Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to achieve savings under the community drugs scheme following the recent decision of the High Court in relation to changes introduced on payments to pharmacists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32163/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which final agreement has been reached between her Department and the pharmacists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32587/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 339 together.

The Government remains of the view that the costs of pharmacy services under the GMS and community drugs schemes are not sustainable, a view that is reinforced by the current budgetary challenges. It is clear that there are significant savings capable of being made for taxpayers, presently and in the future. My Department is considering the legal, financial and service implications of the recent High Court judgement for the payments made to community pharmacists.