The possibility of expanding the role of pharmacists to allow them carry out certain health tests and diagnostic services is to be examined by an expert group.
The president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Brendan Hayes said today the potential of phamacy is "not being realised quickly or effectively by the Government or the Health Service Executive (HSE)".
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Speaking at the National Pharmacy Summit in Dublin, Mr Hayes announced the establishment of an expert group to look at pharmacy services.
He said pharmacists can deal cost effectively with screening and advice, specifically in areas such as the incidence of chlamydia, fingerprick testing for diabetes and managing minor ailments to reduce unnecessary visits to GPs.
He also cited obesity and weight management as other areas where pharmacists might play a key role. Such services are already available in Britain and that "there has to be a shift here towards rewards for quality and range of services provided", Mr Hayes added.
"The new legislation places a huge responsibility on the supervising pharmacist and we as the regulators have the responsibility to ensure that the education of undergraduates and professionals through continuing professional development is collaborative, practical and effective."
"It is clear that we are in a changed health service where focus is on patients, where there is a need for a shift in policy both at the Department of Health and Children level and at HSE level," he added.
Mr Hayes said the pharmacy sector and pharmacists also "need to be heard" on professional matters other than industrial relations issues and contracts.
At the summit today, the first formal agreement of its kind on these islands was signed with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland on the convergence of standards north and south and matters related to patient safety and public protection.
"We will be working effectively now with our colleagues in Northern Ireland on such matters as counterfeit medicines and the registration and education of personnel in the pharmacy sector," Mr Hayes said.
The summit was opened by Minister for Health Mary Harney.