John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the contingency plans the Health Service Executive have to provide drugs under the GMS scheme in County Mayo if none of the pharmacists sign the new contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9449/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive has put contingency plans in place in the event of the withdrawal of service by community pharmacists, following the introduction of the revised pharmacy pricing arrangements under the GMS and community drugs schemes from 1st March 2008. The contingency plans include information notices in the newspapers and an information helpline, open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. In response to a written request to all 1600 community pharmacy contractors from the HSE, to date one community pharmacy has confirmed its intention to withdraw services under the present pharmacy contract. The HSE is keeping this situation under review at local level.

The HSE has also assured me that it has plans in place to assist any patient who is unable to obtain their medication. There are no changes planned to the operation of the GMS and community drugs schemes and all patients continue to receive their entitlements in the normal way.