asked the Minister for Health the position of the 39 fulltime temporary pharmacists at present employed by the Dublin Health Authority when the dispensaries close down; and whether they will be offered compensation or absorption in the Central Pharmacy or in hospitals and institutions under Dublin Health Authority.

It is unlikely that any of the temporary pharmacists now employed by the Dublin Health Authority will be required after the abolition of the dispensary system next year. Some pharmacists holding permanent appointments will also be displaced and these will have to be given priority by the new Eastern Health Board in regard to absorption into other services.

While I regret that it will not be possible to continue the employment of the temporary officers I should emphasise that all of them were aware on appointment of the temporary nature of their posts. There is no statutory authority for paying compensation in such cases.