Medicines are an irreplaceable component of the Irish health service. They form part of the overwhelming majority of medical interventions and of all surgical interventions. They are central to the control and resolution of acute and of chronic infectious and non-infectious conditions in their minor and serious presentations. And they improve patients’ quality of life. The benefits are considerable and should not be underestimated. Medicines are also a pervasive part of our culture. Patients and the public are exposed directly and indirectly to medicines almost every day of their lives. Not surprisingly, this multiplicity of exposures influences society’s beliefs about and knowledge of medicines, and establishes the context in which medicines use occurs. Patients’ use of medicines is dependent upon their knowledge and understanding of their medicines. They are also affected by the availability and promotion of non-prescription medicines and by the attitudes and educational interventions of the healthcare professionals who prescribe and dispense medicines. The policies of the health authorities about medicines, and about the professionals who prescribe and dispense them, set the health service context in which medicines use is understood by patients and, more generally, the attitudes towards medicines that are the norms of the society.