We are set to see the roll-out of the free HRT programme on 1 June. I commend the work of the Government on trying to progress this. However, I must represent the significant concerns raised with me about the feasibility of the implementation of the programme as it currently stands. Independent pharmacies are not seeking to profit from implementing this programme, but the Taoiseach must admit that they should be able to break even when doing so. The Irish Pharmacy Union has published independent research that suggests that €6.50 is the appropriate service fee that should be available to pharmacists when implementing this programme. As it currently stands, the fee is set to be €5. Will the Taoiseach commit to listening to independent pharmacies and review a programme that, potentially, will not be implementable, according to many pharmacists?

We come to the House and we talk about value for money for taxpayers and everything else. I respect the IPU. It has a job to do, which is to advocate for pharmacists, but just because it says a certain figure, do we all just say that is the figure?

I have it. I have the breakdown of it.

I know all of that.

It is a loss.

The HRT product was offered free to people. The IPU said it wanted a dispensing fee. There has always been a dispensing fee for other medicines and so on. It falls to negotiation between the Minister for Health and the IPU. The Minister for Health has offered €5, plus €1,000 for signing up. In my view, it is not a bad deal at all.

The Department of Health said it was €6.50.

If we are going to arbitrate every negotiation in the House, it will be no basis for negotiating with professional bodies or businesses and so on. Pharmacies have a key role to play. We need to roll out the service for women. I have concerns about how this is being arbitrated.