Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

929. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the disparity whereby the Irish healthcare system does not have a chief pharmaceutical officer, but does have a chief medical officer, a chief nursing officer, a chief dentistry officer and a chief veterinary officer, who are responsible for overseeing their respective professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54290/22]

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

931. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the disparity whereby the Irish healthcare system does not have a chief pharmaceutical officer, but does have a chief medical officer, a chief nursing officer, a chief dentistry officer and a chief veterinary officer, who are responsible for overseeing their respective professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54294/22]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

943. To ask the Minister for Health if a chief pharmaceutical officer would be appointed to assist in the development of a strategic vision for the future of pharmacy care within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54324/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 929, 931 and 943 together.

The Department of Health recognises the key role of Pharmacy in the Community, and the significant contribution made by this sector to patient and public health and well-being.

The Department of Health has professionally qualified pharmacists among its staff, and they continue to work and engage with, key sectoral stakeholders such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and the Irish Pharmacy Union to address pharmacy matters in the patient and health system best interest. 

Currently there are no active proposals to develop a Chief Pharmaceutical Officer role in the Department of Health.  The matter will be kept under review in the context of wider workforce planning considerations.