Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1317. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider the formation of a minor ailment scheme implementation project group, with the view to enhancing services provided by community pharmacies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12929/23]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1318. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider the addition of medicines listed in Schedule 8 of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003, as amended, to allow for a greater number of ailments to be treated through a ‘minor ailment scheme’ in a community pharmacy setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12930/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1317 and 1318 together.

As Minister for Health, I recognise the significant role community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care and acknowledge the potential for this role to be developed further in the context of health service reform. Their participation in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout – the largest ever undertaken by the State – and in the recently launched free contraception scheme are examples of the importance of their role in the functioning of our health service.

On the 24th of November 2022, I, along with Departmental officials, met with a delegation from the Irish Pharmacy Union. At that meeting, various proposals regarding extending the scope of practice offered by community pharmacists were discussed. These proposals – including that regarding the implementation of a minor ailment scheme – are currently under active consideration by the Department. As you will appreciate, the implementation of any such scheme necessitates prior engagement with a range of stakeholders and full consideration of all the relevant legislative and operational issues involved.

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.