Pharmacists voice concern for future of businesses

These are comments from some pharmacists attending yesterday’s emergency meeting in Dublin.

* Dara Connolly from Dungarvan, Co Waterford.

He was at the meeting because he was concerned about the future of Connolly’s Pharmacist, a family business since 1915.

“I am here because there is grave concern about my ability as a professional to deliver quality pharmaceutical healthcare to my patients,” he said.

“My grandfather and grandmother were both pharmacists, as is my father, Matt, a pharmacist for 50 years now. We are in it for the long haul.”

The pharmacy has six employees and recently had to impose a pay freeze.

Mr Connolly said the community drugs schemes accounted for more than half of his business.

* Rhona Murray from Drumcondra, Dublin.

Her 85-year-old mother still works in the small pharmacy that employs one other person.

Ms Murray admitted the decision by pharmacists to hand in their contracts was a gamble.

“I know it is gamble one way or the other, but I cannot dispense €600,000 worth of drugs and get reimbursed €520,000,” she said. “We will be closing our doors if things don’t buck up”

She pointed out that drugs dispensed under community drugs schemes represented 80% of her business.

Asked what was her message to Ms Harney, she replied: “Resign!”

* Rory O’Donnell from Derrybeg, Co Donegal.

Mr O’Donnell, the owner of two Donegal pharmacies in Derrybeg and Letterkenny, said he attended the meeting to get information and to show support for his colleagues, patients and staff.

He has 12 employees and drugs dispensed under the community drug schemes account for around 80% of his business.

Mr O’Donnell urged Health Minister Mary Harney to pick up the phone and talk to them.

“We will meet you at any time of your choosing,” he said.

* Marcus Breslin from Portlaoise, Co Laois.

Mr Breslin, who employs six people in his pharmacy, is hoping the meeting will represent a turning point in the dispute.

“I have to leave now and go and talk to my staff. I will probably have to let one go and tell the rest they are getting a 10% pay cut,” he said.

He said the community drug schemes accounted for three-quarters of his business.

“I have calculated that I am going to be down about €100,000 and my business is just breaking even at the moment.”