Page 54 of the programme for Government refers to the expansion of the role of pharmacists. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, PSI, recently approved rules significantly restricting the roles of pharmacists' assistants.

This puts their livelihoods at very real risk and jeopardises the provision of pharmacy services, especially in rural areas and for sole traders. The vast majority affected are women and most are retiring in the next five to ten years. They have made a valuable contribution to their community and have done so in a safe manner. It is baffling that these proposals are being made now, and many are very upset at seeing their professionalism and integrity effectively being brought into question. Will the Taoiseach allay the fears that their professionalism will be undermined by these rules?

As the Deputy knows, this is an ongoing issue that has been running for a few years now. It relates to the professional qualifications of pharmacy assistants who are not pharmacists but who have played a very valuable role down the years in filling in for pharmacists during their absence. Ultimately, however, it is a matter for the professional regulatory body rather than the Government. The professional regulatory body needs to make sure it puts patient safety first in coming to any decision on this.