One of Ireland's leading pharmacy operators has criticised Justice Minister Michael McDowell for failing to curb violent robberies at pharmacies.
Paddy Hickey, who operates 26 pharmacies around the country, described such incidents as a 'scourge' and said it was becoming almost impossible to operate a pharmacy in certain parts of Dublin.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, which is taking place today in Athlone, Mr Hickey called on Mr McDowell to ensure that there is increased visibility of gardaí around pharmacies and stricter bail conditions for known offenders.
Last year, pharmacies reported 91 incidents of burglaries, raids and attacks on staff.
