Membership Information

Membership Benefits

Membership is available to all registered and dispensing chemists and registered druggists, who are registered as community pharmacists with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.

Currently over 1,800 pharmacists are registered as members of the Union - the vast majority of whom are community pharmacists (both contractor and employee pharmacists). This represents 95% of community pharmacies.

Join the IPU The voice of community pharmacy Download the application form (pdf, 2MB)

Why join the IPU

Independent Pharmacists

Joining the IPU gives you access to a large number of benefits:

• A National Voice: The IPU represents over 95% of community pharmacies in Ireland. We negotiate on behalf of all Community Pharmacies with the HSE, Government and other bodies in relation to a variety of agreements, including the Pharmacy Contract with Government
• Exclusive access to IPU Product File, with details of approximately 55,000 products and regular updates on products which have been discontinued, are in short supply etc.
• Professional advice and support in relation to practice guidelines, compliance and regulation
• Pharmacy and Retail Business advice and training for you and your employees
• Up to date listing of Locum support available
• Advice and support in relation to financial and employment issues
• IPU website with members’ only area and on-line information which can be tailored to individual pharmacies
• IPU Publications including monthly General Memorandum, the IPU Review and the IPU Yearbook and Diary
• Detailed information and advice on all Community Drugs Schemes

Pharmacy Chains

Joining the IPU gives you access to a large number of benefits:

• A National Voice: The IPU represents 95% of community pharmacies in Ireland. We negotiate on behalf of all Community Pharmacies with the HSE, Government and other bodies in relation to a variety of agreements, including the Pharmacy Contract with Government
• Lobbying: As a key stakeholder, the IPU is regularly invited to participate in consultations and to make submissions in relation to the health sector in Ireland. It also lobbies extensively on behalf of the profession in relation to professional and business issues.
• Consumer Awareness: The IPU runs ongoing public awareness campaigns to highlights the benefits of pharmacists to consumers.
• Exclusive access to IPU Product File, with details of approximately 55,000 products and regular updates on products which have been discontinued, are in short supply etc.
• Pharmacy and Retail Business advice and training for you and your employees.
• Up to date listing of Locum support available.
• IPU website with members’ only area and on-line information which can be tailored to individual pharmacies
• IPU Publications including monthly General Memorandum, the IPU Review and the IPU Yearbook and Diary
• Detailed information and advice on all Community Drugs Schemes

Employee Pharmacists

As an Employee Pharmacist there are a number of benefits in joining the IPU:

• Free entry on the Locum List, circulated to all members of the IPU
• Immediate access to Situations Vacant list
• Advice on all aspects of employment law
• Access to a free mediation service if necessary
• A National Voice: The IPU is the representative body for community pharmacies in Ireland. We negotiate on behalf of all Community Pharmacists with the HSE, Government and other bodies in relation to a variety of agreements, including the Pharmacy Contract with Government
• IPU website and on-line information – keeping you abreast of developments in Ireland and internationally.
• IPU newsletter, specific for employee pharmacists
• Training and support in Pharmacy Ownership and Starting your own business.

The Union Subscription fees for 2010 are detailed below.

Application forms may be downloaded below or you can contact Roisin Molloy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (telephone 01-4936401) for more information.

Note: Associate Membership is a category of membership opened to retired members only. Newly qualified pharmacists, who are graduates of EU countries, can receive Union membership free of charge for the first year.