IPU Treasurer Elizabeth Lang and Chair of the IPU Pharmacy Contractors Committee Pierce Healy, attended Fine Gael’s fifth annual Small Business and Enterprise Conference in Dublin on 19 September.

Among those in attendance were President of the Eurogroup, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, and the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Ms Lang and Mr Healy spoke with Minister Carroll MacNeill, thanking her for her assistance with CPA25. They also emphasised the importance of support for pharmacies in deprived areas and the need for a framework for the sustainability of fees going forwards.

The meeting provided an informal opportunity to discuss how the Common Conditions Service was working on the ground in pharmacies and all agreed that more conditions should be added.

At the event, An Tánaiste Simon Harris spoke about the vulnerability of small businesses to Government policies and audience members highlighted how the culmination of measures such as minimum wage increases, additional public holidays and auto enrolment can contribute to inflation and put serious pressure on small businesses. Ms Lang and Mr Healy observed that An Tánaiste listened intently, making notes of the contributions he heard.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for the IPU to further its public policy advocacy with key members of Government.