Pharmacists call for more investment to reduce pressure on rest of health service

The union representing pharmacists says investment in the industry would reduce the pressure on other areas of the health service.

The Irish Pharmacy Union said 68% of its members had reported a difficult business year in the past 12 months.

A survey revealed 54% of pharmacies have seen a reduction in sales, particularly in medicine sales.

Vice president of the IPU Daragh Connolly, said there was an opportunity for the Government to support pharmacies and improve the health system here.

"We've already had meaningful talks with the Minister for Health and with other government Ministers about how we can add more value into healthcare," he said.

"We need to know that we have a firm basis on which we can invest in our businesses and continue to offer primary healthcare to our customers."