Pharmacists want new laws to raise standards

Pharmacists are calling for stricter laws and controls for their profession.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland is holding its annual conference today.

Members say laws surrounding the dispensing of medicine, which date back to 1875, are outdated and need to be urgently revised if the public is to receive adequate healthcare.

They also say no provisions exist to monitor or review the professional conduct of pharmacists and that must change in the interest of the patient.