Skirmish with pharmacists just a hint of the Somme that lies ahead

All of us in our own way have been forced to come to terms with the new reality whether in the private or public sector. And the pain is only starting. Wait till Mary Hanafin tries to shave €1bn plus from the social welfare bill in the autumn. It’s not the time for fainthearted ministers.

THE recent stand-off between the Government and pharmacists resulting in the withdrawal of dispensing services by hundreds of businesses contracted to deliver drugs to medical card patients was a salutary reminder of the challenges we all face as citizens and government in stabilising the public finances.

Mary Harney’s quest to save €133 million on the community drugs bill, under the umbrella of emergency legislation in the public interest, is just the first of many skirmishes on slashing the bill for public services.