A High Court judge has issued a stark warning to the Health Service Executive and pharmacies to resolve their dispute over controversial new pricing arrangements.
Mr Justice Peter Kelly has ordered both sides to enter fast track mediation under court rules in an effort to bring the row to an end.
Mr Justice Kelly said it was time for sensible discussion and the dispute should not be brought through the courts.
The court was told the immediate threat of pharmacists withdrawing from community drugs schemes had been averted and the HSE was no longer seeking an injunction.
However many pharmacies are continuing their legal action against the HSE for changes to the schemes.
Mr Justice Kelly said both sides must now get down to work to resolve the dispute.
He said discussion between both sides seemed to continue interminably.
He also warned if either side was found to be acting unreasonably there could be significant cost and perhaps other consequences.
