544. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to a change in the law regarding prescription collection after hours; and whether patients can provide evidence that they have that medicine, a prescription and valid ID. [35926/26]

I have interpreted the Deputy’s question to be in relation to an emergency supply of a prescription-only medicine by a pharmacist, at the request of a patient.

The ‘emergency supply’ provisions of Regulation 8 of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 (as amended) permit pharmacists, in emergency circumstances, to supply certain prescription only medicines without a prescription.

According to guidance from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI, the pharmacy regulator), where a patient requests an emergency supply, the pharmacist must interview the patient and satisfy themselves that:

• There is an immediate need for the medicine

• It is not practicable to obtain the prescription without undue delay

• The treatment has been prescribed ((by a medical practitioner, registered dentist, or registered nurse) for the patient on a previous occasion

• They can safely specify the dose of the medicine for the patient.

Pharmacists who dispense an "emergency supply" of a prescription only medicine, without a prescription, must meet certain legal requirements including:

• No more than a 5 day supply of the medicine may be made, or the nearest equivalent minimum dosage pack unit size with the exception of:

• - aerosols for the relief of asthma, creams or ointments, where the smallest available size may be supplied,

• - the oral contraceptive pill, where a full cycle may be supplied or

• - liquid antibiotics, where the smallest quantity that will provide a complete course may be supplied.

• The words ‘Emergency Supply’ must be included on the label of the dispensed medicine

• The reason for the emergency supply must be documented in the prescription register (daily audit report) and in the Patient Medication Record (PMR) of the pharmacy

• The name and address of the previous pharmacy which dispensed the medicine (where different to the pharmacy making the supply) must also be documented in the prescription register (daily audit report) and PMR.

Also in the PSI guidance to pharmacists is that it is in the best interests of the patient that the emergency supply provisions are reserved for genuine emergency circumstances only. The importance of regular attendance and consultation with the prescriber should be communicated to patients. Also, it is important to bear in mind that doctor-on-call services are available nationwide and patients may be referred to these services, if appropriate.