James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That practice can be considered more historical but the outcomes are only now being realised. Families should not have to endure that sort of process to get the services they need for their children. The State Claims Agency has taken over many of the cases, which is possibly why we are seeing settlements. Furthermore, the legislation has yet to come through on periodic payments, which would make judges feel comfortable about making that type of award. It is not appropriate that a sum of several million euro is awarded straight away when the needs of the person concerned may evolve over a period of time. The principle of periodic payments will address both the initial needs and make funds available for the future.

Mr. Tom Byrne will deal with the issue of private health insurance forms. He has done a considerable amount of work on the issue of consultants not signing forms. I do not think the problem is nearly as big as it used to be. The bigger problem now is getting the insurers to pay on time. They are delaying.

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked about the costs associated with an aging population. Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa and Mr. Tom Byrne would like to address that issue. Mr. Tom Byrne can also deal with Deputy Timmins's question on the Haddington Road agreement. In regard to pharmacy registration costs and the reserve of €11 million, I am unaware of the issue and will have to find out more about it. However, I advise the Deputy that Denmark, with a population of 5.6 million, has 350 pharmacy outlets. Ireland, with a population of 4.6 million, has 1,750 pharmacy outlets. An investigation is needed into margins, etc.

In regard to the PCRS and primary care centres, I am happy to report that since the Government took office we have opened an average of one new primary care centre per month. We are exploring more ways of doing this, including PPPs, direct bills and leasing arrangements. The need to get the GPs on board is a limiting factor because there is no point investing in an expensive building if they are going to sit outside and ask us how much we are going to pay them to enter it. We need to address all those areas. The negotiation of a new GP contract early next year will expedite this process and give more certainty to GPs who are concerned that there has not been clear engagement to date. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy White, and I are committed to engaging on this in the first quarter of 2014.

In regard to Deputy Neville's comments on mental health, I assure him that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, is a strong voice for ensuring the moneys are spent in the right areas.