Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Bríd Smith is entirely correct. GPs will obviously have to be remunerated. There is a broader issue concerning general practice into which I am not going to get today, but the Chairman and I are very familiar with it. It relates to the ongoing GP contract talks between my Department and the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, with the end of the year agreed as the date of completion by both sides. The talks are to address the issues the Deputy has referenced, including the sustainability of general practice, where we want it to be in the future and how we are going to resource it. On the specific issue of resourcing, with GPs to provide the specific new service, I note that in the coming days we will be in a position to issue a contract for the service. It will be very clear for all to see that we are adequately resourcing general practice to provide the service properly, comprehensively and safely. I cannot say any more than that today,