THE DISPUTE between the HSE and pharmacists could be a direct risk to the health and lives of patients if it continues to escalate, a Fine Gael Senator said yesterday.
Galway West Senator, Fidelma Healy Eames, also accused Minister for Health Mary Harney of abdicating her responsibility by refusing to intervene.
Ms Healy Eames said that the disruptions would get far worse during the course of this week and called for an urgent resolution.
“Everyone is affected by this dispute, from patients who require essential medicine, to those needing a routine prescription. But it is older people, those with chronic or acute conditions, and people with disabilities who are suffering the most,” she said.
Ms Healy Eames said that the HSE’s response appears to have been inadequate and described as “disturbing” the reports that HSE staff had been intimidated.
“Minister Harney’s laissez-faire response is quite staggering,” she said.
Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators contacted yesterday said that the pharmacists’ dispute had not been a major issue over the bank holiday weekend, although one said he expected complaints from constituents to increase.
Senator Brian Ó Dómhnaill from Donegal said that he had received no complaints from constituents once a dispensing facility serving the Finn Valley and Stranorlar was opened.
“I expect it will be a bit more difficult after the bank holiday weekend,” he said, as the HSE dispensing system would be tested to the full.
“It’s a pity that there was not much more dialogue between the HSE and the IPU,” he added.
Limerick deputies John Cregan and Niall Collins said they had received few representations or complaints on the matter.
“We are basically saying that the Minister for Health and Taoiseach Brian Cowen are not for turning on this,” said Mr Collins who received three mobile phone texts on the issue from constituents.
“If we are U-turning on this we might as well fold up the tent and move to the other side of the Dáil chamber.
Mr Cregan said he had received three or four complaints but that this dispute did not have the intensity of previous campaigns by pharmacists.
“We did make representations [on this issue] but the decision was made. There is a feeling within Government that these reductions must be made.
“We have gone along with the decision because there is a feeling that this has to happen,” Mr Cregan said.