Michael McHale , 2025-05-16 11:04:00
New deal will see community pharmacies receive €2,000 once-off grant on top of €5 dispensing fee per product
The Minister for Health has reached an agreement with the Irish Pharmacy Union around the implementation of the new free HRT scheme.
The scheme, which was previously announced without the union’s approval, will see hormone replacement therapy products made freely available to women from June 1.
Under the terms of the agreement announced today, pharmacies will receive €5 from the Government per HRT item to cover dispensing fees, and a €2,000 once-off grant to each participating community pharmacy to support transition arrangements including ICT system upgrades.
Previously, the Government had offered the €5 dispensing fee and a €1,000 once-off grant, or a €3,000 once-off grant to every participating community pharmacy.
This offer was then refused by the IPU. Its president Tom Murray said that €5 was ‘simply not viable’ to cover dispensing costs.
Today, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she now anticipates that every pharmacy in the country will sign up to the free HRT scheme.
“Our pharmacists and community pharmacies are pillars of the community. They are the most accessible healthcare profession and are hugely trusted by the public,” she said.
“I hugely welcome the contribution pharmacists make to women’s health and to our health services. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the sector in the coming weeks and months.”
As part of Budget 2025, the Government announced a €20 million full year cost investment for the introduction of a state-supported HRT initiative. While this was due to begin on January 1, protracted discussions with pharmacist representatives and others about its implementation have delayed the scheme’s rollout.
The Government also plans to enact secondary legislation to remove the prescription charge from HRT products for medical card holders. Further secondary legislation will be enacted to allow for the inclusion of dispensing fees under the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024.
