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Government. The Government recently brought in changes to the way this is to be paid for. It did this without discussing it with pharmacists on the ground and there was no consultation with doctors or patients. Now there are no payments for phased dispensing or blister packs … Taoiseach delay the process that is costing so much money? Will he ensure the process is reviewed? Will he listen to doctors, pharmacists and patients on the ground

There was a different practice in many different areas. There were different patterns of behaviour and different things being done by different pharmacists in that respect. It is not all as the Deputy articulated. We want to help those who need help, and the Minister will continue

allow recruitment from areas outside the EU. Direct access to dental nurses, hygienists and technicians should be introduced in a similar way that pharmacists can now prescribe in limited regulated circumstances. The legislation in this area is well over 40 years old. It is absolutely outdated and requires

step in regard to dealing with children especially. We have seen how the Minister and the previous Minister have moved in relation to pharmacists now being able to prescribe up to 12 different medications, which is really important. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment also recently announced

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the charging by pharmacists for blister packs, for those who can neither afford the new charges or take the risk of incorrect dosage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44944/26