HSE claims staff intimidated by protesting pharmacists

The HSE claims some of its staff members working at dispensing sites over the weekend were intimidated by protesting pharmacists.

The health authority has lodged a complaint with the industry regulator and the Gardaí over the alleged offences.

A number of dispensing centres were set up last weekend following the withdrawal of several hundred pharmacists from state drugs schemes.

The pharmacists' action followed cuts to the fees they are paid for supplying the medication - they claim the cuts will have a devastating impact on their livelihoods.

The HSE says 75% of pharmacists are still participating in the schemes.

Spokeswoman Laverne McGuinness said they are treating the intimidation claims very seriously.