Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to meet it as well. With regard to A Vision for Change, my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Helen McEntee, is taking care of that. A successor document will be developed which will complete the process of modernising mental health services and effectively promoting mental health. It is envisaged that this successor policy will include detailed implementation arrangements - implementation being very important - underpinned by a multi-annual investment plan which will inform the allocation of resources in future years. The Department has now awarded the contract for the review of A Vision for Change and an analysis of international evidence and best practice in the development of mental health services, including a review of the current delivery of services in this country. This review will provide evidence to determine the policy direction for a revision and a successor to A Vision for Change. The review will also have regard to both human rights and health and well-being objectives. An oversight committee will be established within three months of completion of the review to oversee the development of a new policy based on the outcome of the expert review.

The rest of the issues are matters for the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, with the exception of the very important matter of the GP contract. Let me try to be constructive in this regard. I want to bring all parties with us, but the people I and GPs are most concerned about are the people I work for, the patients. We need a new GP contract. The GPs need one, as do I, the Department and the HSE. Primary care needs it too, because we cannot get to that without it. To clarify, I have no intention of this process resulting in a static document at the end which becomes the GP contract for another 30 years when we will return to look at it again. I see this as an evolving process. The engagement on the contract is under way under the framework agreement that is in place with the IMO. It is not an agreement I put in place but an agreement that has been in place between the Department and a long-established trade union, which has been accustomed over many years to that role. In addition, let us do something that has never been done previously by any of my predecessors, which is engage with the NAGP in a formal consultative role, and let that process work its way through.

I have met the NAGP and I will meet it again. I think very highly of many people in the NAGP and of their constructive approach to these issues. However, at this stage my message must be let us get on with it. I do not believe any one or two organisations should be able to have a veto or stay on the process. I have tried to put in place a process that is more inclusive than any other. I want a contract that has the acceptance of both organisations. We must get on with it. I appeal to both organisations to play a constructive role in the various processes they have available to them. I expect to have further engagement with the NAGP on this matter.