Pharmacists may soon be able to prescribe medicines and extend prescriptions for patients.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), is welcoming the Minister of Health's proposal to expand the role of pharmacists.
An expert task force is being set up to examine how it could take pressure off GP services.
Minister Stephen Donnelly is hoping to have recommendations in place by October.
Ann Marie Horan, Executive Committee Member of the IPU. says the move would benefit the public.
"It could help deliver a revolution in patient care in the community pharmacy setting, and help to significantly shorten GP waiting times.
"It would be things like minor ailments, and conditions that are minor in nature and can be reasonably diagnosed in the pharmacy setting, and managed by medication supplied directly by a pharmacist".
