other areas in which they could play a vital role.

The creation of a more formalised structure for the delivery of pharmacy services requires the appointment of a chief pharmaceutical officer and the creation of a strategic plan. That should be done. It makes sense and is in line with best international practice. I would like to know why it has not happened before now and what timeline we are looking at for such an appointment.

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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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.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his reply. It is very disappointing that the Department has no plans to appoint a chief pharmaceutical officer. The Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, is wrong not to do so. Having such an officer in place would help to pull all the various strands together. It would facilitate the drawing up of comprehensive strategies for the short, medium and long term for the delivery of pharmacy services. Pharmacists want this to be done and they have empirical evidence to suggest it will work. It would follow international practice, with every other country seeming already to have a chief pharmaceutical officer. Some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world have their European head offices in Dublin. The Minister and the Government are out of step with best international practice in this matter.

The Minister of State's response is not acceptable. It will cause grave disappointment to pharmacists the length and breadth of the country who have done so much to help communities. The Oireachtas health committee will be writing formally to the Minister to make a strong recommendation in this regard. If that communication has not already been sent, it will be done in the coming days.

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Senator again for speaking on this topic. The Department of Health appreciates the expertise of pharmacists and the valuable contribution they make, both in working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals as part of a team and working independently. By leveraging their knowledge, they make a significant contribution that adds benefits to patient outcomes. I acknowledge the Senator's indication that the health committee intends to write to the Minister. Perhaps the committee might consider undertaking a substantive body of work around this issue. I will take the matters raised by the Senator today directly to the Minister.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State.