Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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158. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider expanding pharmacist services currently provided, in order to aid in alleviating the pressures currently experienced with GP services and hospital services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52437/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the significant role that community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care. Indeed, community pharmacists have played a central role in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout – the largest ever undertaken by the State.

I also acknowledge 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.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the Health Service Executive established a Community Pharmacy Contingency Planning working group with relevant stakeholders, including the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, to support the implementation of all COVID-19 support measures.

This group – now called the Community Pharmacy Planning Forum – had examined the operational and clinical challenges confronting community pharmacists during the COVID-19 emergency and played a key role in resolving them to the benefit of the people of Ireland.

The work of the Forum has now transitioned to discussing the strategic direction of the community pharmacy profession. This will prove invaluable in the context of future contractual reform.

Of course, any publicly funded pharmacy service expansion should address unmet public healthcare needs, improve access to existing public health services, and provide better value for money.