Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she will introduce legislation to recognise UK trained pharmacists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21841/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Pharmacy Act 2007 allows for the removal of the derogation under Article 2.2 of Council Directive 85/433/EEC which prevents pharmacists educated in other EU or EEA countries owning, managing or supervising a pharmacy in Ireland that is less than three years old.

The Pharmacy Act is being commenced in three stages. The first stage of the process involved the establishment of a Council of the new Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the second stage will put in place a new registration regime for pharmacists and pharmacies, and the third stage will deal with complaints, inquiries and fitness to practice provisions. A three stage process is necessary given the complexity and number of new policies and procedures that the new Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council must have in place to accommodate each stage.

The removal of the derogation will occur as part of the second stage of implementation. The necessary regulations are at an advanced stage of preparation, including notification to the EU as appropriate. I expect to have the regulations in place in September, at which time the derogation will be removed.