A pharmacist has been struck off the register for the first time since fitness to practise inquiries were held in public in 2007.

Michael Keenan (41), who worked at Valu Plus pharmacy in Cavan Town, was struck off last month by order of the High Court, which has confirmed the finding of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) in his case.

The society found the cancellation of Mr Keenan’s registration was a proportionate sanction given the gravity and cumulative effect of his conduct.

An inquiry held in public last May found he was responsible for the disappearance of more than 17,000 benzodiazepine pills.

Benzodiazepines are sedatives that are prescribed to reduce anxiety or stress, encourage sleep or to relax muscles. They are sometimes used to ease the “comedown” from stimulant drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine.

Mr Keenan was also found guilty of professional misconduct for his failure to keep a proper record or register in relation to the dispensing of methadone, which is primarily used to combat heroin addiction.

He was also found guilty of the lesser charge of poor professional performance for his failure to comply with standard operating procedures.

Kieran Brennan, the owner of Valu Plus, submitted a complaint to the PSI about Mr Keenan in July 2012. The PSI went to the High Court the following month and secured the suspension of Mr Keenan before launching an investigation.

PSI officials examined records, invoices and registers at the pharmacy to identify discrepancies between what drugs were being received and dispensed by the pharmacy.

Mr Keenan pleaded guilty to the charges.