The Deputy will be aware that there have been concerns regarding inappropriate claiming of phased fees over the last number of years, which my Department officials have been engaging with the HSE on. While speaking in the Dáil in December of 2025, I referenced two instances of litigation in this area and on both occasions the State won.
In 2017, the HSE issued comprehensive guidance to pharmacists (in Circular 13/2017) regarding claiming for phased dispensing. To strengthen governance and oversight, a prior approval process for phased dispensing claims was introduced at this time.
The changes in phased dispensing fees, negotiated as part of the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) in September 2025, have highlighted the use of blister packs by patients. I would like to reaffirm that no policy or fee changes have happened in relation to blister packs. The State has never funded blister packs. It remains a private service for which pharmacists may charge a professional fee.
Responsibility for pharmacy reimbursement under the community drug schemes, and related probity measures lies with the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), alongside the specific regulatory remit of the pharmacy Regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI). As part of ongoing probity and fiduciary obligations, the HSE reviews, analyses and rigorously assesses claims received by all pharmacies. The HSE continues to invest significant data analytics capacity and other resources to improve and enhance its controls on an ongoing basis.
It is important to acknowledge that the majority of pharmacies comply with expected levels of claiming behaviour. However, where the HSE does identify pharmacies who fail to meet the standard of claiming behaviour expected, including those related to invalid claiming of phased dispensing fees, these matters are investigated thoroughly. The HSE has progressed a significant number of data analytic exercises, investigations (including pharmacy inspections) and reviews by the HSE Probity Governance Group in recent years.
Where appropriate, the HSE refers matters of concern to the PSI in relation to professional issues and, where appropriate, to An Garda Síochána in compliance with the legal obligation to report information in relation to possible fraud.
My Department Officials continue to engage with both the HSE PCRS and the PSI on matters relating to phased dispensing. I understand the HSE are currently working on a robust probity plan and I look forward to receiving this shortly.
