Pharmacy Services

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Questions (958)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

958. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the commencement date and operational readiness of the requirement that, from January 2026, patients receive a detailed receipt itemising the medicine cost, the dispensing fee, where applicable, and any other professional service fees; the technical or system changes which were required to deliver this across the sector; to confirm the minimum information which must appear on the receipt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3930/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

This Department, together with the PSI, recognise the need for a lead-in time for implementation of the pricing transparency guidance, including the reliance on the development of appropriate software. The PSI is collaborating with the sector to support and arrive at best practices for transparency, as soon as possible. Engagement with stakeholders and management of queries is ongoing. As a result, the guidance is being implemented on a phased basis. From the 1 December 2025, pharmacies are required to display information about the cost of all professional services provided in the pharmacy, on a clear notice in a conspicuous place where a patient can see it. Work is currently ongoing to support pharmacies in offering a detailed receipt for each transaction.

To confirm, the receipt must itemise the cost of the product (to the patient) and any dispensing or professional service fee applied.