There has been criticism of the HSE and its arrangements as several hundred pharmacies around the country stopped dispensing medicines under the State drug schemes.
The HSE has set up temporary facilites to dispense medicines but there are claims that the row is causing serious problems in some rural areas.
The pharmacists are in dispute with the HSE over a reduction in their fees.
Members of the Irish Pharmacy Union say they can no longer continue to operate the drug schemes following, what they claim is, a 34% cut in payments.
The Health Service Executive said the cut is actually 24% and is necessary because the schemes cost taxpayers around €133m a year.
The HSE has assured people that almost 1,200 pharmacies remain in the scheme, a fact the Irish Pharmacy Union strongly disputes.
Ten temporary dispensary facilities opened today in counties Donegal, Mayo, Roscommon and Kerry.
Speaking to RTÉ, patients in Castlebar complained of long waiting times - of up to two hours - and of inadequate supplies of medicines.
The HSE said transportation arrangements were part of their contingency plans, and no patient requiring urgent medication went without what was needed.
The IPU warned of risks to patient safety and further problems after the bank holiday weekend.
A union spokesperson called for a mediator to open talks with the HSE.
A full list of the participating pharmacies is available on the HSE website.
