I want to raise the untenable situation of community pharmacists as they remain subject to the cuts imposed due to the financial crisis. They are the only sector in healthcare who remain in this position. Given the acknowledgement of the great service provided by them during the pandemic and generally in light of lengthy GP waiting lists I have asked the Minister to fully and openly engage with the sector, which is now demanding that pay be restored in line with the public sector pay arrangement and to leave nothing unaddressed.

I thank Deputy Browne. A distinction has to be made between public servants whose only income is from the salary they are paid from the State and pharmacists, GPs, dentists and others who have various sources of income, one of which is the State. This distinction has to be made. When it came to GPs there was a negotiation and there was a partial phased reduction in the reversal of fee cuts in return for additional work, changes in practice and so on. I believe it is the intention of the Minister to engage with the pharmacists on the same basis.