The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, recently published a Framework of Engagement to support the commencement of focused talks between the State and Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) on the Community Pharmacy Contract and associated services and arrangements, including fees. The Framework was agreed following extensive preliminary engagement between the Department, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the IPU, said the Government. It will guide the contract talks between the parties to agree how the funds allocated in Budget 2025 should be best used to address unmet healthcare needs, improve patient outcomes, and provide for enhancements to pharmacy fees, said the Department of Health.
Recognising a shared commitment to conclude talks and reach a timely agreed outcome, these talks will take place over the coming months, and the first meeting was scheduled for 21 May.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said: “The future of community pharmacy is bright, with real and meaningful opportunities for both our health service and pharmacies on many fronts. I hope that this talks process will help to further facilitate this and contribute towards a sustainable model of community pharmacy.
“Government remains committed to supporting community pharmacy services through investment, reform and modernisation. These talks are accompanied by an actual clear budget commitment and a significant funding envelope of €50m in terms of the overall health budget.
“I look forward to working in partnership with community pharmacies to realise a shared ambition for community pharmacy in Ireland.”
Meanwhile, the IPU welcomed commencement of talks under a new framework agreement with the Department of Health and HSE. IPU President Tom Murray said: “This framework represents the most comprehensive commitment to the future of Irish pharmacy in decades. Pharmacies have immense potential to improve healthcare in communities nationwide. This framework should enable us to realise that potential, benefiting the healthcare system, the nationwide community pharmacy network, and
most importantly, patients.”
He continued, “Enhanced services require a sustainably resourced sector, and we welcome the allocation of €50m of annual recurring funding and the associated commitment to address the pharmacy fee structure.”
Confirming the IPU’s endorsement of the revised HRT Scheme, Mr Murray added: “Our main with the HRT Scheme has been to ensure women receive the medication they need without cost. We are endorsing the scheme in good faith, backed by the broader commitments in this framework, including a review of the pharmacy fee structure.”
Clare Fitzell, newly-appointed Secretary General of the IPU, also welcomed the framework. “We are encouraged by the ambition and scope of this framework and look forward to collaborating with the Department of Health and HSE on its implementation.
“However, time is critical. Pharmacies have highlighted the growing pressures of the current funding model for years, and each month of delay compounds this challenge. It’s imperative that this framework progresses into a fully formed contractual agreement without delay. We therefore acknowledge and welcome the intention for the process to be completed within three months ahead of the busy winter season.”
She concluded: “We thank the Minister for Health for her personal commitment to realising the potential of pharmacists’ professional role, and our wider role in community healthcare delivery. The IPU will remain fully engaged in ensuring its swift and effective conclusion.”
