Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on having a pharmacist and general practitioner working from the same premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35385/05]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on primary care centres having a pharmacy and general practitioner surgery in the one unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35384/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 188 together.

The opening or establishment of all new pharmacies is governed by the Pharmacy Acts, subject to restrictions imposed by non-pharmacy legislation such as the Planning Act. There is no statutory prohibition on the provision of pharmacy and general practitioner services from collocated facilities. However, a community pharmacy contract may not be awarded to a pharmacy in which a GP practicing in the area has a beneficial interest.

The Government has accepted the recommendation of the pharmacy review group that there be no beneficial interest between prescribing and dispensing.

In June 2005 the Government approved the drafting of two pieces of pharmacy legislation. It is proposed to deal with most of the recommendations of the pharmacy review group in the second pharmacy Bill, dealing with pharmacy practice and the delivery of pharmaceutical services.