Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
524. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the fact that pay costs at the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland have increased by 35% since 2021 and now absorb 55 cent of every euro received by the organisation; if she is satisfied that this level of administrative expenditure represents value for money for registrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this question.
The PSI is the statutory regulator for pharmacists and pharmacies under the Pharmacy Act 2007 and operates for public accountability purposes under the aegis of the Minister for Health.
As an independent statutory body, the PSI is responsible for managing its resources, including staffing levels, in a manner that supports delivery of its statutory functions and strategic priorities.
My Department has engaged with the PSI in relation to its financial position, including the independent Core Funding Review undertaken in 2025. That review found that the PSI’s operating costs have increased in recent years, with pay costs being a significant component, driven by increased staffing levels and public service pay developments, alongside growing regulatory workload and strategic investment requirements (including digital transformation and enhancements to regulatory capacity).
The review also indicated that the PSI has moved into operating deficit in recent years, resulting in a drawdown of reserves, and that action is required to ensure the organisation’s ongoing sustainability and ability to discharge its statutory remit.
In relation to value for money, the PSI, as a public body, is required to operate in accordance with public financial governance and procurement requirements and to demonstrate that expenditure is aligned to its statutory mandate and delivery of regulatory functions, including inspection, registration, fitness-to-practise processes, public protection activity, and the delivery of reforms arising from wider health policy developments.
My Department will continue to engage with the PSI regarding its funding model, expenditure profile and governance arrangements, including the implementation of recommendations arising from the Core Funding Review.
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Staff Employed |
44 |
43 |
46 |
49 |
|
Staff Earning over €60K |
16 |
18 |
24 |
30 |
