Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It strikes me again that it is an issue of who is responsible. If a Minister can say they are all private practitioners and it is up to them to locate where they wish, that is a very good excuse for a Minister not taking responsibility for ensuring an adequate supply of GPs or other aspects of the service. That is why we need to consider the dual approach to this. If people want to continue with the existing contract, that is fine and we can recognise the contribution they make, but there is a need for a new model. That is undoubtedly the case. It is hoped we will be back to the ICGP some time in the new year-----