The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has received government approval to proceed with the drafting of a further amendment to the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024. This amendment will lay the groundwork for the introduction of pharmacist prescribing. This amendment will make provision in primary legislation for the further expansion of the role of pharmacists.

Minister Donnelly said:

    "I am delighted to have secured government approval to add an amendment to the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which will be introduced at Report Stage. The amendment will be an important first step in introducing pharmacist prescribing and enhancing the contribution that pharmacists make to our health services.

    "I look forward to receiving the final report from the Expert Taskforce on Pharmacy soon. This report and this amendment will provide the fundamentals we need in place to move toward pharmacist prescribing.

    "There is work to be done before pharmacists can start prescribing, including the implementation of secondary legislation, regulatory changes and the development of training pathways for pharmacists. However, I think it is important to be ambitious and recognise the positives that expanding the role of pharmacists will bring for the pharmacy profession, the broader health service and patients."

This amendment will now be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for drafting.

The Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 is at an advanced stage in the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Minister welcomes the support the Bill has received thus far.

Minister Donnelly added:

    "It’s clear there is widespread support for my commitment to expand the scope of pharmacy practice in Ireland, and this an opportunity to progress that further and build upon the recent change facilitating the extension of prescriptions by pharmacists."