Press Release: Friday 12 September 2025
Minister for Health announces successful conclusion of talks with the Irish Pharmacy Union on a new Pharmacy Agreement
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of talks between the State and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) on a new Community Pharmacy Agreement.
The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 has been delivered following extensive negotiations between the Department, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU). The Agreement sets out a comprehensive and ongoing pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Ireland’s healthcare services.
Speaking today, the Minister for Health said:
“This Agreement marks a new chapter for community pharmacy in Ireland. I extend my sincere thanks to the Irish Pharmacy Union for their collaborative approach to these negotiations. The IPU has been a strong advocate for the profession, and this Agreement demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together in partnership.
“Community pharmacists are among the most trusted and accessible healthcare professionals. I have set out my ambition to see the role of community pharmacists grow and expand to support patients and build capacity in our health services. This Agreement provides the structure and pathway towards delivering this ambition over the years ahead.”
The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 supports commitments to expand pharmacy services, provides new investment in the sector, supports value for money and modernisation and digital reform.
The Minister continued:
“We know that patients want timely access to care in their own communities. Through this Agreement, we are further enabling community pharmacists to do more –supporting the establishment of the Common Conditions Service, establishing new unused medicines return service and developing a role for community pharmacy in supporting public health measures, including targeting improved uptake of the BowelScreen Service. This is about making healthcare more responsive, more sustainable and more centred on patients’ needs”.
The Community Pharmacy Agreement will be implemented on a phased basis and will be supported by structured engagements between the Department, HSE and the IPU.