The Irish Pharmacy Union yesterday agreed to meet Minister for Health Mary Harney in a bid to resolve the dispute that has led to hundreds of pharmacists pulling out of State drugs schemes.
The executive committee of the IPU met yesterday morning to discuss the crisis, which has entered its second week.
In a statement issued afterwards, the body expressed "grave concern" at what it said was the failure of the HSE's contingency planning and the threat to patient safety which had arisen during the past week".
IPU president Liz Hoctor asked pharmacists "to continue their efforts to support their patients at this difficult time".
She said the executive "regrettably, did not believe that a resumption of normal pharmacy services was likely at this time".
Ms Hoctor acknowledged, however, that the Minister had offered to meet with the union and confirmed that the union "will make itself available for that meeting".
Ms Harney made clear that she was willing to meet the IPU only to discuss the future and "developmental role" of pharmacies.
In a statement, Ms Harney said she welcomed the move by the IPU to accept her offer to sit down and discuss the future of the pharmacy sector.
The Minister said she would look forward to such discussions taking place at a time when the pharmacists with contracts with the HSE are providing the services required under those contracts.
On Friday, the HSE secured a High Court order forcing more than 30 pharmacies in the east to continue to provide medicine under the terms of the community drugs schemes.
The IPU said on Thursday that the row could be ended if the Government appointed a third party to look at the impact of the cuts in fees. However, this has been ruled out by the Government.