Members of the public will be able to check for the first time whether pharmacists are registered following the unveiling of a new website today.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), which regulates the sector, said it will also introduce a similar register for pharmacies later this year.
PSI chief executive Dr Ambrose McLoughlin said the move was the latest phase in the implementation of Pharmacy Act 2007, which introduced a requirement that such a register be available without charge to the public.
“The register will allow patients, public, employers and others to check the registration status of a pharmacist or a person claiming to be a pharmacist, for the first time.
“It facilitates transparency, openness as well as accountability and is a safeguard to ensure public and patient safety," Dr McLoughlin said.
The register can be accessed through the PSI website and contains details of all currently registered pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants. It will be updated daily.