Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
857. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of community pharmacies onboarded to date to the national unused medicines return and disposal scheme provided for under the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025; the target date for all pharmacies to be participating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53333/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe landmark Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) 2025 supports the delivery of safe, equitable and efficient healthcare. Under the CPA, a new Unused Medicines Return and Disposal national service is being established which will enable patients to return their unused medicines to their local community pharmacy. Under the Agreement, a yearly allocation of €4,500,000 is being made available to provide for a HSE-tendered medicine disposal service from community pharmacies nationwide.
This is not an opt-in service. All pharmacies who sign up to the new CPA will provide the service for patients.
My officials, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Irish Pharmacy Union are finalising preparations for commencement of this service. Onboarding of over 1,900 community pharmacies for the service commenced last week and will continue through the month of July. A campaign to raise public awareness will follow in early August once onboarding is complete.
