Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
471. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the way in which an individual can return unused medications or EpiPens without incurring a cost at a pharmacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52562/26]
View answerThe appropriate disposal of unused or expired medicines is a significant matter, with potential health and safety impacts on the environment, antimicrobial resistance, and our society. Traditionally community pharmacists have facilitated patients in returning unused medicines to their pharmacy either on a good-will basis, or as a paid service. Additionally, there have been certain local or regional initiatives which aim to raise awareness among members of the public regarding appropriate ways to dispose of unused medicines and to encourage them to return their unused medication to their local pharmacies. These initiatives have been funded by the HSE on a time bound basis in certain areas but to date, no national programme has been established.
Enabling patients to return their unused medicines to their local community pharmacy restricts access to unused medicines, thereby reducing the risk of suicide, self-harm and accidental poisoning in children. Improperly disposing of medicines impacts on crops, biodiversity and contaminates our water system. Antimicrobial resistance is a significant health challenge and incorrect disposal of antibiotics adds to this problem.
I am pleased to outline that a new National Medicines Return Service will shortly commence in pharmacies across Ireland. This service will enable patients to return their unused medicines to their local community pharmacy for disposal, free of charge. This includes the disposal of injector devices, such as EpiPens, where the needles are retracted or removed.
My officials, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Irish Pharmacy Union are finalising preparations for this service. Onboarding of over 1,900 community pharmacies for the service will commence in the coming weeks and continue through the month of July. A campaign to raise public awareness will follow in August once onboarding is complete, with the service formally launching at that time.
