The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has called for pharmacies to be given a much bigger role in healthcare in the community.
It said that with 78 million visits a year, pharmacies are the most accessed part of the health system, but that current national policy limits their potential.
In a new document outlining proposed changes, the IPU has called for an expansion of the range of vaccines that can be administered in pharmacies.
It also wants to see the introduction of chronic disease management services and for oral contraception to be available through consultation with a pharmacist.
IPU President, Tom Murray said that these were not new schemes or ideas and that they are tried and tested and functioning well in other countries.
He said that many pharmacies, especially those in rural areas are facing financial difficulties due to outdated payment structures and rising costs.
The IPU said that pharmacists spend up to 82% of their time on administrative work managing community drug schemes, leaving less time for patient care and that this needs to change, with the introduction of a modern ICT system.
The initial list of conditions are allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis and thrush.
These changes are due to come into force early next year.
However, last month the president of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said he has concerns for patient safety in relation to the plan.
Dr Denis McCauley, who is a GP in Co Donegal, said that a report commissioned by the UK parliament showed that patient care becomes "sub-optimal" when it is fragmented.
"The other thing is being able to prescribe for something isn't the same as being able to diagnose for a condition," he said.
Dr McCauley added that the symptoms of common conditions can sometimes be symptoms of more serious issues and can cause a delay to a patient receiving a correct diagnosis.
