John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentation. This commission recognises that there is no need for any further reviews or reports; they are all available and it is a question of implementing something for a change and getting on with it. The delegates have struck a chord with me on that point.

I firmly believe that, to start putting our health system in order, we must start with primary care. If we do not get primary care right, we will not know what we are fixing above primary care. It is really a simple enough task in my head. If we get primary care sorted, the challenges up the line will become far clearer and we will be able to deal with them much more easily. I hope other members of the committee agree.

The delegates stated, perhaps half a dozen times, that there is a need for a new GP contract. Could they expand on that for us? What is needed in a new contract? The delegates are passionate about this. If we are to deliver a new contract, I would like to know more specifics.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly referred to having GPs directly paid by the HSE. Is that part of the delegates' model? Last week, Professor Garry Courtney and Dr. Ronan Fawsitt from the Carlow-Kilkenny area made an excellent presentation to us. Things work quite well in their area. I got the impression that there was very good primary care team interaction with the GPs. Dr. O'Shea said it is not positive from his experience so could he expand on that a little? Is it that those in Carlow and Kilkenny are doing it right while everybody else is doing it incorrectly? I am interested in the delegates' comments on that.