Taoiseach urges HSE and IPU to resolve differences

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has today urged the HSE and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union to resolve their dispute over the price paid for drugs distributed under the medical card scheme.

The HSE is trying to reduce the amount it pays to pharmacists for these drugs by €100m a year in a move the IPU says will cost thousands of jobs and lead to the closure of hundreds of pharmacies.

Politicians from across the political divide yesterday criticised the way in the HSE is seeking the reduction.

Speaking the Dáil this morning, Ahern urged both sides to at least agree a new contract and then allow the Minister for Health to look at the issue of fees.