Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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459. To ask the Minister for Health further to Question No. 636 of 15 April 2015, the progress his Department has made on examining the issue of introducing a minor ailments scheme for pharmacies in order that pharmacies can realise their full potential in contributing to the primary care needs of communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39626/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Expanding the role of the community pharmacist to include provision of services such as a Minor Ailments Scheme is worth exploring as we seek to further expand and develop the primary care sector. It is important that such proposals generate real savings on existing public expenditure since the health service continues to operate within tight budget constraints. The Department of Health is examining this issue having regard to the evidence-base for such a service, including the application of such schemes in other countries, and any contractual or funding implications.

The Department has engaged the services of the Health Research Board (HRB) to undertake an analysis of Minor Ailments Schemes in other jurisdictions. Work on this is progressing to schedule and a report by the HRB is expected in the coming weeks. The HRB's report will assist the Department in its examination of the issue.