Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [27243/09]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [27346/09]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to ensure the supply of medicines to the people of County Clare affected by the ongoing dispute between pharmacists and the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27482/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 238 and 249.

I am aware that a number of community pharmacists have indicated that they may withdraw from participation in the GMS and community drugs schemes in the light of my decision to reduce certain payments under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has written to all 1,600 community pharmacy contractors to clarify whether they intend to continue the provision of services under the GMS and community drugs schemes.

A contingency plan is being put in place by the HSE, and will be implemented if required, to ensure that supplies of medicines to patients under the GMS and community drugs schemes will continue in the event of discontinuation of services by community pharmacists. I believe that threats of withdrawal from the community pharmacy contract are unjustified and not in patients' interests. There can be no grounds for causing upset or anxiety about the supply of prescriptions to patients. In order to ensure patients are not inconvenienced in any way, I would urge community pharmacists to fulfil their professional obligations under the terms of their contracts.