Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1092. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if she will clarify the rules governing pharmacy charges for blister-pack dispensing, including whether such fees must be explicitly itemised and displayed under PSI transparency guidance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9791/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPharmacies are private businesses and may set appropriate professional fees. Blister-pack dispensing or Monitored Dosage System dispensing is a private service offered by some pharmacies. It has never been a State-funded service.
The PSI – the Pharmacy Regulator, is the statutory body responsible for regulating pharmacists and pharmacies in the public interest. One of the roles of the PSI is to promote professional practice by pharmacists. This is done in a variety of ways, including the issuing of statutory guidelines and sharing information for the benefit of patients and the wider health system.
The PSI issued Guidance to Support Transparency of Medicines Pricing and Fees for Pharmacy Services in October 2025, subsequent to a request I issued to the PSI in April 2025. The guidance was developed following input received from a range of stakeholders, including targeted patient participation, and feedback received during a public consultation. Implementation of the guidance is supported by engagement with stakeholders, including the IPU, and resources for pharmacists and the public are available on the PSI website.
PSI recognised the need for a lead-in time for implementation, including the development of appropriate software and is collaborating with the sector to support and arrive at best practices for transparency. Engagement with stakeholders is ongoing. The guidance is therefore being implemented on a phased basis.
Since 1st December 2025, pharmacies are required to display information about the cost of all professional services (including cost of blister-pack dispensing) 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.
The receipt must itemise the cost of the product (to the patient) and any dispensing or professional service fee applied.
