Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the changes to the integrated pharmacy degree training programme; the details of the requirement for student pharmacists to do a four month placement in fourth year and an eight month placement in fifth year without pay; the reasons for this; when the students were informed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23769/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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131. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason fees for the fifth year pharmacy integrated degree course in the three pharmacy schools are being increased in view of the fact students will spend eight months on placement without pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23770/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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134. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the changes to the integrated pharmacy degree training programme requiring student pharmacists to do a four month placement in fourth year and an eight month placement in fifth year without pay; the reason for this; the date students were informed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23847/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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135. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the fifth year pharmacy integrated degree course in the three pharmacy schools is being increased in view of the fact that students will spend eight months on placement without pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23848/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 131, 134 and 135 together.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is an independent statutory body and is responsible for defining and ensuring the standards of education and training for pharmacists qualifying in Ireland. This includes developing standards, policies and carrying out accreditation of pharmacy degree programmes.

The changes in the degree programme structure arise from the recommendations of the Pharmacy Education and Accreditation Reviews project and implementation has been overseen by the National Forum for Pharmacy Education and Accreditation. 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Education and Training) (Integrated Course) Rules were signed by the Minister for Health in 2014.

These Rules underpin the implementation of the new five-year fully integrated Master’s degree programme in pharmacy which evolved from significant review of the previous training pathway, and international best practice assessment in this area. They also gave effect to new accreditation standards that were developed by the PSI and place the Core Competency Framework for Pharmacists on a statutory footing.

The new programme leads to a Master’s degree.

Further information in relation to these changes can be requested from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.