Liz Hoctor President of the IPU, said that "Pharmacists repeatedly pointed out that the cost price of medicines in Ireland is substantially higher than in many other European countries. This agreement will bring the cost price more in line with that being charged elsewhere. This move is to long overdue and is to be welcomed for patients."

However, pharmacists have not been allowed to begin purchasing medicines at the new lower prices in advance of February 1st, the date on which the changes come into effect. This means that the medicines, which pharmacists stock on their shelves for patients on behalf of the HSE, will now be paid for by the HSE at the new lower rates, despite having been purchased by pharmacists at the high prices which were previously agreed between the HSE and the drug companies. This discrepancy is yet another severe financial blow for pharmacists, who have already suffered pay cuts, which were much greater than were imposed on any other group."

The Minister for Health and Children will be carrying out a review of pharmacy payments later this year and the IPU will be making a submission outlining the negative impact of the cuts on patient care and employment.