Written answers

Tuesday, 20 November 2007

Department of Health and Children

Health Services

8:00 pm

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that the refusal of the Health Service Executive to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, on foot of opinions expressed by the Competition Authority, is consistent with article 40 6 1 of the Constitution, which affirms the right of association. [29815/07]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has not refused to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU). To address concerns expressed by the IPU, on behalf of community pharmacists, about the implications of the legal advice on competition law on their right to negotiate fees through the Union, a process of dialogue was established, chaired by Bill Shipsey SC, to explore ways in which concerns raised by the IPU about the implications of this legal advice might be addressed.

Despite suspension of this process during the recent withdrawal by individual pharmacists of methadone services, there has recently been renewed engagement between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the HSE under the auspices of Mr. Shipsey.

I am also exploring, in consultation with the Attorney General, the other relevant Government Departments and the HSE, the best way of progressing the development of a new contract with pharmacists.

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