Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
960. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health whether her Department plans to review the impact of the PSI transparency guidance and the receipt requirement during 2026, including publishing compliance rates and any changes in average dispensing fees for private patients; whether she plans to place any elements of the guidance on a statutory footing through primary or secondary legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3932/26]
View answerPSI, as the statutory regulator, monitors adherence by the pharmacy sector to any guidance issued and engages and monitors adherence to the legislative, professional and ethical obligations inherent in the practice of the profession, in accordance with the legislative framework created by the Pharmacy Act.
PSI will be reviewing compliance with the recent pricing transparency guidance within a 12 month period from its commencement. While the PSI will in time report about implementation of the pricing transparency guidance, along with other compliance data, this will not include reporting on the range or quantum of professional fees. Pharmacies are private businesses and may set appropriate professional fees.
As part of its oversight functions of the PSI, this Department will continue to monitor PSIs reporting on its inspection function and activities. Early PSI compliance data show that since the guidance was introduced in December, 19 out of 27 inspected pharmacies were displaying a pricing transparency notice.
It must be noted that, in addition to the PSI pricing transparency guidance, the PSI Code of Conduct sets out professional requirements for pharmacists. The Code comprises seven statutory principles which pharmacists are required to uphold. The Code provides direction on how compliance with each principle is demonstrated. Principle 2 of this Code is 'Act Professionally'. Direction given under this principle states: 'Must give honest, relevant and accurate information regarding the costs, benefits and risks of medicinal products, non-medicinal products and services'. The Code of Conduct is a statutory requirement for registered pharmacists.
