Updates from the PSI Registrar

Ms Joanne Kissane PSI Registrar and Chief Officer, briefly discussed the PSI Registrar’s report and provided the following highlights:

• Emerging risks to future pharmacy workforce project: The Registrar outlined that this is an important strategic project that continues to progress. The Registrar provided the scheduled timelines for outstanding meetings with the working group, and noted that a final report, which includes outcomes from the survey and focus group work, as well as recommendations for action, has been drafted. This report will be presented to the Regulatory and Professional Policy Committee for review and feedback prior to the final report being submitted to Council;
• Third Country Qualification Route process: A public consultation took place on the proposed amendment to the PSI (Registration) Rules 2008, as amended. The proposed amendments would allow the PSI to implement a new revised TCQR approach. A total of 414 responses were submitted to this consultation (410 via online and 13 via email) with 72% of participants agreeing with the amendments proposed. Currently, there is a focus on the development of the examination component of the new process as well as the new approach to the adaptation placement system that will be managed by a third party on behalf of the PSI. The Registrar noted that the new process will involve a more holistic approach when assessing applicants. Council queried when the new revised TCQR would be operational. The Registrar clarified that it should be in place by the end of the year;
• COVID-19 national immunisation programme: The Registrar provided an overview of the COVID-19 Vaccination Service Spring Booster Programme including eligible cohorts and recommended vaccines. It was noted pharmacies would be involved in delivering the programme;
• PSI Service Plan: An update on the status of projects on the PSI Service Plan was provided. There are 15 priority projects on the PSI service plan and most (11) are on track; three are classified as orange; and one, the Business Transformation Programme, is classified as red (off-track). As part of this update, the Registrar also commented that they are considering a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) model for pharmaceutical assistants, and a report regarding the progress made to date will be presented to Council at its June meeting; and
• Appointments: Ms Cheryl Stokes and Mr Éanna Ó Lochlainn were appointed as the Presiding Officer and Alternate Presiding Officer for election of President and Vice-President.

Business Transformation Project Programme Board

Mr Fintan Foy, Chair of the Business Transformation Programme (BTP) Board, outlined that despite all the efforts this project is still classified as red due to resources. He stressed that the relationship established between the PSI and CEO of the company responsible for this project was strong, open and transparent, and that regular meetings take place to ensure updates are provided in a timely manner. Mr Foy expected that for the next scheduled PSI Council meeting, the status of this project will have moved into amber.

Council queried if, after phase one of this project is delivered, the PSI will continue its engagement with the company involved, or if a different third party would be procured for this project. Mr Foy, acknowledged that there are other organisations on the market that provide the same services, but that he hoped to maintain the current engagement.

The Registrar acknowledged and thanked Mr Foy’s commitment, contribution and support during his time as a member of the PSI Council. Mr Foy’s term ends on 17 June 2023.

Performance and Resource Committee

Mr Paul Turpin, Chair of the Performance and Resources Committee, acknowledged that the organisation is going through a dramatic change, highlighted the challenges faced in terms of the IT system, and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to this change.

The Registrar acknowledged Mr Turpin’s contribution and thanked him for steering the group during his time as the Chair. She then welcomed Dr Ann McGarry who will now be taking on this role.

Regulatory and Professional Policy Committee

Ms Katherine Morrow, Chair of the Regulatory and Professional Policy Committee, discussed the public consultation that took place on the draft PSI (Registration)(Amendment) Rules 2023 and the report that was subsequently published. Council requested for the report to be reviewed from the equality, diversity and inclusion perspective and Mr John Bryan, Head of Community Pharmacy Assurance, confirmed that this was underway. The draft amendments were approved by Council.

Special Purpose Committee

Ms Muireann Ní Shúilleabháin, Chair of the Special Purposes Committee, sought approval for the appointment of Ms Ciara Lynch as an external non-council member of the Audit and Risk Committee. Approval for the establishment of a panel from which future vacancies could be appointed was also sought. PSI Council approved both requests.

Ms Ní Shúilleabháin, also discussed the updated process for the appointment of Chairs/Acting Chairs of the Disciplinary Committee. It was proposed to change the current process and consider having conversations with the candidates rather than going through an interview process.

Closing session

The President, Ms Ní Shúilleabháin, is finishing her term as President on 17 June, and the PSI Council meeting finished with her kind words thanking all members for their support during her tenure. She congratulated those members that had been re-elected for the next term. The Registrar then thanked Ms Ni Shúilleabháin for her work as PSI president, acknowledging her contribution as well as the Chairs of various Committees that were also leaving their roles.