Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to negotiations between her Department and the Health Service Executive and the pharmacists; when she expects matters to be finally resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22470/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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An agenda has been agreed for detailed discussions on a number of outstanding issues between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). These discussions commenced in the week beginning 5 May 2008, and are ongoing. With goodwill on all sides I am hopeful that these discussions can bring about an agreed resolution on these issues in the coming weeks.

Following the withdrawal of injunction applications by the HSE against individual pharmacists for threatened breach of contract, both sides agreed that there will be no disruption of pharmacy services pending the completion of the work of the Independent Pricing Body — chaired by Mr. Sean Dorgan. In addition, a process of mediation requested by the High (Commercial) Court is due to begin on 5 June next under the chairmanship of Mr. Eoin McCullough S.C.