Discussions which could see an easing or abolition of rules restricting the establishment of new pharmacies begin today.
A review group made up of civil servants and of representatives of the Competition Authority will look at 1996 regulations under which more than 35 new pharmacies have been prevented from opening up.
The Competitions Authority argues that the regulations protect inefficient pharmacists from competition to the detriment of the public. The Department of Health and Children argues that they have prevented new pharmacies from opening in towns where they are not needed and have meant a higher-quality service for the public.
The regulations are being looked at in the context of an OECD report opposing regulation in general.
The 1996 regulations mean anyone hoping to open a pharmacy dispensing prescriptions under the medical card scheme must get approval from the local health board.
The health board must decide whether there is a "definite public health need" for the new pharmacy and whether an existing pharmacy will be threatened if the new pharmacy goes ahead.