Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the pharmacy review group recommendations were published; if the Government accepts the recommendations; the steps she has taken to implement the recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41405/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Pharmacy Review Group was established by my predecessor in November 2001 to examine the pharmacy issues raised in the OECD report on regulatory reform in Ireland. The Group submitted its report on 31 January 2003. The report was published in February 2004 and is available on my Department's website, www.doh.ie, along with reports prepared for the Group by Indecon International Economic Consultants.

On foot of the recommendations of the Pharmacy Review Group, my Department commenced drafting new pharmacy legislation in two pharmacy Bills. I consider the first Bill a priority piece of legislation. It will deal with the governance of the Pharmaceutical Society, registration and fitness to practice issues. It will also remove the EU derogation for supervisory pharmacists (where only Irish-trained pharmacists can supervise pharmacies less than 3 years old). The general scheme and draft heads of the first Bill were approved by Government on 25th May 2006. Work on the drafting of the Bill is ongoing between my officials and the Parliamentary Counsel's Office. Subject to the Cabinet's approval, I hope to publish the Bill before the end of the year.

The second Bill will address the regulation of pharmacy and pharmacy services, including the definition of pharmacy services and of a community pharmacy, enhanced provisions for the inspection of pharmacies, and the provision for regulation of pharmacies for matters such as physical conditions, standards, record keeping and promotional activities. It is also proposed to deal with general provisions relating to community pharmacy contracts for services, as well as the remaining recommendations of the Pharmacy Review Group.