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In May 2007 the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, commenced Sections of the Pharmacy Act 2007 which dissolved the old Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (established in 1875) and established the new Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland as the regulator of pharmacy in Ireland.
Under this new legislation the regulator’s principal functions are to:
- Protect patients and the public interest
- Maintain registers of pharmacists and pharmacies
- Inspect pharmacy practices and enforce pharmacy legislation
- Draw up codes of conduct for pharmacists and pharmacy owners and oversee the quality assurance and application of best practice across the sector
- Promote and ensure high standards of education and training, including continuing education in pharmacy
- Conduct inquiries to determine “fitness to practise” and “fitness to operate”
- Process complaints relating to pharmacy practice and operation
- Act as the registration authority for pharmacists wishing to practise in Ireland who have obtained their qualification outside of Ireland and the EU
- Act as the competent authority for mutual recognition of qualifications from other EU countries
The Pharmacy Act 2007 is an essential piece of legislation that provides for the health, safety and welfare of patients and the public. It is being introduced on a phased or incremental basis by the Minister for Health and Children.
The Pharmacy Act will enable pharmacists to practise in a regulated, controlled and safe environment in a manner which will ensure the provision of high-quality treatment, meeting the challenges of increasingly complex and evolving care and therapeutic regimens for patients. It will provide a system whereby pharmacy owners will be facilitated in ensuring responsible and accountable practices whilst providing the highest level of patient care and service.
The pharmacy regulator looks forward to further collaboration, consultation and dialogue involving patients, their advocates, pharmacists, pharmacy owners and schools of pharmacy. The new Council will set out a full implementation programme following consultation. They will seek to work in partnership and collaborate at the highest level with all stakeholders.
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