John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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289. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a report on the introduction of a minor ailment scheme in community pharmacies. [42496/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Partnership Government is committed to the expansion of the community pharmacy role in managing the health of patients.

A feasibility trial into a minor ailments service was conducted in 2016.

The conditions included in the trial were dry eye, dry skin, scabies, threadworms and vaginal thrush. Further extensive trials will be required in order to progress this area.

The expansion of pharmacy services will be considered. However, any expansion of services should address unmet public health needs, improve access to existing public health services delivered elsewhere or provide better value for money or patient outcomes if delivered through pharmacy.