Mr. Fergal Goodman:

If we have formal contractual business to do, for example, there is an absolute formality and practicality to doing that. In addition, something that came out of discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation in respect of GPs was the need to have a form of clearing house for a whole series of issues between contractors and those contracting services from them. There is a necessity to have engagements of a number of different sorts. Sometimes it is on the basis of a formal, clear and specific agenda and at other times, it is about an opportunity for parties to bring issues of concern to a table to work them out. There are various models for doing that and we are in the process, coming out of the agreement with the GP organisation, of putting such an arrangement in place. It is about relationship building, in which regard improvements have already been achieved and that will continue. I see us doing the same with dentists and other contracted professionals. We recognise that it is a job of work we have to do.