Dr. Karena Hanley:

It is wonderful to see that our message is getting across. Deputy Louise O'Reilly summed it up really well, for which I thank her.

I will take up the issue of a variance in standards between doctors, to which Deputy Alan Kelly alluded. The ICGP has a great interest in raising the standard of general practice. The evidence shows that one of the most effective means of raising standards is by giving feedback on prescribing rates for benzodiazepine and antibiotics. If there is a problem with performance, feedback on average performance is the best way to improve and change behaviour. The ICGP is poised and ready to deliver this feedback with the Irish primary care research network, but we need a little more investment. The project has stalled because of a lack of funding, but the ICGP is poised and ready to be very effective in this area and provide solutions.

The question was asked how many GPs were not practising. The TCD study tells us that 76% of all GPs are full-time. They work eight clinical sessions a week and have another three devoted to paperwork. There is evidence that these GPs work 60 to 70 hours a week and then provide an out-of-hours service.