63 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper feature article concerning the regulation of pharmacies and related issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5515/01]

The Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement) Regulations, 1996, provide a system for regulating the granting of pharmacy contracts in accordance with public health criteria. The regulations specify the criteria and procedures under which the chief executive officer of a health board shall determine the issue of new community pharmacy contractor agreements for the provision of community pharmacy services under the Health Act, 1970. They regulate the granting of contracts with a view to bringing Ireland into line with other EU-EEA states where such controls exist in one form or another, improving standards in existing pharmacies and promoting patient access to pharmacy services in rural areas. Because of the absence of any controls in regard to the granting of contracts, Ireland has been compelled to continue a derogation from the Free Movement of Pharmacists Directive.