Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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137. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) ahead of Budget 2023; if he will address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47303/22]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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139. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) ahead of Budget 2023; if he will address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47348/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 139 together.

The issues raised in this question relate to the community pharmacy sector and are a matter for the Minister of Health.

However, I would like to reiterate the Government’s recognition of the key role of Pharmacy in the Community, and the very significant contribution made by this sector to patients and the public in responding to their health needs during the course of the pandemic. Government acknowledges the vital role that community pharmacy will play in the development and implementation of future healthcare reform, especially in regard to the aims and vision of Sláintecare.

The Submission referred to in your question has been considered in the context of wider health priorities during budget discussions. Notwithstanding this however, certain other matters raised have been previously drawn to the attention of the Government and work is ongoing on examining particular issues.

I understand that currently there are reports of a current acute workforce issue, particularly in relation to community pharmacy. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the pharmacy regulator, has been liaising with stakeholders, on efforts being taken within the sector to understand and address this issue. I am informed that this is a complex problem with many contributing factors and multiple stakeholders. Workforce challenges are being experienced in other sectors nationally, and in the pharmacy sector in a range of other countries. I also understand that the PSI are currently undertaking a project, due to run across 2022-’23 to assess emerging risks to the continued availability of a professional pharmacy workforce within community and hospital pharmacy in Ireland. The PSI has also committed in its Service Plan 2022 to complete a review of the Third Country Qualification Route (TCQR).

During the COVID-19 pandemic the Health Service Executive established a Community Pharmacy Contingency Planning working group with relevant stakeholders, to support the implementation of all COVID-19 support measures in the context of pharmacy services and the contribution this sector could make. The work of the Forum has now transitioned to discussing the strategic direction of the community pharmacy profession.

The Government was delighted to announce the commencement of the free contraception scheme for women aged 17–25, which is a big milestone in the delivery of our commitments, under the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022 – 2023 to improve all areas of women’s healthcare. Pharmacies who sign up to provide services under the scheme, are now further empowered to support women’s health with the provision of prescription contraception free to 17–25-year-olds.

The Minister for Health will engage as necessary with government colleagues in addressing relevant issues as they arise.