The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) National Pharmacy Conference 2026 was attended by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who delivered an address to attendees. The Minister commended Mr Tom Murray for his work as President, and welcomed Caoimhe McAuley as new President, saying she was looking forward to working with the Union on the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA).
She told the attendees: “There really is further scope for expansion of the Common Conditions Service… in that context, I am pleased to announce the new role of Chief Pharmaceutical Officer (CPO) at the Department of Health.” This role has very recently been advertised during June, and is now open for applications, and the Minister encouraged attendees to apply for the post.
As one of the expanded areas of pharmacy practice, the Minister discussed how pharmacies are becoming part of the National Condom Distribution Service, which distributes free condoms and lubricant sachets to services working directly with population groups who may be at increased risk of negative sexual health outcomes as part of the CPA. “I also really want to see what we can do in terms of PREP, and making sure that we’re getting that medication to people in a much more effective way,” she told the conference.
‘Having the CPO is a significant opportunity to drive change and drive outcomes’
“There really is significant potential for further expansion of the CPA,” said the Minister. “Having the CPO is a significant opportunity to drive change and drive outcomes… we need really good people, I need really good people and I need your advice. This is a really important position and I think it will really embed advocacy for pharmacy at the heart of the Department, ensuring pharmacists’ voices are central to decision-making — also to be available to me to support my work, and to take expert guidance within the Department much more readily within the Department team.
“But I also hope it’s a real step in recognising the role of your profession, and that should be at the centre of the DoH, just as medicine and nursing are. I am happy to see it happen, and looking forward to working with whomever is appointed.”
