The directors of Hickey’s Pharmacies, one of the country’s largest pharmacy retail groups, have stated that excessive rents on several properties represent a threat to their business.

EXCEPTIONAL costs totalling €1.29m contributed to the Hickey pharmacy group recording a pre-tax loss of €251,230 last year, figures show.

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney has been accused of fuelling the crisis in the pharmacy sector by delaying the publication of the report on payments for pharmacies.