CCPC Launches Major Study into Retail Pharmacy Market
The CCPC has launched a major study into Ireland's retail pharmacy market and is inviting consumers to have their say by 9 July 2026.
Ireland's consumer watchdog has launched a nationwide market study into the retail pharmacy sector, examining whether the market is working well for the millions of people who rely on pharmacies for essential medicines and services.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) says it has identified areas of concern based on consumer complaints, preliminary research and market developments. Among the issues flagged are opaque price display practices, difficulties consumers face when switching between pharmacies, and high levels of price dispersion for some prescription products, which may be driven by a lack of effective competition.
There are 1,918 retail pharmacies across Ireland, with over two million consumers visiting pharmacies on a weekly basis. The study will focus primarily on the supply of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products to end consumers, though the CCPC may also consider services such as consultations and vaccinations depending on the information received.
The study will examine price transparency and consumer switching, the impact of regulatory frameworks on competition, and competition and market developments. The growing prevalence of digital prescribing practices and ongoing consolidation in pharmacy ownership are also cited as reasons a study of the market is timely.
Geoffrey Gray, Commission Member, said:
"Retail pharmacies play an important role in supplying consumers with essential medicines and services, so it's vital that the market is working and delivering for consumers. That's why we want to hear from consumers, pharmacy owners, pharmacists, public bodies, regulators, representative groups and others with views and experiences of this market."
The CCPC has published a Statement of Scope outlining how the study will be conducted and its areas of focus. Stakeholders and consumers are invited to make written submissions to ccpcmarketstudy@ccpc.ie by 9 July 2026. A final report is expected to be published during the summer of 2027.
Further information is available at www.ccpc.ie.
