Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the publication and enactment of the Pharmacy No. 2 Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28649/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy is aware, the first Pharmacy Act was passed by the Oireachtas on 5th April this year and will be commenced in 3 stages. Stage 1 of the Pharmacy Act implementation process has been completed and the Council of the new PSI has been established. The Society's Council has been working on reviewing current procedures, and on the preparation of new procedures to allow the commencement of those sections of the Act included in Stage 2 of the process. Stage 2 will deal with the new procedures which will apply to the registration of pharmacists and pharmacy businesses. Stage 3 will deal with the Complaints, Inquiries and Discipline (Fitness to Practice Provisions) regime.

The second Pharmacy Bill will follow on from the enactment of the 3 Stages of Pharmacy Act 2007 and will deal with other changes in the regulatory framework for pharmacy and pharmacy services, not addressed in the 2007 Act, and remaining recommendations of the Pharmacy Review Group. Preparation of a framework for, and the publication of, the second Bill, is dependent on the progress of the enactment of the first Pharmacy Act.