As the Taoiseach will know, there are proposed structural changes to pharmacy fees. Unfortunately, this will hit rural pharmacies which dispense on average 2,000 to 3,000 items per month. This will very likely put them out of business. Only last week these same small businesses received a revision on their rates. I ask the Taoiseach to ensure the Minister, when making the new pharmacy contract, keeps in line with Government policy which the Taoiseach continually states is for it to rural-proof all its policies. When the new contract is being made up I want it to take into account that we want to keep our small pharmacies, an integral part of life in rural areas. We do not want them to close down like other businesses and we want them to survive.

As I think the Deputy will be aware, the number of pharmacies in the country has actually increased considerably in recent years-----

Not in rural Ireland.

-----with a good spread around the country. I can certainly make a commitment that the Minister before making any changes to fees or regulations will consult the Irish Pharmacy Union, IPU, and take on board its views.