Liam Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 853: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the restrictions on pharmacists educated in other EU countries is addressed in the proposals for a new Pharmacy Bill in view of the fact that if such restrictions were abolished it would address the current shortage of pharmacists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2291/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I presume the Deputy is asking about the removal of the derogation under Article 2.2 of Council Directive 85/433/EEC which gives Member States the option of not recognising the qualification of any EU/EEA-qualified pharmacist in relation to the ownership, management or supervision of a pharmacy that is less than three years old or for the establishment of a new pharmacy. This derogation will be removed when the first Pharmacy Bill is enacted. This Bill is at a very advanced stage and I expect to bring it to Cabinet in the next few weeks for approval to publish, and for forwarding to the Oireachtas for their consideration.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 854: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the present status of the Bill to regulate pharmacies here; the expected date of the Second Stage of the Bill; and if she expects the Bill will be signed into law before June 2007. [2303/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The first Pharmacy Bill is at a very advanced stage. I expect to bring it to Cabinet in the next few weeks for approval to publish, and for forwarding to the Oireachtas for their consideration. I am treating this Bill as a priority and, subject to the overall set of legislative priorities as determined by the Oireachtas, expect to have it signed into law by June 2007.