To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions were held with the Northern Ireland Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee before reducing the negotiated fee for multiple dispensed prescription items. (130689)

The rate of multiple dispensing fees has formed part of various discussions and negotiations with the Pharmaceutical Contractors’ Committee (PCC) over several years.

The Department recently withdrew its letter of 26 January 2007 and reinstated the rate of all fees to their former levels for 2006-07, pending the outcome of ongoing negotiations with the PCC. The February clawback will be reversed and repaid in pharmacies in the March monthly payment.

Recent discussions with PCC have led to meaningful progress towards resolution of multiple dispensing and medicines management issues which are part of ongoing negotiations on the new pharmacy contract.