Madam, - The crisis in community pharmacy continues. I should not be surprised that when there is any disturbance in the sector the debate returns to the medicines price differential between Spain and Ireland.
If I were to sell stock that had been bought from a Spanish supplier the consequences would be drastic. I could expect enforcement inspectors from the Irish Medicines Board, the Health Service Executive, and the Department of Health. The new pharmacy regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, would also send its inspector.
I could also expect at least a letter from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, seeking an explanation. Customs and Excise would certainly have to put their oar in - and the Revenue would be delighted to shortlist me for a full tax audit.
You see, Madam, the pharmaceutical sector in this country is a protected market. We depend on the industry as it contributes significantly to our export figures. (It matters not that much of the profit is returned to the US.)
What I am surprised at is that Minister for Health Mary Harney professes ignorance of this protectionism and she herself thinks that the local pharmacy is "ripping off the public". - Yours, etc,
BRIAN O'REILLY MPSI, Naas, Co Kildare.