Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Health if Government has a policy of examining the role played and services provided by chemists and pharmacies with a view to maximising the availability of services in the community setting which would draw on the skills set of pharmacies while also reducing pressure on other areas of the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42784/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The development of primary care services is an essential component of the health reform process. In a developed primary care system up to 95% of people's day to day health and social care needs can be met in the primary care setting. In particular, pharmacy services are well placed within the community to provide essential health advice and to support effective care at the lowest level of complexity and in a cost-effective manner.

As we continue to experience increased pressure and demand on the resources within the health system it is necessary to consider new and innovative ways to provide the services we require. Expanding the role of the community pharmacist to providing a range of new pharmacy services will be an important consideration as we seek to further expand and develop the primary care sector.

The Government recognises the contribution that has been made by community pharmacists in recent years by providing an expanded range of services. Successful engagement with the sector has enabled pharmacists to provide new services such as flu vaccinations, an emergency hormonal contraception service, advice on health eating, support for smoking cessation and participation in a pilot project on a medicines use review service.

We will continue to engage with community pharmacists to consider the feasibility of implementing other new services that may be cost-effective for the health system.