Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

Next year when the Government deficit will be €12 billion, the cost of the unaltered GMS scheme will have arisen by 20% from €1.7 billion to around €2.05 billion in the context of a total health budget of €15 billion or a doubling of expenditure since 2003. This is not sustainable going into more difficult times. Changes to the capitation fee are essential. The implications for public expenditure of the striking deterioration in the public finances do not seem to have been fully taken on board.

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