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their communities. They are the first, and often easiest, place to go for trusted advice and practical support for patients. Of course, pharmacists are medicines experts, but their role goes way beyond that now and we would like it to go further. They deliver prevention and public health … Covid vaccines and school-based programmes. Of the 26% of children who got vaccinated last winter, 56% got their flu vaccine from a pharmacist, which is remarkable. I am delighted to say that, from May, pharmacies will provide pneumococcal vaccination for eligible healthy adults over 65 who have

health is going to be the common conditions service and where we can go with it. As the Deputy is aware, 95% of pharmacists have signed up to it at this point. Community pharmacists will be able to manage eight common conditions, offering self-care advice and, where

Pharmacists have considerable knowledge and expertise. As the Minister has mentioned, this extends well beyond the pharmacological side of things, for example, into lifestyle. One would expect the wellness hub concept to expand into the area of lifestyle. Will further non-pharmacological campaigns be made available with regard … vaping, mental health, positive ageing, fitness and many other areas? It is also vital that there be prior engagement with pharmacists to identify the kind of campaigns to be run and to prepare for their roll-out. Will the Minister outline the level of engagement with pharmacies

important that we continue to reinforce clear public health messaging. The best way to stop smoking is to contact a GP or pharmacist. Vaping is not recommended by the HSE as a method of smoking cessation. The evidence consistently shows that licensed medicines remain the safest and most

ambition. Has the Minister set out targets for the number of different campaigns that should be run or for the participation rate among pharmacists? Will she outline the rate of participation in the campaign running this month, which is on alcohol and pregnancy

provide it to the Deputy. The important point is that there is a measure of consultation and agreement in relation to it. Pharmacists are very excited about this expanded role and about working to the top of their professional medical training. That is what I want to enable

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health for an update on her Department's engagement with pharmacists on the cost of blister packs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31131/26

Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the impact on certain nurses and pharmacists facing difficulty in continuing their education and workplace attendance due to delays in the renewal of IRP cards (details supplied); and if she will make