Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before we move on, it is important to acknowledge that drug addiction, as well as the illnesses associated with it, is a national issue. It is not one that affects Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway only. It is important to acknowledge the important work voluntary organisations do in that regard, particularly Simon which does fantastic work and is always crying out for funds. I am sure its representatives knock on the Minister's door on a regular basis.

We have seven programmes to get through. The last section of the second programme deals with primary care services, the Vote for which is €834 million. The relevant information is on page 10 of the analysis document. Does anyone have comments to make on the section? I will make one comment while members are looking through it. I refer to the number of contacts with GP out-of-hours services. My colour blindness makes it difficult for me to distinguish between line and the other, but the number is rising. I ask the Minister to comment on out-of-hours GP services and how they are managing.