Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Health if he will reverse cuts relating to pharmacists in respect of refrigerated items in view of the cost of dispensing these medicines and in light of the fact that these products do not attract discounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19075/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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My colleague, the Minister for Health, has signed the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Community Pharmacy Contractors) Regulations 2011. These regulations reduce certain payments made by the HSE to community pharmacy contractors with effect from 20 June 2011 and include a reduction in the wholesale mark-up on fridge items from 17.66% to 12%.

In making the regulations the Minister had regard to submissions made and views expressed during consultations; the nature of the services rendered by pharmacists and the general nature of expenses and commitments of pharmacists and the impact on the State's ability to continue to provide health services at existing levels if reductions were not made. The Minister for Health considers these rates of payment to be fair and reasonable. The Minister will carry out a review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the new rates before the end of the year and all relevant stakeholders will be consulted as part of the review process.