The publication of the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 marks a truly historic milestone for our profession. This is the first national Agreement since 1996, and it sits alongside our existing pharmacy contract, creating a modern framework that reflects how far community pharmacy has come and how our role has developed to meet our patient’s healthcare needs. Over the past three decades, our role has evolved enormously and there is now a recognition of the importance of our role, with pharmacists now providing a wide range of clinical services, supporting public health, and playing a central role in the safe and effective use of medicines. This Agreement recognises that evolution and sets the stage for further expansion of our services in the years ahead.

The Agreement is not simply a document; it is a foundation for lasting reform and progress. It represents a shared commitment between the IPU, the Department of Health, and the HSE to build a sustainable, patient-centred model of care where pharmacies are empowered to deliver even greater benefits to the communities we serve. It provides a clear structure for the development of new services, digital integration, and streamlined administration, allowing pharmacists to focus more of their time on caring for patients and improving health outcomes.

Most importantly, this Agreement establishes a new way of working, one built on collaboration, transparency, and continuous dialogue. With this foundation in place, we now have the tools and momentum to shape the future of community pharmacy, expanding our role and strengthening our contribution to the health service for the benefit of patients, our profession, and the wider healthcare system.