Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1149. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the key measures taken to improve pharmacy services during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72567/25]
View answerIn 2025, measures to improve pharmacy services included the introduction of the Hormone Replacement Therapy Arrangement, which commenced on 1 June 2025, and the enabling of the introduction of a Common Conditions Service (CCS), which will enable pharmacists to provide treatment for eight specified common conditions. Further information on the CCS can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-for-health-signs-legislation-that-will-enable-pharmacists-to-prescribe-for-certain-common-conditions-for-the-first-time/
The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 was agreed between the Department of Health (DoH), the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) on 12 September 2025, and published on 18 September 2025. It sets out a comprehensive and ongoing pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Ireland’s healthcare system. The Agreement is designed to support the delivery of safe, equitable, and efficient healthcare, and to ensure that community pharmacists are better equipped to contribute to national health priorities through structured engagement, sustainable funding, and integrated service delivery. The Agreement will be implemented on a phased basis and will be supported by regular structured engagements between the Department, HSE and the IPU. The continuation of a high-level, enduring strategic relationship is designed to support the shaping and implementation of pharmacy’s role in a more integrated, efficient, and patient-centred health system. Under the Agreement, a Strategic Collaboration Group will be established which will provide a structured forum for dialogue and joint consideration of strategic issues shaping the future of community pharmacy in Ireland.The full text of the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/community-pharmacy-agreement-2025/
