Press Release: Tuesday 31 March 2026
Reforms announced to phased dispensing and enhanced medicine supports under the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA)
The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) have today announced a significant reform of phased dispensing arrangements alongside the introduction of a new patient-centered medicines optimisation support framework.
The reforms are designed to strengthen supports for vulnerable GMS (medical card) patients and will ensure a more robust system in the future.
Under the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA), the State has worked with the IPU to implement a reformed approach and since the agreement was reached:
- €20 million has already been invested into increased standard dispensing fees, backdated to September 2025.
- A further €20-24 million will fund a new medicines optimisation fee for GMS (medical card) patients; and
- €2.5 million will be invested to support targeted enhanced medicines optimisation support fees to support patients who have their medication dispensed more than once per week.
These changes will come into effect from 1 June 2026.
The reforms see rigid phased dispensing fees replaced with a more flexible patient focused model – which empowers pharmacists to use their professional judgment to support patients most in need. It will also reduce administrative burden and further support the profession in the delivery of frontline patient care.
Vulnerable GMS patient groups including those with diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia, intellectual disability, physical impairment or those patients at risk of medication misuse will be supported where appropriate with a range of tailored supports including:
- adjustments to facilitate use of original packaging.
- medication reminder systems.
- administration charts.
- installment dispensing; and
- blister packs where clinically necessary.
Blister packs will remain a last resort in line with the international evidence due to associated risks including reduced patient autonomy and potential safety concerns. Where clinically required, and deemed appropriate, blister packs will be provided free-of-charge to eligible medical card patients, in identified cohorts.
Importantly, all patients who were receiving phased dispensing or blister packs free-of-charge prior to the CPA (in August 2025) will continue to do so.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“Today’s announcement sends a strong message to patients and the pharmacy profession that we are recognising the vital role of community pharmacists, giving them greater flexibility to use their professional judgment and putting patient care at the centre of health services. These reforms will ensure that the right supports are provided to patients who need them the most, while safeguarding public funds. I want to thank Department Officials, the HSE and the IPU for their collaborative efforts in reaching this agreement.”
Welcoming the agreement, IPU President Tom Murray said:
“This marks a significant development for patients and for the wider health service. It puts in place a robust, structured support that will improve how medicines are managed in the community while building on the ongoing expansion of the role of pharmacists.”