Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the requirements of the new regulations covering pharmacists in respect of the provision of a separate consulting area within an existing pharmacy; the implications of this requirement for security and staffing within a pharmacy and the grounds on which a pharmacist may obtain an exemption from this requirement. [42230/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Retail pharmacy business owners and superintendent pharmacists are required to conduct their retail pharmacy business in compliance with the Pharmacy Act 2007 and the Regulation of Retail Pharmacy Businesses Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 488 of 2008).

The Regulations, which I made in November 2008, require that all retail pharmacy businesses provide a separate, designated, conveniently located area for patient consultation within the pharmacy premises. A transition period of two years from November 2008 until November 2010 was provided for pharmacies already in operation to make arrangements for a private consultation area in their premises. There is no exemption to the requirement to provide a separate consulting area within a pharmacy.

The purpose of private consultation areas is to facilitate private and confidential conversation between patient and pharmacist regarding the patient's medication and other health matters. It is essential that patients are afforded the privacy they require in order to engage with their pharmacist regarding their medicines. In addition, patients should be encouraged to avail of private consultation areas to obtain the information and advice from the pharmacist regarding their medicines and other health matters.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the regulatory body for pharmacy in Ireland, issued new guidance to pharmacists on patient consultation areas to facilitate compliance with the Regulations. The PSI's guidance sets out the criteria to be adhered to by pharmacists, with a view to ensuring the provision of a designated patient consultation area which is appropriate, accessible, safe and allows for private discussions between pharmacist and patient. The security and safety of the patient and the pharmacist is paramount and is addressed in the PSI guidance.