Pharmacy services set to return to normal
Pharmacy services around the country should be getting back to normal this morning following 11 days of disruption.
Last night, the leadership of the Irish Pharmacy Union urged its members to resume dispensing medicines under community drugs schemes in the interest of patient safety.
However, it also said the dispute surrounding the fees paid for operating the schemes is not over.
Hundreds of pharmacies withdrew from their state contracts at the beginning of this month after the HSE unilaterally reduced their fees.
The situation caused major disruption to medical-card holders seeking prescription medicines, despite the drafting of contingency plans by the HSE.
Health Minister Mary Harney has insisted that the cuts will not be reversed.
