Committee Stage of the Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2005
Mr. Gormley: Those of us who are members of the Joint Committee on Health and Children need the opportunity to express not only our disappointment but also our dismay at what has occurred [money went astray in the health budget in respect of the transfer from capital to current funding]. It is incredible that this practice can occur. We were told the reason for setting up the Health Service Executive was to ensure the health service would be run efficiently. We have now discovered not only do we have an extra layer of bureaucracy but that the executive is incompetent. It is sheer incompetence - nothing more, nothing less. Are members of the committee, particularly those of us in Opposition, expected to let it pass? It is our duty to hold the Government to account. One can pass the buck to the HSE but, ultimately, it stops with the Government, particularly the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. That is why she ought to be present to answer questions. To slip it in last night and for the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, to sheepishly announce it to the Dáil was not good enough. We need answers as quickly as possible.
Vice Chairman: Amendments Nos. 5 to 8, inclusive, are related and will be discussed together.
Mr. Gormley: I support Deputy McManus, as she has probably met representatives of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, as I have recently. It was shocking to hear what they had to say. I am sure representatives of the society have also met the Minister for Health and Children and perhaps the Minister of State who knows that the case is shocking.
I support Deputy McManus, as she has probably met representatives of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, as I have recently. It was shocking to hear what they had to say. I am sure representatives of the society have also met the Minister for Health and Children and perhaps the Minister of State who knows that the case is shocking.A pharmacy Bill has been promised since the time Brendan Corish was in office but nothing has appeared. Meanwhile, there is potential for serious malpractice, as the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland has told us. Who will take the rap? Deputy McManus cited a number of examples. A further example furnished by the society is that of someone operating as a pharmacist who clearly is an alcoholic and addicted to various drugs. Some of the drugs this person handles must be dispensed very carefully. If the dosage is wrong, it can affect a person’s life, yet there is no protection against such malpractice. Recently nine pharmacies dealing with animal medicines were taken to task. If pharmacists are prosecuted in respect of animal medication, why have there been no prosecutions in respect of human medication? While I believe in proper animal husbandry, I regard human health as far more important, yet it is not protected.
The Minister of State needs to get his skates on and introduce a pharmacy Bill as soon as possible. In the meantime he should provide the protection offered by the amendment. He is in a better position than most to know that there is a serious problem.
Mr. T. O’Malley: I appreciate the point made by Deputies McManus and Gormley. They are correct in saying I am well aware of the issues raised. The Minister for Health and Children has given an undertaking on the fitness to practice Bill which she hopes to bring to the Government soon. It will be dealt with. I thank the Deputies for their contributions and do not dispute what they say.